Recovery of Shoulder, Elbow, and Forearm Movement After Nerve Reconstruction for Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a relative dearth of published data with respect to recovery of upper extremity movement after nerve reconstruction for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). This study aimed to demonstrate long-term recovery of active range of motion (AROM) at the shoulder, elbow, and forearm after nerve reconstruction for NBPP and to compare that with patients managed nonoperatively. METHODS: We interrogated a prospectively collected database of all patients evaluated for NBPP at a single institution from 2005 to 2020. AROM measurements for shoulder, elbow, and forearm movements were collected at every visit up to 5 years of follow-up and normalized between 0 and 1. We used generalized estimated equations to predict AROM for each movement within local age windows over 5 years and compared the operative and nonoperative cohorts at each age interval. RESULTS: In total, >13 000 collected datapoints representing 425 conservatively and 99 operatively managed children were included for analysis. At 5 years, absolute recovery of AROM after nerve reconstruction was ∼50% for shoulder abduction and forward flexion, ∼65% for shoulder external rotation, and ∼75% for elbow flexion and forearm supination, with ∼20% loss of elbow extension AROM. Despite more limited AROM on presentation for the operative cohort, at 5 years, there was no significant difference between the groups in AROM for shoulder external rotation, elbow extension, or forearm supination, and, in Narakas grade 1-2 injury, shoulder abduction and forward flexion. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate recovery of upper extremity AROM after nerve surgery for NBPP. Despite more severe presenting injury, operative patients had similar recovery of AROM when compared with nonoperative patients for shoulder external rotation, elbow extension, forearm supination, and, for Narakas grade 1-2 injury, shoulder abduction and forward flexion.

Impact of Timing of Primary Nerve Surgery on Shoulder, Forearm, and Elbow Recovery in Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) almost universally affects movement at the shoulder, elbow, and forearm. Timing of nerve reconstruction surgery to optimize long-term outcomes remains unknown. This study aimed to determine if timing of nerve reconstruction affects long-term recovery of an active range of motion (AROM) at the shoulder, elbow, and forearm in NBPP. METHODS: We interrogated a prospectively collected database of all patients with NBPP who underwent primary nerve surgery at a single tertiary referral center between 2005 and 2020. The cohort was divided into those who underwent surgery at ≤6 or >6 months old and ≤9 or >9 months old. AROM for shoulder abduction, forward flexion, and external rotation, elbow flexion and extension, and forearm supination were collected at each visit. RESULTS: Ninety-nine children were included in the analysis; 28 underwent surgery at ≤6 months old, 71 at >6 months, 74 at ≤9 months, and 25 at >9 months. There was no difference in AROM at 5 years for any of the movements between the ≤6- and >6-month groups. The ≤9-month group had significantly better shoulder forward flexion and elbow extension AROM than the >9-month group at a 5-year follow-up and better forearm supination at up to a 15-year follow-up. Patients who presented earlier were more likely to have earlier operations. CONCLUSION: Surgery before 9 months may improve long-term upper extremity recovery in NBPP. Early referral should be encouraged to optimize timing of operative intervention.

Assessment of Self-Determination in Adolescents with Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy.

BACKGROUND: The term self-determination refers to decision-making, goal setting, and perseverance to achieve those goals. Numerous studies have established the importance of self-determination to enhance learning and improve postschool outcomes. However, most studies evaluate students with learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, or behavioral disabilities. There is an absence of research on self-determination for adolescents with physical disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To assess self-determination of adolescents with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) compared with their typically developing peers via self-reported measures of function. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Brachial plexus clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty adolescents with NBPP (aged 10-17 years) and their parents and 20 age/gender-matched typically developing adolescents and their parents were recruited. Non-English-speaking participants and those with other physical impairments were excluded from study. METHODS: Participants completed demographic and American Institutes for Research (AIR) self-determination surveys. One of two designated occupational therapists evaluated participant physical function. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: A demographic survey and AIR self-determination assessment were administered, and active range of motion measurements in shoulder forward flexion, elbow flexion, elbow extension, forearm pronation, and supination were obtained. Grip/pinch strength, MRC muscle strength, 9-Hole Peg Test, and Mallet scale scores also were evaluated. RESULTS: Despite physical differences, adolescents with NBPP presented similar self-determination levels as their typically developing peers. Adolescents with NBPP rated their opportunities to engage in self-determined behaviors at school significantly lower than at home. Both adolescents with NBPP and those in the control group rated their opportunities to engage in self-determined behaviors at school significantly lower than at home. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with NBPP presented similar self-determination scores as their age/gender-matched typically developing peers. These results could be a reflection of our program's patient- and family-centered care approach. Therefore, caregivers and providers should encourage personal development and fulfillment in adolescents with NBPP. Teachers and schools should be aware that opportunities for acquiring self-determination skills might be more limited at school than at home in this age group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

