Orthotics and Prosthetics

Orthotists and prosthetists are specially trained in the creation and delivery of custom orthoses or prosthetic designs for kids and teens who need orthopedic braces or artificial limbs. Our team applies 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 kids and teens who have:

• Limb deficiency: Full or partial loss of an arm or leg.
• Cerebral palsy: A disorder affecting movement and coordination.
• Spina bifida: Incomplete closing of the spinal column.
• Scoliosis: Curves of the spine.
• Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly: A flattening of an infant’s head on the back or side.
• 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 severe injury to the head.
• Neurological disorders: Diseases of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction and muscles.
• Undergone limb sparing surgery: Surgery to preserve a limb.

What are orthotics?

Children’s orthotic devices, or orthoses, are medical devices a child wears to help correct a condition of the bones or muscles. Orthoses can help control a joint, assist in movement or aid in rehabilitation.

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.

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: Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive evaluation, surgical intervention, cutting-edge prosthetic and orthotic devices, and tailored therapy for children, teens and young adults with limb differences.
• Cranial Remolding Program: Our infant orthopedic specialists provide a type of therapy that can help moderate to severe cases of head shape abnormalities in infants between the ages of 3 months and 18 months old.
• Spine bracing: Spine bracing is used to help prevent curves in the spine from getting larger as your child grows. Our team of spinal orthotists is experienced in a variety of spine braces and in working with children dealing with spine conditions who may need a brace or cast.
• Upper and lower extremity bracing: Our team designs and fits bracing for both the arm and the leg. Bracing for the arm can include hand, wrist and hand, elbow and shoulder bracing. These are typically used for treatment of fractures, pain and instability. Leg bracing, like a pediatric ankle-foot orthoses (AFO brace) or knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO brace) can create stability for the knees, ankles and feet, as well as the hips. These leg braces can help support someone who has difficulty walking, limited motion to their joint, pain or fractures.

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 helping get kids and teens back to doing what they love. All team members are highly trained and experienced in caring for children and teens. We can help your child physically, emotionally and socially to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.