Amputee

About one in every 2000 new born babies will have some form of a limb deficiency; it may be absent parts of fingers or toes, complete absence of all four limbs or something inbetween. Another larger group of children lose limbs in accidents, especially to lawn mowers, trains, all terrain vehicles, and motorcycles; or to disease, including cancer.

Care for a person who is missing a limb will depend greatly upon his or her overall strength. Children who are candidates for prostheses (artificial limbs) will need to make several visits to a prosthetic facility to obtain a correctly fitting device. Physical/occupational training or gait therapy may be needed to gain independence. In addition, assistive devices are available to help children missing one or both arms cope with the chores of daily living. Amputees whose health does not permit prosthesis use may need more assistance with mobility.

For more information:
Amputee Coalition of America
National Limb Loss Information Center
888-267-5669
www.amputee-coalition.org

International Child Amputee Network (I-CAN)
www.child-amputee.net

Family Village
www.familyvillage.wisc.edu

06/06