Lower limb deficient children in The Netherlands: epidemiological aspects

State-sponsored institute-based provision of advanced artificial limbs for rehabilitation of amputees

Introduction: Amputation is a painful functional experience and optimal rehabilitation of an amputee is a team effort. Functional restitution depends on many factors including the type of prosthesis available. We report our experience of providing advanced artificial limbs at free of cost to the underprivileged through a state-sponsored pilot initiative. Material and methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of amputees who have been rehabilitated with advanced artificial limbs through the Department of Orthopaedics at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, India from the years 2017 to 2021. Prostheses were procured through rate contract and monitory support was provided by the state. Evaluation, fitment and functional restitution were supervised by the orthopaedic surgeons to the utmost satisfaction of the amputees. Results: A total of 136 subjects received 142 advanced artificial limbs. Out of 136 subjects, 130 received unilateral and 6 subjects received bilateral prosthesis. Ninety-two percent (n  =  125) were men and 8% (n  =  11) were women. Eighty-eight (n  =  125) were lower limb prosthesis and 12% (n  =  17) were upper limb prosthesis. All the amputees fitted with advanced artificial limbs were highly satisfied at the end of the procedure and were confident of independent living. Conclusion: Appropriate rehabilitative measures are required for amputees to lead an independent life. Paucity of institutional support and monitory challenges preclude them from advanced prosthesis. State-sponsored, institute-based supply of advanced artificial limbs at free of cost to the beneficiaries is a replicable and feasible option for optimal rehabilitation of amputees with appropriate prosthesis.

Novel bilateral symmetrical congenital transverse upper and lower limb deficiencies in siblings in Ethiopia: two case reports

Background

Transverse congenital limb deficiency is a common limb deficiency where there is normal limb development until a certain point, beyond which no anatomical structure exists. Typically, this presents as an isolated and spontaneous abnormality as a result of arrest during limb bud development. Transverse bilateral deficiency in both upper and lower limbs is not well described.

Case presentation

We report the cases of two female Ethiopian amhara siblings, aged 6 years and 5 months, respectively, from Ethiopia with similar transverse bilateral upper and lower limb deficiencies. The sisters were born from the same parents and have similar phenotypic presentations. Neither of them have other syndromic features or systemic manifestations. The siblings are currently on follow-up and are receiving assistance by specialist orthotists, who are working to improve walking and also providing adaptive equipment to facilitate self-care and feeding.

Conclusion

The relationship of the patients and the similarity of phenotypical presentations suggests a strong genetic link.

Through-knee versus above-knee amputation for vascular and non-vascular major lower limb amputations

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and vascular disease are the leading causes of lower limb amputation. Currently, 463 million adults are living with diabetes, and 202 million with peripheral vascular disease, worldwide. When a lower limb amputation is considered, preservation of the knee in a below-knee amputation allows for superior functional recovery when compared with amputation at a higher level. When a below-knee amputation is not feasible, the most common alternative performed is an above-knee amputation. Another possible option, which is less commonly performed, is a through-knee amputation which may offer some potential functional benefits over an above-knee amputation.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of through-knee amputation compared to above-knee amputation on clinical and rehabilitation outcomes and complication rates for all patients undergoing vascular and non-vascular major lower limb amputation.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases; the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform; and the ClinicalTrials.gov trials register to 17 February 2021. We undertook reference checking, citation searching, and contact with study authors to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing through-knee amputation and above-knee amputation were eligible for inclusion in this study. Primary outcomes were uncomplicated primary wound healing and prosthetic limb fitting. Secondary outcomes included time taken to achieve independent mobility with a prosthesis, health-related quality of life, walking speed, pain, and 30-day survival.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently reviewed all records identified by the search. Data collection and extraction were planned in line with recommendations outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We planned to assess the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We did not identify RCTs that met the inclusion criteria for this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

No RCTs have been conducted to determine comparative clinical or rehabilitation outcomes of through-knee amputation and above-knee amputation, or complication rates. It is unknown whether either of these approaches offers improved outcomes for patients. RCTs are needed to guide practice and to ensure the best outcomes for this patient group.