High prevalence of cranial asymmetry exists in infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to: 1) evaluate the prevalence of cranial asymmetry (positional plagiocephaly) in infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP); 2) examine the association of patient demographics, arm function, and NBPP-related factors to positional plagiocephaly; and 3) determine percentage of spontaneous recovery from positional plagiocephaly and its association with arm function. METHODS: Infants < 1 year of age with NBPP and no previous exposure to plagiocephaly cranial remolding therapy or surgical intervention were recruited for this prospective cross-sectional study. Positional plagiocephaly (diagonal difference) measurements were captured using a fiberglass circumferential mold of the cranium. Included infants were divided into 2 groups: 1) those with positional plagiocephaly at most recent evaluation (plagio group), including infants with resolved positional plagiocephaly (plagio-resolved subgroup); and 2) those who never had positional plagiocephaly (non-plagio group). Standard statistics were applied. RESULTS: Eighteen of 28 infants (64%) had positional plagiocephaly. Delivery type might be predictive for plagiocephaly. Infants in the non-plagio group exhibited more active range of motion than infants in the plagio group. All other factors had no significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of positional plagiocephaly exists among the NBPP population examined. Parents and physicians should encourage infants to use their upper extremities to change position and reduce chance of cranial asymmetry.

Hand Sensorimotor Function in Older Children With Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Routine sensory assessments in neonatal brachial plexus palsy are infrequently performed because it is generally assumed that sensory recovery exceeds motor recovery. However, studies examining sensory function in neonatal brachial plexus palsy have produced equivocal findings. The purpose of this study was to examine hand sensorimotor function in older children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy using standard clinical and research-based measures of tactile sensibility. METHODS: Seventeen children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (mean age: 11.6 years) and 19 age-matched controls participated in the study. Functional assessments included grip force, monofilament testing, and hand dexterity (Nine-Hole Peg, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function). Tactile spatial perception involving the discrimination of pin patterns and movement-enhanced object recognition (stereognosis) were also assessed. RESULTS: In the neonatal brachial plexus palsy group, significant deficits in the affected hand motor function were observed compared with the unaffected hand. Median monofilament scores were considered normal for both hands. In contrast, tactile spatial perception was impaired in the neonatal brachial plexus palsy group. This impairment was seen as deficits in both pin pattern and object recognition accuracy as well as the amount of time required to identify patterns and objects. Tactile pattern discrimination time significantly correlated with performance on both functional assessment tests (P < 0.01). DISCUSSION: This study provides evidence that tactile perception deficits may accompany motor deficits in neonatal brachial plexus palsy even when measures of tactile registration (i.e., monofilament testing) are normal. These results may reflect impaired processing of somatosensory feedback associated with reductions in goal-directed upper limb use and illustrate the importance of including a broader range of sensory assessments in neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

Prevalence of Posterior Shoulder Subluxation in Children With Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy After Early Full Passive Range of Motion Exercises.

