FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN WITH A CONGENITAL UPPER LIMB REDUCTION DEFICIENCY

Abstract

Congenital reduction deficiencies of the upper limb are rare. Nearly 50% of children with unilateral transverse upper limb reduction deficiencies (ULRD) wear a prosthetic device to enhance the ability to perform functional activities. Unfortunately, empirical evidence as to whether prostheses yield improved functional outcomes in these children is lacking. Assessment of arm and prosthetic functioning mostly relies on clinical observation of task performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional status of children with ULRD as measured by these standardized instruments. To adequately measure arm and prosthetic functioning in children with ULRD, standardized measures at activity level are required. The difference between what a child “can do” in a clinical setting and “does do” in daily life is well known, also recognized as capacity and performance of activities [1]. Therefore both aspects should be measured. Capacity can be measured with functional tests and to measure performance of activities, assessment of spontaneous arm use or self-reported or parent-reported questionnaires are options.