Pediatric prosthetics is a vital solution that restores mobility and independence to children after the loss or deformity of a limb. There are different types of pediatric prosthetics according to their specific needs, as they are designed to suit their changing body growth and provide them with optimal comfort and functionality. This article helps to identify the most prominent types of pediatric prosthetics, their main features, and the most important ways to help children adapt to them easily and successfully, all of which draw a clear path toward a normal life full of hope and strength.
What are pediatric prosthetics?
A prosthesis is a medical device worn to replace all or part of an arm, leg, hand, or foot that a person has lost as a result of an injury or health condition. Pediatric prosthetics aim to restore the motor function of the lost limb and improve the user’s quality of life, whether for practical or cosmetic reasons. The use of pediatric prosthetics varies from person to person, especially among children; some children wear the prosthesis for most of their lives to help with daily movement, while others may choose not to wear it at all, and some children use pediatric prosthetics for specific periods of time or only during certain activities as needed and convenient.
Relying on technological advances, pediatric prosthetics are becoming more sophisticated, allowing for better control and more natural movement and thus contributing significantly to improving the independence of users, especially children in their developmental stages.
Difference between pediatric and adult prosthetics
Pediatric prosthetics differ from adult prosthetics in several important ways. Adult prosthetics are usually made of durable materials such as metal and plastic and are designed specifically to meet the needs of the adult patient. Pediatric prosthetics are made from lighter materials such as foam and silicone and are designed to fit the child’s growing body. Moreover, pediatric prosthetics often feature attractive patterns and colors that make them more interesting to use, which enhances the child’s acceptance of the new limb.
It is very important to make sure that the pediatric prosthesis fits exactly to their current size, with the possibility of adjustment to keep up with their continuous growth, as the correct fit of pediatric prostheses supports their mobility and helps them perform their functions normally.
Cases that require a pediatric prosthetics limb for a child
Pediatric prosthetics are used to compensate for the loss of a body part or weakness in a limb, helping the child to move and live a normal life. Here are the most common conditions that require pediatric prosthetics:
- Congenital Limb Deficiency: When a child is born without part of their upper or lower limb, they need a prosthetic limb to support their growth and mobility.
- Amputation due to accidents or injuries: If a child is involved in an accident that results in the amputation of part of the limb, a prosthesis is necessary to replace function and mobility.
- Limb deformities that impede mobility: When limbs are severely deformed and not functioning, prosthetics can be used to improve mobility.
- Neurological or muscular conditions that lead to loss of limb function: Such as paralysis or muscle diseases that prevent normal use of the limb.
- Diseases that lead to limb amputation: Such as certain cancers or infections that require removal of the limb.
When can you start fitting a child with a prosthesis?
The proper timing of pediatric prosthetics fitting for children is a critical factor in successful recovery and improving their quality of life. Pediatric prosthetics fitting for infants usually begin at six months of age, especially in cases of congenital differences, as an early prosthesis helps children learn balance and normal movement. For children who lose a limb after birth, a pediatric prosthetics device is best fitted as soon as they can sit and stand, usually between nine and twelve months, to avoid stress on the intact limb and to stimulate muscle development and motor coordination.
As children grow older, myoelectric pediatric prosthetics can be used to allow for precise control of movements, promoting independence and self-confidence. At every stage, early intervention in fitting children with pediatric prosthetics is essential to support their physical and psychological development, ensuring a more active and independent life.
Types of pediatric prosthetics
Pediatric prosthetics vary depending on the location of the amputation and mobility needs, and include the following main types:
- Supra-radial limbs: Replaces the lower arm, suitable for children who have lost part of the lower arm, and helps with grasping and fine motor skills.
- Supracondylar limbs: Replaces the arm above the elbow, including additional joints for movement due to the loss of the upper arm and elbow.
- Supratibial limbs: Compensate for the leg below the knee, maintaining the natural knee joint to facilitate normal movement.
- Above-thigh limbs: Replace the leg above the knee, incorporating mechanical or electronic knee joints to improve mobility.
All of these designs are customized to suit the child’s growth and should be lightweight and adjustable to support the child’s daily activities and stimulate their motor development.