BACKGROUND: Children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) are often prescribed shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises; however, the extent and timing of exercise implementation remains controversial in the context of shoulder joint integrity. The association of ROM exercises to delayed posterior shoulder subluxation (PSS) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of PSS in children with NBPP who began full passive ROM exercises before 6 months of age, and characteristics associated with development or absence of PSS in children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary care NBPP referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six children with NBPP, aged 24-57 months, who began full ROM exercises before 6 months of age. METHODS: One radiologist conducted bilateral shoulder ultrasound (US) on each child to evaluate for PSS. One occupational therapist evaluated each child clinically for PSS using defined parameters without knowledge of US results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: By US, 20% of children had PSS; 46% had PSS by clinical examination. Shoulder active ROM limitations and history of shoulder surgery were associated with presence of PSS. Extent of NBPP was not associated with PSS. RESULTS: Nine of 46 children (20%) met US criteria for PSS; α angle was 58° ± 21° (mean ± standard deviation [SD]). Twenty-one children (46%) met clinical criteria. Mean age at examination was 35 ± 10 months. Shoulder active ROM (P ≤ .004) was associated with PSS, whereas passive ROM was not (P ≥ .08). History of secondary shoulder surgery and primary nerve graft repair were associated with PSS (P = .04). Extent of NBPP by Narakas classification was not associated with PSS (P = .48). CONCLUSIONS: Early use of full-arc passive ROM home exercise program is not associated with increased prevalence of PSS in children with NBPP compared to prevalence of PSS in published literature. We suggest careful clinical examination, based on defined criteria, provides a reasonable screening examination for evaluating PSS that can be confirmed by noninvasive US.

Home-based movement therapy in neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A case study.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. INTRODUCTION: The value of movement-based therapy in peripheral nerve injury conditions such as neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is unclear. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To determine the effectiveness of a home-based movement therapy program in a 17 year old female patient with a right NBPP pan-plexopathy. METHODS: Home training consisted of arm reaching and object manipulation tasks using devices which recorded performance. Training occurred for 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks with periodic webcam supervision. Pre- and post clinical, functional and kinematic assessments were performed in a laboratory setting. RESULTS: Following training, shoulder flexion and elbow extension active range of motion increased by 13° and 9°, respectively, and functional ability also improved. Reach movement duration decreased significantly with a concomitant improvement in movement coordination. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that movement therapy has the potential to improve motor function in NBPP years after the initial insult. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Children Undergoing Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the pediatric population and multiple risk factors have been identified. Low vitamin D levels can result in poor bone mineralization and have been associated with a significantly higher risk of forearm fracture in children. Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with pediatric critical illness. The purpose of this study was to determine whether children undergoing vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) treatment have low vitamin D levels. METHODS: Patients undergoing VEPTR treatment at a single institution were prospectively enrolled (VEPTR). All patients either had a diagnosis of thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS), or were at risk of developing TIS secondary to progressive scoliosis or chest wall deformity. Exclusion criteria were patients with rickets and patients receiving vitamin D supplementation at the time of VEPTR insertion. A group of healthy children who presented with fractures during the winter season were used as controls (FX). Vitamin D status and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency were evaluated. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) <20 ng/mL and vitamin D insufficiency as serum 25-OH-D between 20 and 29 ng/mL. RESULTS: Twenty-eight VEPTR and 25 FX patients were compared. The average age was 8.6 years in the VEPTR group and 9.1 years in the FX group. Twenty VEPTR patients (71%) and 19 FX patients (76%) demonstrated low vitamin D levels. The average 25-OH-D level was 27.3 ng/mL in the VEPTR group and 25.4 ng/mL in the FX group. Patient characteristics and vitamin D levels were similar between the groups. No association was found between vitamin D status and sex, race, obesity, or multivitamin use. CONCLUSIONS: Low vitamin D levels are common in children undergoing VEPTR treatment. In our series, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this patient population was similar to reported rates in the general pediatric population. Vitamin D status should be routinely monitored in children undergoing VEPTR treatment and supplementation should be initiated if necessary.

