Among physicians, there is some dispute over how soon a child may have a prosthetic fitting. Some argue that an infant’s sensory contact is obstructed by a fitting, causing the child to miss important physical sensations that help him or her begin to understand the world in early development stages. Others maintain that an early fitting for a child with a congenital limb deficiency will allow him or her to become familiar with the prosthesis more quickly. A 2001 article by Diane Atkins, OTR/L, FISPO, called “Early Fitting is Key to Success” notes that children who are not fitted with prostheses within two to three years after birth have decreased chances of successfully using them with each subsequent year. Atkins also says that the best option for children is to fit them with body-powered and myoelectric limbs if possible. She writes, “The first prosthesis prescribed for infants is usually a passive hand. Then, at approximately 9 months, the child may get a single control ‘cookie crusher.’ Not until perhaps 18 months would the child receive a more complicated two-stage device.”
Of course, every child is unique. Whereas a bionic arm may be appropriate for one, it may be inappropriate for another. The timing for a child’s fitting should be discussed with his or her physician at length.
