Opinion/Feedback

Upper limbs birth defects are rare. There is an international classification of these malformations. The most frequent cause is the stop in the cross development of the forearm.

The announcement of the malformation is a strong psychological trauma for parents, whether it occurs before the birth or if we find out when the baby is born.

Beyond the grief of the perfect child, parents are very worried about activities of daily living, about the future of the child and his relationships with others. We have to inform and to support them during to the development and growth of the child.

Children born with an upper limb defect will have their own psychomotor development but equivalent to a child of the same age. They do not need to adapt or readapt.

The team taking care of children is multi-professional: orthopedic surgeon, physical and rehabilitation doctor, occupational therapist, psychologist, etc. to support children and parents with their needs.

Nowadays, two types of prosthesis can be manufactured: cosmetic and functional prosthesis (mechanical or myoelectric). Moreover, new technologies have introduced a new type of hand prosthesis using 3D prints.

Patient acceptance of malformation and prosthesis wearing are influenced by several factors: personal life story, child way of life as well as family and cultural customs.

For all these good reasons, it is important to stress the need of a multi-professional team to take good care of patients.