Today, we do not recommend upper extremity prosthetics for all children with an upper extremity difference. We generally recommend them when a child has demonstrated a particular need or desire or has a specific limitation. Increasingly, we help provide prosthetics for kids who are interested in sports participation.
This was not always our approach. Historically, every child I saw in clinic was provided a prosthetic when they were of sitting age (ie, 6 months). But what we learned was that most of the children did not like and did not use their prosthetic. So, our updated approach is very different and much more focused on each child’s specific need.
Prosthetics come in many different varieties and with many different purposes. Some focus on appearance, some on function. There are also myoelectric prosthetics that are increasingly advanced (and increasingly expensive which is especially difficult for the growing child).
I want to share a few videos of one patient who uses a special prosthesis for gymnastics. Her family gave me permission to use these videos which capture her participation. Thank you Parker!
I share these videos so that families may better understand what is possible with prosthetics today. There are many examples from different kids and families of how prosthetics can help function, interactions, and participation in sports. I love Parker’s enthusiasm and commitment (and success)!