How is the prosthesis manufactured according to the child’s growth?
The manufacture of pediatric prosthetics requires a focus on several key areas, including:
- Careful evaluation and customized design: It starts with a thorough assessment of the child’s condition, including accurate measurements of residual limbs, activity level, and functional needs, and based on this data, a customized prosthesis is designed using advanced technologies such as 3D printing.
- Adjustable design: Due to the rapid growth of children, prostheses are designed to be adjustable or expandable; for example, sockets can be adjusted or pads can be added to provide adaptation to changes in body size.
- Use lightweight and durable materials: Since children are active, lightweight materials such as silicone, polypropylene, and advanced polymers, as well as lightweight metals such as titanium, are used to ensure comfort and durability.
- Regular monitoring and adjustments: Since children grow rapidly, their growth needs to be monitored periodically. It is advisable to visit the specialist every 6 to 12 months to assess the need for adjustments or replacement of the prosthesis.
- Focus on functional and psychological adaptation: In addition to the physical aspects, special attention is given to the child’s psychosocial adaptation, including supporting self-confidence and participation in social activities and ensuring that the prosthesis does not hinder movement or make the child feel different.
Adjustable limbs as you grow
Growth-adjustable limbs are one of the most important innovations in the world of pediatric prosthetics, as they address the biggest challenge facing children with limb loss: rapid growth and constant change in body size. Pediatric prosthetics offer easy and periodic adjustments that allow for accurate sizing and functionality as the child grows, ensuring unparalleled comfort and preventing poor fitting issues such as pain or reduced mobility. Thanks to this technology, children can continue to use the same pediatric prosthetics for longer periods of time, stabilizing motor performance and enhancing their daily independence. Choosing an adjustable pediatric prosthetic device is essential for every family seeking to provide the best functional and psychological support for their child as they grow up.
3D printing technologies for pediatric prosthetics
3D printing technology has truly revolutionized the field of pediatric prosthetics, providing fast and customized solutions that fit each child’s exact needs. Pediatric prosthetics are different from adult prosthetics, as they require precise alignment and flexibility to adjust as the child grows. This modern technology allows the design of adjustable pediatric prosthetics that fit the residual shape of the limb, improving the gait pattern and increasing the child’s comfort in daily life. Combining high performance and customized design, with support for computerized stress simulation to ensure durability and quality, 3D printing technology in pediatric prosthetics is not only a technological innovation, but an important step toward improving children’s quality of life and empowering them with greater independence.
Types of prosthetic pain (categorizing normal and poorly executed)
Although pediatric prosthetics are an important step in restoring mobility and independence, some children may experience pain after prosthetic fitting, which is a common issue that requires careful medical and rehabilitation follow-up. Some children may experience different types of pain, ranging from what is normal and can be lived with to what is caused by errors in design or execution and requires intervention. Proper categorization of pain types helps doctors and parents in proper diagnosis and treatment.
Normal use-related pain (caused by the body’s response to the amputation)
- Friction pain: Caused by friction of the skin against the incubator, especially at the beginning of use or as the baby becomes more active.
- Muscle fatigue pain: Caused by straining the muscles surrounding the prosthesis as a result of unusual weight bearing or movement.
- Phantom pain: Pain in the amputated limb itself despite the absence of an actual limb, a common condition among prosthetic users.
- Remaining limb pain: Occurs in the remaining part of the amputated limb and is caused by nerve damage, nerve tumor formation, inflammation, tissue infection, or changes in bone or soft tissue.
Pain due to poor execution or design
- Pressure pain: Caused by high-pressure points inside the incubator or on the skin, leading to irritation or sores.
- Misalignment pain: Occurs when the weight is not properly distributed within the prosthesis, causing excessive pressure on certain areas.
- Pain caused by an error in the design of the incubator: Issues with the incubator, such as improper clearance or excessive pressure, cause uncomfortable and persistent pain.
