Pediatric Prosthetics

Our approach to pediatric prosthetic care is centered on the idea that no two children are alike.

Each child has a different story, and we honor that in the way we care for our youngest patients. We strive to understand their unique physical, emotional, and social needs, so we can design the right solution to fit their life. We team together with pediatricians, occupational and physical therapists, and other care providers, to deliver the best possible outcomes for each child today and into the future.

Our Pediatric Prosthetic Expertise

Hanger Clinic offers both upper and lower limb prostheses for children, typically fit due to congenital limb deficiencies, traumatic amputation, or elective amputations associated with cancer treatment.  In addition to traditional prostheses, we are frequently engaged in the development of unique activity-specific prosthetic devices, including custom adaptations for musical instruments, sports, and more.

What to Expect on the Pediatric Prosthetic Journey

Each child’s journey is unique, but there are some baseline recommendations and expectations:

  • Families should engage with a clinical prosthetist as soon as they feel ready to better understand available options and any associated timelines.
  • It is often reasonable for infants and very young children to be fit with a passive prosthesis right away, so the prosthesis is incorporated into their developing body image and daily life. This may also help children socially as they begin interacting with their peers. 
  • Limited communication skills, combined with rapid rates of physical growth, mean that children require frequent office visits and more careful observation of their progress from month to month.
  • Children should be evaluated by their clinician every six months, with careful monitoring by a parent or caregiver in between visits. Most children require a new socket and other prosthetic modifications at least once a year.
  • Developing a routine is useful in promoting consistent use of a prosthesis.
  • It is important to work with a physical/occupational therapist who specializes in children and their developmental stages. Consult your prosthetist for their recommendation for an experienced therapist.

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