Pediatric Limb Reconstruction Gone Wrong: Risks of Pursuing Treatment Without Thorough Psychological Evaluation

(1)Inadequate preoperative assessment of a patient and family being considered for limb lengthening and/or reconstruction may result in significant medical and psychological consequences for the patient during and after treatment.(2)Preoperative psychological assessment should establish a patient's baseline mental health and identify any pre-existing mental health concerns.(3)Preoperative psychological assessment should establish a family's baseline functioning, focusing on the cognitive, emotional, and logistical resources available to support treatment demands.(4)Psychological assessment should continue throughout treatment, in order to promptly identify any emotional concerns that arise throughout treatment.