Psychological challenges and rehabilitation after prosthetic fitting
Pediatric prosthetics are not only a tool to compensate for physical loss, but also the beginning of a psychological journey that needs special support and focus. After pediatric prosthetics are fitted, the child faces significant psychological challenges such as these psychological challenges may affect the effective use of prosthetics if they are not handled properly. Some of the psychological challenges that children face after prosthetic fitting include
- Loss of self-confidence and difficulty adjusting to a new partner
- Fear and anxiety about using prosthetics for the first time
- Feeling socially isolated and different from other children
- Frustration as a result of adjustment and learning difficulties may affect motivation to continue
These psychological challenges may affect the effective use of prosthetics if not dealt with properly, so they require an integrated rehabilitation plan that includes physical, psychological, and social aspects. Rehabilitation is the foundation for the child to be able to use prosthetics effectively and integrate into his/her normal life with confidence and strength. Rehabilitation contributes to the successful use of prosthetics for children by:
- Ongoing psychological support to build the child’s self-esteem and acceptance
- Engaging the family and school in providing a supportive environment to promote social inclusion
- Specialized motor rehabilitation programs that help the child control the prosthesis efficiently
Functional training and psychosocial rehabilitation for children
After a child is fitted with a prosthetic limb, functional training begins to teach the child how to use the new limb efficiently. This training includes improving motor coordination, strengthening muscle strength, and developing daily movement skills such as walking and independent living activities, so this training is essential to ensure a smooth integration of the prosthesis into the child’s life.
At the same time, it is equally important to psychologically rehabilitate children after prosthetics, as the child faces emotional challenges such as anxiety or frustration due to physical changes, so continuous psychological support from the family and specialists helps build the child’s self-confidence and motivates him to accept his new situation with a positive outlook.
Integrating functional training with psychological rehabilitation creates an integrated environment that helps the child to fully adapt to the prosthesis, which enhances their independence and improves their overall quality of life.
The role of the family in supporting the child after amputation or prosthesis
Pediatric prosthetics are advanced medical solutions that help children who have lost a limb or have congenital differences regain mobility and independence. Adapting to a prosthetic requires psychological and physical support from parents and caregivers to understand the emotional and physical challenges:
- Emotional impact and support: The loss of a limb causes feelings of sadness and fear in children, so it is important to provide a supportive environment that allows them to express their feelings and boost their self-confidence through dialogue and expressive activities.
- Choosing the right prosthesis: The prosthesis should be chosen according to the child’s needs, activity level, and type of amputation, as customizing the design promotes acceptance and increases the child’s use of the prosthesis.
- Promote independence and confidence: Encouraging children to participate in daily activities and strengthen their motor skills boosts their confidence and develops their independence, and recognizing their small achievements is very important.
- Dealing with challenges: Physical challenges are possible, but they can be overcome through rehabilitation programs, specialized training, and teaching children coping skills and determination.
- Professional support and resources: Professional counseling, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, job training, and joining support groups, provides integrated support for children and their families.
Tips for parents: How do you help your child confidently adjust to a prosthesis?
After amputation, there are important steps to avoid complications and ensure successful use of the prosthesis, including:
- Stretching exercises: They help prevent joint stiffness and keep the tissues around the amputation area flexible, making it easier to wear and move the prosthesis.
- Range-of-motion exercises: Aimed at maintaining normal joint mobility and preventing restriction or stiffness that may hinder the use of the prosthesis.
- Exercises to strengthen muscle mass and strength: Strengthen the muscles around the amputation area and increase the child’s ability to control the prosthesis and perform daily activities with confidence and independence.
By applying these exercises regularly and with medical supervision, the child can better adapt to the prosthesis and avoid pain or complications that may hinder movement.
In conclusion, pediatric prosthetics is a vital solution for restoring mobility and independence to children with limb loss or difference. With continuous developments in pediatric prosthetics design techniques, it is possible to provide customized devices that meet the child’s developmental needs and support their daily activity. Choosing the right pediatric prosthetics, along with functional training and psychological rehabilitation, is a key factor in achieving the child’s full integration into society and improving their quality of life. With integrated support and continuous follow-up, children can lead a normal life full of confidence and achievements, overcoming the challenges of limb loss.
Sources:
- Shriners Children’s. (n.d.). Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services. Shriners Children’s
- International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics. (n.d.). International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics. ISPO
