It may be that a simple device is considered which aids grip or enables a spoon or pencil to be held. Some older children may feel more comfortable with a light weight cosmetic prosthesis on social occasions. Often the biggest problems arise when the child wishes to take part in sport or other activity, and it is here that the Prosthetist can design a specialised sports prosthesis which will enable ordinary sports equipment to be used. Occasionally it may be that surgery will increase your child's function, your doctor will be able to advise you further on this. This is the absence of the arm at any level from below the elbow to the wrist.
Most children present with a short residual limb of a few centimetres in length.
Because of this shortness in comparison with a partial hand deficiency, it is more difficult to use the limb effectively, and a prosthesis is almost always recommended. It is held on by a simple harness, or elasticated sleeve. The prosthesis gets your baby used to wearing a prosthesis, and introduces him or her to two handed activities such as clapping. It encourages a two handed body image to develop, and helps prevent strangers from making unwelcome remarks about your baby. Babies who have worn their prostheses during this stage will accept future functional limbs more readily than a baby who has never worn a prosthesis.