About Krukenberg Procedure
Key Highlights
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Creates a functional, sensate grasping tool from the child's own tissue.Provides superior sensory feedback compared to a standard prosthetic limb.Offers a permanent, body-powered solution that grows with the child.Eliminates the need for external harnessing or batteries required by some prosthetics.Can significantly improve independence and quality of life for children with bilateral upper limb loss.
Who is this surgery for?
- Bilateral congenital upper limb deficiencies (e.g., transverse or longitudinal deficiencies).
- Bilateral traumatic amputations of the forearm in children.
- Cases where prosthetic use is impractical, rejected, or has failed.
- Children in regions with limited access to advanced prosthetic technology and maintenance.
- The desire for a sensate, body-powered grasping mechanism.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and a multidisciplinary team (including occupational therapy).
- Detailed imaging studies (X-rays, possibly MRI) to assess bone structure and soft tissues.
- Psychological assessment and counseling for the child and family to set realistic expectations.
- Pre-operative occupational therapy to assess baseline function and begin training concepts.
- Standard pre-surgical tests (blood work, ECG) and discussion of anesthesia.
- Fasting as instructed by the surgical team prior to the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Poor wound healing or skin flap necrosis.
- Nerve injury leading to loss of sensation or motor function.
- Insufficient separation or mobility of the created forceps.
- Bone non-union or delayed healing.
- Chronic pain or neuroma formation at the surgical site.
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for pain management, wound care, and monitoring.
- The forearm will be immobilized in a cast or splint for several weeks to protect the reconstruction.
- Intensive and prolonged occupational therapy is crucial, starting with passive motion and progressing to active training of the 'pincer' function.
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing, sensation, and functional progress.
- Wound care instructions to keep the surgical site clean and dry.
- Family education and support to assist the child in integrating the new function into daily life.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full functional adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering krukenberg procedure in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform krukenberg procedure. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for krukenberg procedure compare across other countries where we have data.
Sarah Iyer is a bright and...
Sarah Iyer is a bright and artistic 8-year-old from Chennai, India, who was born with a congenital below-elbow deficiency of her right arm. She has a small, non-functional hand remnant. Sarah is fiercely independent and loves to draw and paint, but her frustration grew as she struggled with tasks requiring two-handed coordination, like holding paper steady while coloring or carrying her school books. Her parents sought solutions that would preserve her cultural identity while maximizing her function. Dr. Rao, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, recommended the Krukenberg procedure after extensive counseling. He explained it would separate the radius and ulna bones in her forearm to create a two-pronged, sensate 'pincer' that she could control with her own muscles. Sarah was scared but intrigued by the idea of having a 'helper hand' that could feel. The surgery was successful, and after months of dedicated occupational therapy, Sarah learned to use her new pincer grasp. She can now hold her sketchbook, pick up small objects like paintbrushes, and even help her mother with simple chores. Emotionally, she transformed from a child who hid her arm to one who proudly demonstrates her unique abilities, calling her pincer her 'artist's helper.'
Pediatric Orthopedics for Krukenberg Procedure
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform krukenberg procedure and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata