Demographic characteristics of children with congenital limb deficiency : a retrospective study

Abstract EN

of congenital limb loss, etiological factors, prosthetic fitting in children with congenital limb deficiencies and to compare findings with other studies.

Methods: Patients with congenital limb deficiencies attending the prosthetic rehabilitation clinic at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, King Hussein Medical Centre, Royal Medical Services in Jordan between January 1988 and January 2006 were reviewed and their demographic characteristics were analyzed.

Results: One hundred and forty three children with limb deficiency were reviewed.

Sixty-two (43.4%) were males and 81 (56.6%) were females, with males to females ratio 1:1.3.

The mean age at the first visit to the clinic was 7.15 years.

The total number of limb deficiencies involved was 170 limbs of which 95 were upper limb and 75 were lower limb deficiencies.

Of these 91 limbs were right sided and 79 limbs were left sided deficiency.

The transverse limb deficiency was more than longitudinal limb deficiency, 112 and 58 respectively.

The most common deficiency was the transverse forearm partial deficiency (below elbow) followed by transverse forearm total deficiency (elbow disarticulation) in the upper limbs.

The longitudinal femoral partial deficiency followed by transverse leg partial deficiency (below knee) was the commonest in the lower limb.

One hundred and seven (75%) children were fitted with prostheses.

No definitive cause for the limb deficiency in children was found.

Conclusion: This is the first study in Jordan concerned with congenital limb deficiency and forms a baseline for further new studies.

The findings can be helpful in future management and planning of materials, facilities, budget needs for children with limb deficiency.