Embargoed for A.M. Release, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2000
For more information, contact: Paula Poda, (847) 384-4034, [email protected]Joanne Swanson, (847) 384-4035, [email protected]
When amputation is necessary, children are helped by advancesin surgical techniques, prosthetics
NEW YORK--When an accident severely injures a child's limb or a child is born with a limb anomaly like shortened or missing bones, the most effective treatment can be amputation. Previously amputation was viewed as an option of last resort inhibiting a person's ability, but new surgical techniques and prostheses can help enhance the quality of life after losing a limb.
In fact, these advances are allowing some children who previously could not take part in recreational activities to participate at different sports levels--from neighborhood teams to highly competitive games, John A. Herring, MD, said here today at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' 10th annual Orthopaedics Update.
"Sports participation benefits these children in a number of ways," said Dr. Herring, professor of orthopaedic surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "Their self-esteem is improved by the sense of accomplishment, their skill levels can soar, and their socialization can be bolstered. They get so much out of learning that other children with similar challenges have been able to excel at sports."
Because 70 percent of all childhood amputations can be prevented, Dr. Herring stressed the importance of injury prevention. For example, injuries from power lawnmowers account for 42 percent of amputations that occur as a result of accidents.
"Power lawnmower blades can move as fast as 3,000 rpm," Dr. Herring said. "No child should ever be in the yard while an adult is mowing the lawn, and children should never ride on a lawnmower."
For some children born with serious limb anomalies, amputation can help by allowing the child to be fitted with an artificial limb that functions better than their original limb.
In recent years, innovations in prosthetic development such as modular components, dynamic-response feet, silicone suspension systems and specialized urethane or silicone materials have made more choices available for individuals with amputations.
"These innovations allow for a greater range of movement and increased mobility," Dr. Herring said. "They are also very durable and can adapt well to a child's growth pattern."
"We work very closely with the child and parents when amputation is necessary," Dr. Herring said. "This allows us to fit the child with a prosthesis that suits his or her needs and activity level. For children who, due to accident or congenital abnormalities, require amputation, there are advances in treatment, prosthetics and rehabilitation to make their lives better."
The 24,500-member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy supports the Bone and Joint Decade, 2000-2010, a global initiative to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.
# # #
RSS