[Rehabilitation program for children and adolescents with limb defects or amputations of the lower extremity]

In rehabilitation of children and adolescents with lower limb deficiencies it is very important that the medical team taking care of the patient works out a treatment plan. Responsible cooperation with the parents is of utmost importance, the focus of all efforts is, of course, the handicapped child. The aims of rehabilitation are illustrated by examples demonstrating the course of successful rehabilitation of children and adolescents with damaged limbs. Equally, the psychological situation of the parents and child is taken into consideration. Children with limb deficiencies or amputation of the lower extremities should be enabled to stand and walk according to their state of development, because standing and walking in particular are among the most important preconditions for the best possible integration. Provision with a prosthesis, orthosis and orthoprosthesis is therefore indispensable for rehabilitation. While a prosthesis replaces parts of an extremity, an orthosis stabilizes the existing extremity. Orthoprostheses compensate longitudinal malformations, have a supporting effect, allow growth to be controlled, and compensate for shortening. Just as important as these technical aids is early medical treatment. The sooner the treatment starts, the better the results.