Should a birth defect or an accident necessitate the amputation of a child's limb, recent innovations in prosthetics can help ease the trauma and assist the child in adapting to the disability. Modular components, dynamic-response feet, silicone suspension systems, and urethane or silicone materials are durable, allow more choices, and adapt well to a child's growth pattern. Advances in prosthetics treatment and rehabilitation techniques also increase the child's quality of life.

Artificial limbs appropriate to the child's needs and activity level allow a greater range of movement and increased mobility, so that even participation in sports is often possible. Speaking at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' 10th annual Orthopaedics Update, John A. Herring, MD, reported that sports participation, in particular, improves a child's self-esteem, increases skill levels, and bolsters socialization.

Herring also emphasized that 70 percent of all childhood amputations can be prevented. Stressing the importance of injury prevention, he reported that 42 percent of pediatric amputations due to accidents are caused by power lawnmowers. Children should never be close to a running power lawnmower or ever ride on one, he added.

For more information about pediatric amputations, visit the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons at www.aaos.org.

Winter 2001 index