The role of Rehabilitation in pediatric amputation – A 10-year retrospective study in a Portuguese population

Abstract

Introduction: Limb amputation in pediatric population, whether congenital or acquired, has a set of attributes that require a different medical approach and rehabilitation management. Objectives: To characterize the pediatric population referred to the Amputee Rehabilitation consultation and evaluate amputation type and segment relationship with prosthesis usage. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective study based on the clinical information from patients referred to the Pediatric Rehabilitation consultation between January 2011 and March 2021. The variables analyzed included gender, type, and etiology of amputation, amputation level, age of prosthesis, time to the first prosthesis, pre-prosthetic training, number of components prescribed, waiting time per component, and prosthesis use. Results: The study included 50 patients, 68% of congenital etiology. Within the group of acquired amputations, 62.5% had neoplastic causes. The initial use of a prosthesis occurred in 91.7% of the population with upper limb amputations. However, the final adhesion of the upper limb prosthesis was only 50%. There was a statistically significant dependence and a moderate association between the amputated segment and the final use of the prosthesis. The abandonment risk of upper limb prosthesis was seven times higher than lower limb prosthesis. The remaining variables did not demonstrate any other type of significant association. Conclusion: In pediatric age, congenital amputations are more frequent than acquired causes. However, contrary to other data, malignancy was the most frequent etiology in this study within acquired amputations. Regardless of the type of amputation, the use of a prosthesis is related to the affected segment. The abandonment risk of upper limb prostheses is significant, given the development of compensatory strategies that allow the functional use of the limb. Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine plays an essential role in the assessment and management of pediatric amputation. Prescribing at the right time, carrying out an adequate program, with the child and family, is the key to their functional independence.