PEDIATRIC PROSTHETICS

​Facing the thought of your child’s limb loss or limb difference can be overwhelming, no matter the cause. You may ask yourself if your child will ever be independent, succeed in school, play sports, participate in everyday activities.

These concerns are very real and completely normal for any parent going through such an emotional experience. The good news is there are prosthetic solutions designed to help your child adapt to new and changing environments, gain independence, and restore function and mobility, so he or she can live a full life with endless possibilities. 

Ezra Frech, 2014 Sports Illustrated Kids SportsKid of the Year Finalist, tells his story:

 


What to Expect with Hanger Clinic

Our approach to pediatric prosthetic care centers on the idea that no two children are alike. Each one 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 team of experts specializes in: 

  • Upper and lower limb prosthetics, typically due to birth defect, accident, or amputation 
  • Specialized or activity-specific prosthetic devices (i.e., custom adaptations for musical instruments, sports, etc.)

Your Child's Prosthetic Journey

  • Infants who are born with a missing or partial limb, or children who lose a limb through injury or amputation, should be evaluated by a prosthetist as soon as possible. 
  • It is often appropriate for infants and very young children to be fit with a passive prosthesis right away so the prosthetic limb is incorporated into their developing body image and daily life. This will also help children socially as they begin interacting with their peers. Learn more about the fitting process. 
  • 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 between the ages of birth to 18 years will require a new socket and other prosthetic modifications at least once a year. 
    • Children should be evaluated by their clinician every six months, with careful monitoring by a parent or caregiver in between visits. 
  • Developing a routine is useful, so children can learn to expect to wear their prosthesis consistently. It is important that they like the prosthesis and want to wear it, not because mom and dad make them wear it. 
  • 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.

Learn More

For general questions, information about Hanger Clinic products and services, or to schedule a free evaluation:

Call 1-877-4HANGER (1-877-442-6437), option 1 

OR complete the information request form.