Upper Limb Sensation in Children with Congenital Limb Deficiencies: Implications for Function and Prosthetic Use

Abstract

Little is known about sensation in children with upper limb congenital deficiencies. Is sensation different in the deficient limb? If so, does sensation influence function and determine whether or not a prosthesis is used? This study was undertaken to measure sensation in children with transradial congenital limb deficiencies and to explore possible associations with function and prosthetic use. Twenty-four children and adolescents were evaluated on touch pressure and kinaesthesia measurement tools. The participants' parents were required to rate their child's performance on everyday functional activities and, where appropriate, report on their child's patterns of prosthetic use. The results revealed that most participants had better touch pressure sensation at the stump circumference of the deficient limb, not only compared with the same level on the intact limb (p = 0.06) but also compared with the hand (p = 0.008). All the participants demonstrated perfect scores for kinaesthetic awareness for both limbs. No strong association was found between touch pressure and performing functional activities or prosthetic use patterns. This study is an important contribution to understanding upper limb sensation in children with congenital limb deficiencies and the implications for function and prosthetic use. Further research involving multiple centres would provide an adequate sample size to explore more fully sensation in children with congenital upper limb deficiencies and its possible association with function and prosthetic use.