Abstract
Limb deficiencies can result in functional disability and are often associated with significant social stigmas. Surgeons treating these conditions in resource-rich countries work in a team that includes prosthetists, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers. In places with limited resources, failure to appreciate the limitations imposed by the absence of such professionals, or deficiencies in their skills, can result in a lack of functional improvement and unnecessary use of resources. Treatment must be individualized and tailored to personal or cultural beliefs. The purpose of this chapter is to equip the surgeon with some basic principles to guide management of limb-deficient children in a variety of circumstances.
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Internet Resources for Limb Deficiency and Loss
For amputees: https://www.amputee-coalition.org/.
For care providers: http://www.acpoc.org/.
The Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics provides a comprehensive resource of treatment options.
This site provides education, support and advocacy.
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Vergun, A.D., Watts, H.G. (2020). Limb Deficiencies. In: Gosselin, R., Spiegel, D., Foltz, M. (eds) Global Orthopedics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13290-3_36
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13290-3_36
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