Rehabilitation and orthotic management of congenital and acquired meromelia in the lower limbs of children.

Children with limb deficiencies or amputations of the lower extremities should be enabled to stand or walk according to their state of development, because standing and walking are among the most important preconditions for the best possible integration. Supplying them with a prosthesis, orthosis and orthoprosthesis is therefore indispensable for rehabilitation. While a prosthesis replaces parts of the extremities, an orthosis stabilizes the existing extremity. Orthoprostheses compensate longitudinal malformations, have a supporting effect, allow growth to be controlled and compensate for shortening. Just as important as the remedy is early medical treatment. The medical team taking care of the patient works out a treatment plan where responsible cooperation with the parents is of utmost importance. The focus of all efforts is, of course, the handicapped child. Examples are used to demonstrate the course of successful rehabilitation of children and adolescents with damaged limbs. Equally the psychological situation of the parents and child is taken into consideration.