children s health issues
Missing or Incompletely Formed Limbs
Treatment of Missing or Incompletely Formed Limbs
Artificial limb Children often become very adept at using a malformed or artificial limb. An artificial limb ( Overview of Limb Prosthetics ) can often be fitted (usually when the child is able to sit independently) to make the malformed limb easier to use or to replace a limb that is missing or mostly missing. Children use a prosthesis most successfully when it is fitted early and becomes an integral part of their body and body image during the developmental years. During infancy, prostheses should be as simple and durable as possible. For example, a baby can be fitted with a hook rather than a bioelectric arm. Most children who are born with a birth defect of the limbs lead normal lives. If an abnormal gene is identified, families of affected children may benefit from genetic counseling. 