Evaluation of important factors in accepts or reject of upper limb prosthesis in children

Abstract

Introduction: upper limb amputee Children usually uses prosthesis for better function. But studies show a high percentage of rejection of the prosthesis in this group. In clinical studies, there are not very different in function of children who use of prosthesis and those who do not. Answer to why children accept and use their prosthesis or reject it could help and improve the future design of the prosthesis and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was finding important criteria for children with below elbow amputation, their parents and therapists for acceptance and use of prosthetics or rejects it in children group. Method: This study was conducted by literature search of Science direct, Google Scholar, Cochran Library, MEDLINE and PubMed between 1966 and 2014 ,that investigated effective factors in accept or reject of below elbow prosthesis in below elbow amputee children.For quality assessment of articles we rated each paper using the Downs and Black score ranges and Pedro scale . The two reviewers independently read and classified the articles by population, type of study and results. Results After initial evaluation and reviews, 14 articles were included in this study. Most studies were reported form and questionnaire and clinical observations.The general characteristics of the prosthesis, prosthesis control method, quality of life, family and the rehabilitation procedures were important factors were explored in these literature.  Conclusion According to the studies, it is necessary to optimize the prosthesis according to the real children expectations and needs to improve their quality of life.There are controversial studies about performance and first time prosthesis in children but studies confirmed that Group therapy can increase the acceptance rate of prosthesis. Training and finding  ways for function without prosthesis along using it to communicate with the environment, increase motor control and sensory perception that could increase accept of prosthesis in children. Keywords: upper limb prosthesis, children, amputation