Stubby prostheses in the rehabilitation of infants and small children with bilateral lower limb deficiencies.

Stubby prostheses have been used in the habilitation of very small children with bilateral lower limb deficiencies, particularly bilateral above knee limb deficiencies. While we reported on "The Use of Stubbies For the Child with Bilateral Lower Limb Deficiencies" in 1973, the literature has very little except in relation to the geriatric amputee. We have continued since 1973 to use stubbies in the bilateral above knee limb deficient child, as well as in the child with an above knee/below knee combination, with great success in establishing early balance, followed within several months by the application of articulated prostheses with equal success in establishing independent walking without the use of crutches or walkers.