Children and Electronic Limbs

Another benefit to limb banking is the ability to fit any child not matter the financial situation of the family. Most of the cost of a myoelectric prosthetic device is related to the electronics. Using recycled parts is a great benefit to many families. Not all children will do well with an electronic device, so using these recycled parts also cuts the cost of trial fittings, usually up to half.

In 1985, while in the process of being fitted with a new leg myself, I was able to attend several sessions with infants at Tom Haslams Prosthetic Lab, in Houston, Texas. He had been fitting infants for about a year at that time, and had assembled a team of technicians that were tops in their field. As I watched in amazement, a child of 9 months was fitted with a two-function hand and was playing with the physical therapist. The child picked up a ball and threw it, with her new arm. It had only been on the child for about 45 minuets and already the child had grasped the technique of movement. There are those in the medical profession that say these young children should not be fitted with this type of device. However, as a layman and an amputee, I do strongly disagree. Over a period of a week, I watched Tom and his staff fit FIVE children with myoelectric prosthetic devices. All five were using them in about an hour. I can only guess at the feeling these children must have, having an arm that works for the first time.

Although it is wonderful for most children, there are advantages and disadvantages to all this technology. The old cable driven devices are cheep compared to electronic. And while the child has little trouble with either type device, the parents seem to have a better attitude toward a device that looks more life like. Many parents delayed the use of prosthetic devices when given the only option of the hook. It seems that the number one concern in parents is appearance. Also, the hook system is limited in its use and performance. The electronic device is nearer the natural form and function. Allowing for the child to perform more like "the other children" and this give the child and the parent confidence. The comfort of the electronic device over the shoulder harness is remarkable and less strain is needed to lift

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