Congenital anomalies, including limb deficiency, affect approximately 7.9 million newborns annually. Fitting the prosthesis at an early stage will aid the patient to achieve two-legged standing, to develop reciprocating gait and to attain an optimal body image. A 64-year-old female diagnosed with congenital limb deficiency, right, using a customized shoe was admitted for prosthetic management at the study hospital. Patient underwent inpatient prosthetic training with physical and occupational therapy. Psychological evaluation was done to assess for depression and anxiety and to determine the patient's response to the prosthesis. The Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ), an instrument to measure prosthesis-related quality of life and functional outcome, was administered. 3D motion analysis was done to observe the temporospatial parameters of the patient's gait with and without the prosthesis. The patient had generally positive response towards her prosthesis based on PEQ administered 1 month after the provision of prosthesis. Psychological evaluation showed that the patient had improved general outlook after the provision of the prosthesis. Patient had slower self-selected walking speed compared to transtibial amputee using prosthesis. Early fitting and fabrication of prosthesis is recommended for the patient with congenital amputation. Studies showed that delayed fitting of prosthesis may decrease acceptance and use of prosthesis. However, provision of properly fitted prosthesis may still improve the quality of life of the patient who is already functionally independent without it. More than increase in physical activity, participation in leisurely activities that promote social interaction motivates elderly patients to use their prosthesis more often.
Lower Extremity ; Prosthesis Fitting