Arthrogryposis
Introduction Arthrogryposis, also known as arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare diagnosis that applies to all children with congenital joint contractures affecting more than one limb. Multiple conditions fall…
Splinting, Taping, and Adaptation
Introduction Splinting, taping, and structural adaptations are common modalities in rehabilitating the injured or atypical hand. There are many options available for the pediatric therapist to adapt adult modalities for…
Rehabilitation of the Pediatric Upper Extremity Congenital Part II—Polydactyly
Polydactyly (Preaxial and Postaxial) Pertinent Anatomy and Classifications Polydactyly can be divided based on the region of the hand involved into preaxial (radial), central, and postaxial (ulnar)—with variants on these…
Hand Function: Typical Development
Acknowledgments Photo credits: Naomi Polatsek Introduction Hand motor skill development begins early in utero with spontaneous movements and is fully completed during adolescence with the mastery of fine motor skills…
Pediatric Hand Therapy—Prosthetics and Training
Among the more challenging pediatric hand presentations are upper limb deficiencies. These can result from congenital or acquired causes. Each of these deficiencies brings its own unique challenges, which will…
Embryology and Intrauterine Diagnosis
Introduction Someone’s first-ever sip of coffee is often an unpleasant experience that renders them pondering how they could ever learn to like such a foul-flavored drink. Similarly, many health professionals’…
Congenital—Syndactyly
Pertinent Anatomy and Classifications Fine motor function of the hand is based on independent digital motion. Supple web spaces facilitate digital abduction, flexion, and extension for activities of daily living….
Physical Examination of the Pediatric Upper Extremity
Physical examination of the upper extremity in the pediatric client includes the same components pertinent to the adult population. However, methods of assessment must be tailored to the developmental level…
Outcome Measures
Introduction Upper extremity capabilities of varied prehension, reach, object transport, and sensing can challenge the measurement of outcomes in therapy. The growth and development in children along with differential opportunities…
Patient-Ventilator Interaction
• Important interactions between the infant and the ventilator occur routinely during invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Some of these interactions can have significant effects on ventilation and gas exchange…
