The Krukenberg procedure in the juvenile amputee.

The Krukenberg procedure has been performed unilaterally on juvenile amputee patients with congenital bilateral absence of the hands and observed by long-term follow-up examinations. The opposite extremity was routinely fitted with a standard prosthetic prescription as an assistive hand. In all cases, the Krukenberg stump became the leading hand. In some of the cases, the prosthesis on the opposite hand has been discarded in favor of the sensibility available without. The prehension ability of the Krukenberg stump has provided the patient with all of his functional needs. The results have been remarkably rewarding to these patients. There has been virtually no concern evidenced by the patient or the parents about the appearance of the stump. The surgical procedure has been considered to be reasonably uncomplicated. Postoperative rehabilitation has been simple and rapid. The patients have continued to improve in their rehabilitation, and the Krukenberg forceps with its improved prehension and sensibility has improved the quality of life of these people. This procedure should be extended to more individuals who have the severe handicap of bilateral hand loss.