title: Stump sensibility in children with upper limb reduction deficiency.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare stump sensibility in children with upper limb reduction deficiency with sensibility of the unaffected arm and hand. In addition, to evaluate the associations between stump sensibility, stump length and activity level.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children and young adults aged 6-25 years with upper limb reduction deficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Threshold of touch was measured with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, stereognosis was measured with the Shape-Texture Identification test and kinaesthesia and activity level was measured with the Child Amputee Prosthetics Project - Functional Status Inventory and the Prosthetic Upper Extremity Functional Index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 31 children with upper limb reduction deficiency (mean age 15 years, 3 prosthesis wearers) were investigated. The threshold of touch of the stump circumference was lower (indicating higher sensibility) than of the unaffected arm (p = 0.006), hand (p = 0.004) and stump end-point (p = < 0.001). Long stumps had higher threshold of touch (indicating lower sensibility) than short stumps (p = 0.046). Twenty-nine children recognized 1 or more shapes or textures with the stump. Kinaesthesia in the affected and unaffected sides was comparable. Sensibility was not correlated with activity level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Threshold of touch, stereognosis and kinaesthesia of the affected sides were excellent. Threshold of touch of the stump circumference was lower (indicating higher sensibility) than of the unaffected arm and hand. High stump sensibility may clarify good functioning in the children without prostheses and contribute to prosthesis rejection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reinkingh
authors.forename: Heleen A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Reinders-Messelink
authors.forename: Pieter U
authors.initials: PU
authors.lastname: Dijkstra
authors.forename: Karel G B
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Maathuis
authors.forename: Corry K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: van der Sluis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000294:innervation*; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007699:Kinesthesis; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D013236:Stereognosis; D014110:Touch; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult