Abstract
The embryopathy-producing drug 'thalidomide' resulted in an estimated 349 babies born in the UKwith congenital malformations during the period 1959-62. All known affected babies were registered, and a 'Thalidomide Society and Trust' was formed to administer the financial settlements offered by the manufacturers of the drug and the British Government. Individual prosthetic centres found great difficulty at the time in dealing with the complicated malformations these children presented, and it was found necessary to set up four specialized centres to develop new prosthetic/orthotic designs and fitting techniques. It was possible to review only 27 adults, as the majority were lost to follow-up. Those reviewed were all well adjusted (even those who had four limb malformations) and relatively independent. Their range of lifestyles is comparable with their nondisabled peers. The financial awards, proper home adaptations and adequate provision of aids to mobility and activities of daily living all contributed significantly to an enhanced quality of life. A peripatetic team, in consultation with the patients and the local team, offered suggestions and improvements in both prosthetic aids (making use of recent developments) and other aids to mobility and activities of daily living. The results of the study highlight the need for such a peripatetic team of experts to periodically review the prosthetic needs of complex multiple limb handicap.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.