High prevalence of early language delay exists among toddlers with neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

AIM: An association of language impairment with neonatal brachial plexus palsy has not been reported in the literature. The current treatment paradigm for neonatal brachial plexus palsy focuses on upper extremity motor recovery with little formal assessment of other aspects of development, such as language. We performed a cross-sectional pilot study to investigate early language delay prevalence in toddlers with neonatal brachial plexus palsy and potential neonatal brachial plexus palsy-related factors involved. METHOD: Twenty toddlers with neonatal brachial plexus palsy were consecutively recruited (12 males and eight females; mean age, 30 months). Preschool Language Scale Score (4th edition), demographics, and socioeconomic status were collected. Neonatal brachial plexus palsy-related factors such as palsy side, treatment type, Narakas grade, muscle Medical Research Council score, and Raimondi hand score were reported. Student t test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test were applied. Statistical significance level was established at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Of study participants, 30% had language delay, whereas the prevalence of language delay in the population with normal development in this age range was approximately 5-15%. INTERPRETATION: We observed high language delay prevalence among toddlers with neonatal brachial plexus palsy. Although our subject sample is small, our findings warrant further study of this phenomenon. Early identification and timely intervention based on type of language impairment may be critical for improving communication outcome in this population.

Deficits in elbow position sense in neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

BACKGROUND: In neonatal brachial plexus palsy, sensory recovery is thought to exceed motor recovery with little attention paid to long-term assessment of proprioceptive ability. However, there is growing evidence that reduced somatosensory function frequently accompanies motor deficits as a result of activity-dependent changes in the central nervous system. Given the importance of proprioception in everyday motor activities, this study was designed to investigate position sense about the elbow joint in neonatal brachial plexus palsy. METHODS: A convenience sample of seven individuals with neonatal brachial plexus palsy aged 9-17 years and in seven control individuals aged 10-16 years were recruited for the study. An elbow position matching task was used in which passive displacement of the forearm (reference arm) was reproduced with the same or opposite arm. In both conditions, matching was performed in the absence of vision and required utilization of position-related proprioceptive feedback. RESULTS: Position-matching errors were significantly greater for the affected versus the unaffected arm when reproducing a reference position with the same arm. When matching was performed using the opposite arm, errors were dependent upon which arm served as the reference arm. When the unaffected arm served as the reference position, affected arm matching errors were not significantly different from control values. However, in the reverse situation, in which the unaffected arm relied on reference feedback from the affected arm, matching errors doubled compared with control values. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that position sense is impaired in neonatal brachial plexus palsy and illustrate the importance of assessing proprioception in this population.

Home exercise DVD promotes exercise accuracy by caregivers of children and adolescents with brachial plexus palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of home exercise performance by caregivers of children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) who use digital versatile disc (DVD) guidance. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Brachial Plexus Clinic at the University of Michigan. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-six adult caregivers of a consecutive cohort of pediatric patients with NBPP. METHODS: Caregivers received the Home Exercise Program for Brachial Plexus Palsy DVD and an initial demonstration of correct hand placement and movement patterns by 1 of 2 occupational therapists. At times A, B, and C (approximately 3, 6, and 12 months), caregiver accuracy in exercise performance at each joint and standard measurements of arm function were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Caregiver accuracy in correct hand placement and movement pattern during exercise performance was evaluated with use of a dichotomy scale (yes/no) at each joint. Active and passive range of motion were assessed as indicators of arm function. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 38 months, and the median Narakas score was 2. No significant difference in exercise accuracy for all upper extremity joints between the initial evaluation and times A, B, and C or between individual times was observed, except at the shoulder (98.9% initially to 88.3% at time A; P = .0002) and elbow (100% initially to 96.6% at time A; P = .04). Regarding arm function, an increase in active range of motion for shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, forearm supination, wrist extension, and finger flexion was observed during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder and elbow exercises may be more complex, requiring more frequent performance review with the caregiver. However, the home exercise DVD may benefit patients with NBPP and their caregivers and may provide an adjunct to formal therapy sessions.

