729 - An assessment of access and barriers to sports prostheses for children with lower limb loss

Children and adolescents with lower limb deficiencies not only face challenges doing their everyday activities, but they are also largely restricted from active sports because of the high costs and difficulty in obtaining a second sports prosthesis. Children engaged in sports have better health, a more positive psychological outlook, and greater involvement with their peers. To facilitate such participation, a comfortable and functional prosthesis is necessary, yet frequently out of reach. This research survey was developed to better understand the prosthetic needs of children with limb loss.

Design: This was a survey of 25 parents or guardians of participants in a study involving children with limb deficiency. 

Results:

Twelve participants responded to the survey, of which 67% indicated they lacked a sport prosthesis. For three of the children who did not have a sports prosthesis, this prevented them from participating in desired sports activities. Fully 86% of respondents cited financial barriers to obtaining a prosthesis specifically for participation in sports. All four of the children who possessed sports prostheses obtained them through a charity as they were unaffordable otherwise, costing approximately $20,000. One parent indicated, “they (sports prostheses) are a necessity for children not a luxury.”

Conclusions: Sports prostheses are difficult to obtain for children despite their important role in supporting a child’s active lifestyle. Cost barriers prevent most families from getting these devices as insurers do not often pay for secondary sports prostheses. Future research is needed to develop advanced prostheses that are useful for both everyday activities and are suitable for sports and running. Such multiuse prostheses would greatly enhance the lives of children with lower limb loss and minimize the financial impact on their families.