Experiences with the Canadian hip disarticulation prosthesis in the juvenile

The Canadian type hip disarticulation prosthesis and its use in 12 juvenile patients are examined. The juvenile can easily learn to master use of the prosthesis and to develop a satisfactory gait. The prosthesis can be especially useful in treating children with congenital anomalies of the lower extremities. Early fitting allows them to progress more normally. The child fitted early in life in order to rehabilitate the defect of a congenital absence is more likely to accept the limb well and be a total wearer. Training techniques vary slightly for the child with an acquired amputation, but generally the juvenile patient is enthusiastic and works to maximum effort. Gait is less important to the young child, but older patients will cooperate to achieve a gait that will be satisfying to themselves and the therapist in most cases. Furthermore, the prosthesis affords the child with absence of limbs considerable cosmesis, allowing him to fit more normally into a social setting. However, children may prefer to use crutches for normal play use. In the final analysis, the Canadian hip disarticulation prosthesis is most satisfactory for use in the juvenile amputee, and is the best prosthesis currently available for patients who require total replacement of a lower extremity.