Clinical results of an investigation of paediatric upper limb myoelectric prosthesis fitting at the Quebec Rehabilitation Institute

This study was designed to investigate the satisfaction level of young user s of myoelectric prostheses who received an upper limb myoelectric prosthes is, to assess their dropout rate and to identify which factors influence th e use or non-use of the upper limb myoelectric prosthesis in the eastern pa rt of Quebec (Canada). The users were fitted between 1990 and 1999 at the Q uebec Rehabilitation Institute, a major rehabilitation centre located in th e province of Quebec. This rehabilitation centre provides cutting-edge expe rtise not only for the eastern part of Quebec, but also across the entire p rovince, because it is one of only two highly specialised centres serving a ll of Quebec. A literature review was completed to compile the results obtained in other rehabilitation centres and to identify factors influencing the use or non-u se of paediatric upper limb myoelectric prostheses. The Quebec User Evaluat ion of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) was used in order to assess the degree to which the children were satisfied with their prosthese s. Eighteen (18) children were fitted and trained to use an upper limb myoelec tric prosthesis. A total of 10 children and parents agreed to participate, Some 80% of participants said that they were satisfied with their prosthese s. A dropout rate of 53% for the overall group (participants and non-partic ipants) seems high compared with that of other studies. Recommendations lin ked to factors identified in the literature are made. The authors conclude that a multidisciplinary team and structured training and follow-up can imp rove the clinical results pertaining to all the factors proposed in the lit erature.