Physical and Psychosocial Functions of Adults with Lower Limb Congenital Deficiencies and Amputations in Childhood

Objectives. (1) To describe the epidemiological and medical features of a sample with LLA and LLD in childhood and (2) to explore their relationship with subsequent physical and psychosocial functions in adulthood. Methods. Cross-sectional survey. Demographics, medical data, Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI), and Discomfort-Engagement in Everyday Activities Involving Revealing the Body Scale (D-EEARB) were collected from thirty-two adults who suffered from LLA in childhood or LLD. Results. Most of the sample (53.1% males) was working (84.4%), living independently (75%), and single (75%). Mean age was 33.16 (SD = 7.64, range 18–50). Leading causes for LLA were traumatic (40.6%) and oncologic (25%). LLD was present in 6 cases (18.8%). LCI scores revealed a high performance among males (t_17,464 = 2.976, p = .008). D-EEARB scores showed that 56.25% stated feeling “quite” or “totally comfortable” in situations which involved revealing their body, but 43.75% stated the contrary (“uncomfortable” or “very uncomfortable”). LLD and traumatic LLA show higher scores in D-EEARB than vascular and oncological LLA (χ² = 7.744, df = 3, p = .05). Conclusions. Adults suffering from LLDs and LLAs during childhood seem to perform well once they are adults. However, 43.75% of patients express considerable discomfort in situations that involve revealing the body.

High risk for major nonlimb anomalies associated with lower-limb deficiency: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of congenital lower-limb reduction defects and associated mortality, to evaluate lower-limb deficiencies by type of reduction, and to identify patterns of associated anomalies.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based study with use of data from the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations and Care Register for Health Care. All cases of lower-limb deficiency among live births, stillbirths, spontaneous abortions, and terminations of pregnancy due to fetal anomalies from 1993 to 2008 were included. We analyzed medical records and classified lower-limb reduction defects. Associated major anomalies were recorded, and perinatal mortality and infant mortality were calculated.

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty-six cases with lower-limb deficiency were identified, with a total prevalence of 2.8 per 10,000 births, a birth prevalence of 2.2 per 10,000 births, and a live-birth prevalence of 2.1 per 10,000 live births. Terminal transverse limb reductions accounted for 44.7% of the cases; longitudinal reductions, 22.9%; intercalary reductions, 7.9%; multiple reductions, 8.3%; and split-foot malformations, 4.5%. In addition to lower-limb deficiency, 47.7% of the cases had other major anomalies; anomalies of internal organs were noted in 26.3% of the cases, anomalies of the axial skeleton in 13.5% of cases, and central nervous system anomalies in 12.8%. Upper-limb reductions were observed in 32.0% of the cases. The relative risk (RR) for associated major anomalies was 12.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.06 to 14.23) compared with the general figures for major congenital anomalies in Finland. The RR for associated anomalies was higher (1.75; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.53) for longitudinal preaxial lower-limb deficiencies than for the other types of lower-limb reductions. Perinatal mortality was seventy-eight per 1000 births. All infant deaths were associated with chromosomal abnormalities, other known syndromes, or additional congenital malformations.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly half of the cases with lower-limb deficiencies were found to have other major anomalies. In cases of preaxial lower-limb deficiencies, the risk for associated major anomalies was highest.

Birth prevalence for congenital limb defects in the northern Netherlands: a 30-year population-based study

Background

Reported birth prevalences of congenital limb defects (CLD) vary between countries: from 13/10,000 in Finland for the period 1964–1977 to 30.4/10,000 births in Scotland from 1964–1968. Epidemiological studies permit the timely detection of trends in CLD and of associations with other birth defects. The aim of this study is to describe the birth prevalence of CLD in the northern Netherlands.

Methods

In a population-based, epidemiological study we investigated the birth prevalences of CLD for 1981–2010. Data were collected by the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies in the northern Netherlands (EUROCAT-NNL). We excluded malpositions, club foot, and dislocation/dysplasia of hips or knees. Trends were analysed for the 19-year period 1992–2010 using χ² tests, as well as CLD association with anomalies affecting other organs.

Results

The birth prevalence of CLD was 21.1/10,000 births for 1981–2010. There was an overall decrease in non-syndromic limb defects (P = 0.023) caused by a decrease in the prevalence of non-syndromic syndactyly (P < 0.01) in 1992–2010. Of 1,048 children with CLD, 55% were males, 57% had isolated defects, 13% had multiple congenital anomalies (MCA), and 30% had a recognised syndrome. The upper:lower limb ratio was 2:1, and the left:right side ratio was 1.2:1. Cardiovascular and urinary tract anomalies were common in combination with CLD (37% and 25% of cases with MCA). Digestive-tract anomalies were significantly associated with CLD (P = 0.016).

Conclusions

The birth prevalence of CLD in the northern Netherlands was 21.1/10,000 births. The birth prevalence of non-syndromic syndactyly dropped from 5.2/10,000 to 1.1/10,000 in 1992–2010.

Vascular limb occlusion in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS): case series and literature review

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the phenomenon of vascular ischemic limb necrosis in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a multicenter retrospective review of ischemic limb necrosis in patients with TTTS.

