Myoelectric prosthetic fitting in young children.

Fitting myoelectrically controlled hand prostheses to young children has previously been considered unrealistic and even contraindicated. In 1971 the first preschool child was supplied with a myoelectric prosthesis at the Regional Hospital in Orebro, Sweden. A total of 40 young unilateral below-elbow congenital amputee children have thus far been fitted. The youngest children were 16 months of age when fitted. Such prostheses are clearly better integrated and accepted by children than by most adults. However, certain condiderations must be taken into account: the stump parameters ought to be suitable and the fitting done by a skilled team; the training must be properly followed up in close cooperation with the parents, who should be thoroughly and adequately informed; possibilities of prosthetic adjustments and rapid repairs should be mentioned; and psychological factors must be carefully evaluated. Under these conditions a very early myoelectric prosthetic fitting can be expected to greatly benefit the individual.