An assessment of the compliance and utility of a home exercise DVD for caregivers of children and adolescents with brachial plexus palsy: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a video-based educational resource on home exercise compliance among caregivers of children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of self-reported caregiver home exercise habits and resultant shoulder range of motion (ROM) and biceps power in patients with NBPP. SETTING: Home-based exercise program. PARTICIPANTS: Adult caregivers of children with NBPP followed up through the Brachial Plexus Program at the University of Michigan (N = 83 surveyed initially, with N = 37 completing the final survey). METHODS: Caregivers completed surveys before and approximately 3, 6, and 12 months (times A, B, and C, respectively) after receiving the "Home Exercise Therapy Program for Brachial Plexus Palsy" digital video disk (DVD). A retrospective analysis of shoulder ROM and biceps power of patients was completed as representative of arm function during the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Surveys assessed home exercise compliance, resources used to guide exercises, and caregiver confidence in the correctness of exercises being performed. Functional outcomes analyzed include biceps strength and shoulder active and passive ROM. RESULTS: Home exercise compliance increased from 74% initially to 96% at time A (P < .001), remained at 94% at time B (P < .001), and fell to 84% at time C (P = .016). Use of the DVD to guide home exercise decreased from 69% at time A to 57% at time B and C (P = .026). After receiving the DVD, exercise frequency and caregiver confidence increased. Although some measures of shoulder active ROM and biceps power improved during the course of the study, there was no consistent statistically significant relationship between increased caregiver confidence and functional outcomes. No causal relationship exists between DVD content and functional status at this time. CONCLUSIONS: As the first formal evaluation of a video-based resource guiding exercise therapy for children with NBPP, we suggest that this population may be receptive to alternative media and may benefit from dynamic modeling of home exercises.

Torticollis associated with neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

We investigate the incidence of torticollis associated with neonatal brachial plexus palsy, whether the severity of brachial plexus palsy affects outcomes and the rate of recovery. We performed a retrospective review of 128 consecutive neonatal brachial plexus palsy patients evaluated at the University of Michigan from 2005-2009. Patients were followed for at least 3 months, with regular physical examinations and imaging. Forty-three percent presented concurrently with torticollis. Significant differences were evident in mean age at first brachial plexus examination, suggesting that patients with concurrent torticollis present earlier for clinical examination. Recovery from torticollis was evident in 62% of patients by 23 ± 12 weeks with conservative management. No statistically significant differences were evident between torticollis and nontorticollis groups after reviewing their severity of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (Narakas score), recovery from neonatal brachial plexus palsy (biceps function at 6 months), need for nerve repair or reconstructive procedures, or infant, maternal, or other factors associated with labor. Results suggest that although torticollis occurs with increased frequency in children with brachial plexus palsy, its presence is not related to severity and does not affect the probability of recovery from brachial plexus palsy. Conservative management for torticollis yields reasonable recovery.

Diaphragmatic paralysis associated with neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

Phrenic nerve palsy can occur in the context of neonatal brachial plexus palsy, yet neither outcomes nor definitive treatment guidelines have been established. Diaphragmatic paralysis alone in the newborn results in significant respiratory sequelae and failure to thrive. Reviewing the available literature revealed little information about the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy associated with neonatal brachial plexus palsy, or whether outcomes are associated with the severity of the brachial plexus palsy. Of patients with brachial plexus palsy evaluated during 2005-2009 (n = 166) at our institution, a minority (2.4%; n = 4) had clinically significant diaphragmatic palsy. Of these, a majority (75%; n = 3) manifested respiratory complications sufficient to warrant diaphragmatic plication. The severity of brachial plexus palsy failed to correlate with severity of respiratory consequences. None of the patients underwent nerve repair or reconstruction. We suggest that diaphragmatic paralysis should not be overlooked during a brachial plexus examination, and diaphragmatic paralysis in the very young may require aggressive intervention before the treatment of brachial plexus palsy.

The practice of physical medicine and rehabilitation in sub-Saharan Africa and Antarctica: a white paper or a black mark?