RESULTS

Twenty cases of fetal ischemic limb necrosis in association with TTTS were identified from 10 fetal medicine centers. The recipient was affected in 19 cases, and the lower limb was affected in 17 cases. The extent of the damage correlated with TTTS severity. Eighty percent of limb defects (16/20) clearly were unrelated to laser treatment (3 cases untreated, 7 cases after amnioreduction, 6 cases present at time of laser). The recipient was relatively polycythemic in 5 of 7 cases in which neonatal or fetal hemoglobin/hematocrit levels were available.

CONCLUSION

Ischemic limb necrosis is a rare complication of TTTS. The lesion is unrelated to therapy and may be the result of polycythemia, hypertension, and vasoconstriction.

Prenatal diagnosis of a congenital postaxial longitudinal limb defect: a case report

Introduction. Although congenital longitudinal fibular deficiency is one of the most common long bone deficiencies, there are few published cases of its prenatal diagnosis. Case report. A right longitudinal deficiency of the fibula associated with tibial shortening, foot equinovalgus, and absence of the fourth and fifth foot rays diagnosed at 22 weeks gestation is described. Sequential ultrasonographic surveillance was performed without obstetric complications. The anomaly was confirmed after birth, and conservative orthopaedic management was decided. Conclusion. Though rarely seen, postaxial longitudinal limb defect may be detected by ultrasound. The correct approach can only be decided after birth, when the functional impact of the anomaly can be fully evaluated.

Children with limb deficiencies: demographic characteristics

The aim of this study is to determine the demographic data for amputations in children in relation of age, sex, level and cause of amputation. Data were collected from the records of amputees who attended the prosthetic clinic at the Royal Rehabilitation Center, King Hussein Medical Centre, Jordan, between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2005. Demographic data (age, sex, level and cause of amputation) were analyzed. Some 120 children with different levels of amputation were included with mean age of 6.2 years. There were 64 (53.3%) males and 56 (46.7%) females. Male to female ratio was 1.15:1. The dominant level of amputation was trans-radial in 10 patients (15.62%) in the upper limb and trans-tibial in 18 patients (28.12%) in the lower limb. The dominant cause of amputation was congenital deficiency in 56 patients (46.67%) followed by trauma in 48 (40%). The results of this study presented greater similarities to others in the literature, congenital limb deficiency being the dominant cause of amputation in children. This study helps in planning the needs for materials and budgets for the treatment of amputee children in Jordan.

Epidemiology of limb loss and congenital limb deficiency: a review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To examine the state of research on population-based studies of the incidence of limb amputation and birth prevalence of limb deficiency.

DATA SOURCES

A total of 18 publication databases were searched, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library.

STUDY SELECTION

The search was performed by using a hierarchical process. Articles were reviewed for inclusion by 3 reviewers. Inclusion criteria included defined catchment area, calculation of population-based incidence rates, defined etiology of limb loss, and English language. Review articles, animal studies, case reports, cohort studies, letters, and editorials were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION

Figures on the estimated incidence of amputation and birth prevalence of congenital limb deficiency were gleaned from selected reports and assembled into a table format by etiology.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The studies varied in scope, quality, and methodology, making comparisons between studies difficult. Incidence rates of acquired amputation varied greatly between and within nations. Rates of all-cause acquired amputation ranged from 1.2 first major amputations per 10,000 women in Japan to 4.4 per 10,000 men in the Navajo Nation in the United States between 1992 and 1997. Consistent among all nations, the risk of amputation was greatest among persons with diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

Surveillance of congenital limb deficiency exists in much of the developed world. Existing studies of acquired amputation suffer from a host of methodologic problems. Future efforts should be directed toward the application of standardized measures and methods to enable trends to be evaluated over time and comparisons to be made within and between countries.

Social integration of juvenile amputees: comparison with a general population

The objective was to assess the social integration of juvenile amputees according to marital status, schooling and occupation, and to compare it with the population of Asturias, Spain. A retrospective study was carried out of the juvenile amputees registered from 1976 to 1999 at the Prosthetics Unit of the Asturias Central Hospital (n=281 amputees). The proportion of single women amongst the amputees was greater than in the population of Asturias (p<0.05). Amongst the male amputees, relative to the general population, there was a larger proportion of the group with primary studies (p<0.001) and a smaller proportion with secondary studies (p<0.001). At the higher level (university) there were no differences, either in men or in women. As regards occupation, amongst the amputees a larger number was found who were retired or unemployed (p<0.05 and p<0.001). In conclusion, juvenile amputees do not show differences compared to the general population with regard to their attendance at a higher or university level of education. However, if their social integration is considered through occupation, male amputees show a greater proportion of unemployment, which is a clear reflection of their handicap.