Pediatric limb absence, regardless of its etiology or presentation, is characterized by uncertainty. Parents and patients alike are unsure about the immediate and long-term implications of that absence. While psychosocial adaptability and prosthetic acceptance and utilization constitute domains of immediate concern, there are longer-term questions about education, employment, and overall health and well-being. This article examines two recent publications that provide insight into the adult life experiences of individuals with congenital limb deficiencies and those with limb deficiencies acquired during childhood or adolescence.