INTRODUCTION: The medical specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) has had a proven impact on persons with disability and on healthcare systems. Documents such as The White Book on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in Europe have been important in defining the scope of practice within various regions. However in some continents the practice has not been well defined. OBJECTIVE: To explore the practice of PM&R in sub-Saharan Africa and Antarctica. METHODS: Medline searches, membership data searches, fax survey of medical schools, Internet searches and interviews with experts. RESULTS: The continents are dissimilar in terms of climate and government. However both Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa have no PM&R training programs, no professional organisations, no specialty board requirements and no practicing physicians in the field. Since there are no known disabled children in Antarctica and adults are airlifted to world-class health care, the consequences of this deficit are minimal there. However, the 788,000,000 permanent residents of sub-Saharan Africa including approximately 78 million persons with disability are left unserved. CONCLUSIONS: Antarctica is doing fine. Africa is in a crisis. Local medical schools, hospitals doctors, and persons with disability; along with foreign volunteers, aid groups and policymakers can impact the crisis. However government--specifically national ministries of health--is ultimately responsible for the health and well-being of citizens.

Comprehensive care for the child with upper extremity limb deficiency.

Children with limb deficiencies/amputations are best managed by a multidisciplinary team comprised of physicians specializing in their care, prosthetists, and therapists. For a successful functional outcome, the rehabilitation team will need to consider the goals of the child and parents as they select appropriate components that will aid and not overwhelm the child. The prosthesis will need to accommodate growth and development and withstand the rigors of use during play. The child will benefit from a team approach to introduce, train, and problem-solve the process of prosthetic restoration. We examine strategies for decision making for children with upper extremity limb deletions that will allow appropriate component selection to ensure the prosthesis will be accepted and improve function for the child.

Durable medical equipment for children with spinal cord dysfunction: implications of age and level of injury.

BACKGROUND: Children with spinal cord dysfunction interact with their environment in different ways than their able-bodied peers. To enable them to participate in typical, age-appropriate activities, they must be provided with various types of equipment. Choosing from available options involves a team approach. SUMMARY: This article discusses general types of durable medical equipment for mobility (wheelchairs, strollers, standers), communication (including augmentative communication devices and computers), self-care, and recreation. Provision of this equipment for these children enhances their ability to learn and to take part in everyday activities and improves their quality of life.

Limb deficiency and prosthetic management. 1. Decision making in prosthetic prescription and management.

UNLABELLED: This self-directed learning module highlights decision making in prosthetic management in pediatric and adult patients. This chapter reviews classification of congenital limb deficiency and management of congenital pediatric upper-extremity amputees. Differences in management of amputees of various ages from infancy to old age is discussed. Case examples are used to formulate prosthetic prescriptions for transradial limb deficiency as well as knee disarticulation and transtibial level amputations. Common prosthetic gait deviations and anticipated functional levels are evaluated. OVERALL ARTICLE OBJECTIVE: To discuss prosthetic prescription and management in congenital limb deficiency and acquired amputations for patients of various ages.

Limb deficiency and prosthetic management. 2. Aging with limb loss.

UNLABELLED: This self-directed learning module highlights the issues faced by people aging with limb loss. It is part of the study guide on limb deficiency and vascular rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article specifically focuses on the impact that limb loss has on health and physical function throughout the life span. Case examples are used to illustrate what effect limb loss in childhood or young adulthood has on the incidence and management of new impairments or disease processes commonly associated with aging. OVERALL ARTICLE OBJECTIVE: To discuss the impact of early-life limb loss on the incidence and management of physiologic and functional changes associated with aging.

Limb deficiency and prosthetic management. 3. Complex limb deficiency.

UNLABELLED: This self-directed learning module highlights rehabilitation and prosthetic issues associated with complex limb deficiencies. It is part of the chapter on acquired limb deficiencies in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article discusses rehabilitation and prosthetic management of patients with amputations for complex limb deficiencies secondary to trauma. Mechanisms of injury, prosthetic issues, prosthetic components, and potential problems in prosthetic fitting will be discussed. OVERALL ARTICLE OBJECTIVE: To evaluate common problems associated with complex limb deficiency.