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.
To learn more about Hanger Clinic, get answers to you general questions, or for help finding a location call us at 877-4HANGER.
If you're ready to get started, find the location nearest you and call them directly to schedule your free evaluation.
