Article

In patients with severe bilateral congenital arm deficiencies, even
simple activities of daily living, such as feeding, may be major challenges. We
report here a case of a patient with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita affecting
all 4 extremities, who underwent prosthetic replacement after elective
transhumeral amputation of his right functionless arm.
CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old
man with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita had severe deficits of his upper
limbs. Previous surgeries for upper and lower limbs had enabled this patient to
walk without aids; however, his upper limbs remained severely impaired. After
prosthetic rehabilitation, including nerve and muscle transfers, a carefully
planned elective amputation, signal processing and a comprehensive rehabilitation
programme, the patient was able to independently conduct normal activities of
daily living that had hitherto been impossible.
The Disabilities of the Arm,
Shoulder and Hand measure improved from 73.3 to 44.2, the Action Research Arm
Test improved from 10 to 18 out of 57 points and the Southampton Hand Assessment
Procedure improved from 8 to 23 after prosthetic replacement. CONCLUSION: Prosthetic replacement can improve upper limb function in patients with severe
congenital limb deficiencies. In the case reported here, functional
rehabilitation had a positive impact on the patient's quality of life and
self-confidence, as he integrated the prosthesis into his body image.
- Arthrogrypose multiple congénitale
- Raideurs articulaires

Langue : ANGLAIS