Enabling and caring for children with limb loss

Abstract

<h2>Abstract</h2> The loss of a limb places a significant physical and emotional burden on the child and their family. Limb loss in children can be congenital or acquired due to trauma or disease and its complications. Regardless of the cause, children have unique considerations for managing limb loss, which are not always straightforward and effectively lifelong. They require a multidisciplinary and forward-looking approach to address the child's needs now and into the future. Education and anticipatory guidance to parents are paramount in the child's treatment efforts. Children with congenital limb deficiency are generally good at figuring out ways to complete tasks regardless of their limb deficiency. There is a difference in acceptance of upper vs lower limb prostheses, as upper limb prosthesis does not replace the missing part in the same way as a prosthetic leg can. Prosthetic replacement should enhance the child's function, or it will get rejected. Attention to detail, use of developmentally appropriate componentry and timely follow up are essential for effective prosthetic rehabilitation. Society has come a long way to accept and promote exposure to limb loss, and these children can grow up to live a full and productive life.