F-2-21-05
CURRENT ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS OF THE THALIDOMIDE EMBRYOPATHY
Ryoji Kayamori, Masahiro Mikami, Shiho Toyooka (Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan)
Purpose: More than thirty five years ago the public all over the world was shocked by the news of an epidemic of limb malformations in West Germany, Britain and many other countries. The number of thalidomide victims in Japan was probably the second largest following that in West Germany. The most conspicuous and therefore best known malformations affected the arms. We investigated current musculoskeltal problems in the thalidomides.
Method: Of 309 registered patients, 57 were examined with physical examination, skeltal X-ray films, and electrophysiological findings. Twenty seven had phocomelia, 21 ectromelia or clubhand, and 7 ear and face anomalies with normal arms.
Results: X-ray films disclosed characteristic radial ray involvement in the anomalous arms. Muscular hypoplasia was prominent over the shoulder girdles and arms in association with bony defects. Nerve conduction studies were carried out for 12 patients with hand numbness. Seven patients had carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Five were clubhand and two phocomelia. Relatively less anomalous hands were dominant and involved.
Conclusion: It is important to detect and treat for the CTS as early as possible since no intact other hand can be replaced for the thalidomides.
F-2-21-06
EXPERIENCE WITH MYIOELECTRIC PROSTHESIS FOR CHILDREN IN SLOVENIA
Crt Manneck, Helena Burger (Institute for Rehabilitation, Ljubljana, Slovenia)
In Slovenia children have most of the upper limb amputation due to congenital limb deficiency or to injury with different machines at home.
In the last three years, we are trying to fit them with an upper limb prosthesis as soon as possible. In the last year we trove started to fit them with a myoelectric prosthesis.
14 children from 2.5 to 15 years old, 11 with below elbow, two with above elbow and one with shoulder disarticulation (11 congenital and 3 of trauma origin) have been successfully fitted.
The results of our experience based on evaluation will be presented as well as factors that influence the use of prosthesis.
