Article

OBJECTIVES: To compare stump sensibility in children with upper limb reduction
deficiency with sensibility of the unaffected arm and hand. In addition, to
evaluate the associations between stump sensibility, stump length and activity
level. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Children and young adults aged
6-25 years with upper limb reduction deficiency. METHODS: Threshold of touch was
measured with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, stereognosis was measured with the
Shape-Texture Identification test and kinaesthesia and activity level was
measured with the Child Amputee Prosthetics Project - Functional Status Inventory
and the Prosthetic Upper Extremity Functional Index. RESULTS: A total of 31
children with upper limb reduction deficiency (mean age 15 years, 3 prosthesis
wearers) were investigated. The threshold of touch of the stump circumference was
lower (indicating higher sensibility) than of the unaffected arm (p = 0.006),
hand (p = 0.004) and stump end-point (p = < 0.001). Long stumps had higher
threshold of touch (indicating lower sensibility) than short stumps (p = 0.046).
Twenty-nine children recognized 1 or more shapes or textures with the stump.
Kinaesthesia in the affected and unaffected sides was comparable. Sensibility was
not correlated with activity level. CONCLUSION: Threshold of touch, stereognosis
and kinaesthesia of the affected sides were excellent. Threshold of touch of the
stump circumference was lower (indicating higher sensibility) than of the
unaffected arm and hand. High stump sensibility may clarify good functioning in
the children without prostheses and contribute to prosthesis rejection.

Langue : ANGLAIS