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Functional Development

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The Pediatric Upper Extremity

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Abstract

Much of our functional independence is influenced by our prehensile skill or the ability to use our hands and upper limbs effectively. Typical prehension patterns develop rapidly over the first year of life yet refinement of skill and dexterity continues into adolescence. Prehensile deficits stemming from congenital differences or acquired injury can limit object and environmental exploration thus influence skill development. To appreciate the adaptations often required to enhance independence in the presence of upper limb disorders, it is worthwhile to review key features of prehension and how skill changes from infancy to adolescence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut, Suite 510, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Susan Duff

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  1. Susan Duff
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Correspondence to Susan Duff .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Orthopedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

    Joshua M. Abzug

  2. Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Scott H. Kozin

  3. Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Dan A. Zlotolow

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Duff, S. (2015). Functional Development. In: Abzug, J., Kozin, S., Zlotolow, D. (eds) The Pediatric Upper Extremity. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8515-5_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8515-5_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-8513-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-8515-5

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