Orthotics and Prosthetics

What are orthotics?

Orthotics, or orthoses, are medical devices a child wears to help correct a condition of the bones or muscles. Patients diagnosed with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, a spinal cord injury or stroke may benefit from an orthosis. Orthoses can help control a joint, assist in movement or aid in rehabilitating a fracture.

What are prosthetics?

Prosthetics, often referred to as artificial limbs, are medical devices created to replace all or part of a child’s missing limb that may be a result of a disease, a trauma or a condition present at birth. Prostheses help restore the functions of a missing body part.

What do orthotists and prosthetists do?

Our experts in orthotic and prosthetic care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, known as orthotists and prosthetists, are specialists in creating custom designs for children who need orthopedic braces or artificial limbs. We apply the latest advances in technology so that growing children can continue to reach functional goals at home, in the classroom and while playing.

Orthotic and prosthetic devices are prescribed by a doctor and can help children who have:

• Limb deficiency: full or partial loss of an arm or leg
• Cerebral palsy: disorder affecting movement and coordination
• Spina bifida: incomplete closing of the spinal column
• Scoliosis: curves of the spine
• Plagiocephaly: a flattening of an infant’s head on the back or side
• Brachycephaly: a flattening that is mostly straight across the back of an infant’s head
• Pectus carinatum: a condition, also referred to as "pigeon chest," in which part of the sternum (breastbone) protrudes
• Clubfoot: a birth defect in which a child’s foot is twisted out of shape or position
• Traumatic brain injury: usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body
• Limb sparing: surgery to preserve a limb
• Burns: damage to the skin or deeper tissues caused by the sun, hot liquids, fire, electricity or chemicals
• Neurological disorders: diseases of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction and muscles

Depending on your child’s needs, Children’s offers a number of programs to patients and families to help determine how to best care for your child.

• Comprehensive Limb Difference Program
• Cranial Remolding Program
• Spine bracing
  
• Rehabilitation

In addition to our board-certified orthotists and prosthetists, the team includes orthopedic surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and pediatric physiatrists, who all specialize in rehabilitation medicine. Specialized physical therapy services are available for patients who are referred for limb difference or cranial remolding treatment. All team members are highly trained and experienced in caring for children and teens. We can help your child physically, emotionally and socially overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

Certified prosthetists orthotists

• Emma Blass, MSPO, CPO, LPO
• Karl Barner, CPO, LPO
• Amy Bridges, CPO, LO
• Catherine Leigh Davis, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
• Brian Emling, MSPO, CPO, LPO
• Jennifer Galbraith, MSPO, CPO, LPO
• Julie Hantak, MPO, CO, LO
• Rebecca Hernandez, CPO, LPO
• Mark Holowka, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
• Laura Klagstad, MSPO, CPO, LPO
• Lauren Levinson, MSPO, CPO, LPO
• Rebecca Urquhart, MSPO, CPO, LPO
• Richard Welling, MSPO, CPO, LPO

Certified prosthetists

• Brian Giavedoni, MBA, CP, LP
• Leesa Meyers, CP, LP

Certified orthotists

• Jessica Corso, CO, LO, FAAOP
• Julie Hantak, MSPO, CO, LO
• Staci MacKay, CO, LO
• Andy Wolfe, CO, LO

Certified orthotic assistants 

• Greg Carey, COA
• Paul Jackovitch, CO, LO
• Megan Shulk, COA

Physical therapist

• Colleen P. Coulter, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
• Jill Cannoy, PT, DPT, PCS