Pediatrics

By working closely with your child’s pediatrician, parents or caregivers, our clinicians provide orthoses or prostheses that help your child reach important developmental milestones. Our prosthetists and orthotists have experience and training in providing pediatric care. Our clinicians will be alongside your child as they grow and change, providing orthotic and prosthetic solutions for every stage of development.

What to expect

A prescription from your child’s pediatrician will be needed for their first appointment. All appointments are covered by the cost of your child’s device, so you won’t have a copay.

We recommend that your child sees their orthotist or prosthetist every six months to check the fit of their device. Because children grow quickly, many will need a new device each year.

Children benefit most from their orthotic or prosthetic device when it’s combined with physical or occupational therapy. Working with an experienced therapist will help your child learn how to use their device confidently.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a spinal condition that causes the spine to curve and rotate. As a child goes through growth spurts, the curve(s) may progress. Scoliosis orthoses help to prevent the curves from progressing as they go through these growth spurts. Our clinicians will look at your child’s X-rays to evaluate your child’s curve(s) prior to their first appointment. Each scoliosis brace is custom-made for your child’s unique curves.
 

There are multiple types of scoliosis braces available. Our orthotists work closely with your child’s pediatrician to provide the brace most appropriate for your child and their specific curve(s). Your child’s brace will be made to fit your child and correct their individual curve(s).

Once you receive a prescription from your child’s pediatrician, you can schedule their initial appointment. At the first appointment, measurements and/or a cast will be taken to make a brace that is custom to your child. Your child will also be able to choose a color for their brace. Your child’s brace will be made and ready within two to three weeks.

During the delivery appointment, your child’s orthotist will fit their brace, make any needed adjustments and go over all wear and care instructions. If your child’s brace needs any additional adjustments, you can call to schedule an appointment with their orthotist.

Pediatric orthotics

Our clinicians are experienced in providing pediatric orthotics for a wide variety of conditions at any age. Your child’s orthotist will work with your child’s care team to help your child meet their milestones and live a full life.

An orthosis is a device your child wears on their spine or limb to provide support, correct alignment and help them move more comfortably. Our orthotists offer both off-the-shelf and custom-made orthoses to help your child return to everyday life.

  • Fractures and injuries
  • Scoliosis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Spina bifida
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Duchenne
  • Clubfoot
  • Arthrogryposis
  • Fibular hemimelia
  • Tibial hemimelia
  • Proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD)

Lower limb

  • Ponseti boots and bars
  • Supramalleolar orthosis (SMO)
  • Nighttime stretching ankle foot orthosis (AFO)
  • Custom-molded ankle, foot orthosis (MAFO)
  • Knee orthosis
  • Knee, ankle, foot orthosis (KAFO)
  • Hip, knee, ankle, foot orthosis (HKAFO)
  • Hip orthosis
  • Wrist/hand braces and splints
  • Elbow orthoses
  • Fracture bracing
  • Shoulder splints and immobilizers

Upper limb

  • Wrist/hand braces and splints
  • Elbow orthoses
  • Fracture bracing
  • Shoulder splints and immobilizers

Your child’s orthotist will work closely with your child’s pediatrician and therapist(s) to determine if your child needs a custom-made device or an off-the-shelf device. The type of device your child gets will depend on your child’s diagnosis and how long they will need the device.

Off-the-shelf orthoses (prefabricated) are devices that can be adjusted to fit your child comfortably. If we have your child’s device in stock at our facility, you will be able to take home the device the same day you come in with your child. If we do not have your child’s device or size in stock, we will order it and schedule a delivery appointment.

Custom orthoses are made just for your child, using measurements and a cast of their limb to ensure the best fit and support.

During the initial appointment, your child’s orthotist will examine your child’s limb, go over goals and take measurements and a mold of your child’s limb. Your child will also be able to pick a pattern or color to go on their orthosis. Your child’s brace will be made and ready to pick up in two to three weeks.

During the delivery appointment, your child’s orthotist will fit the brace, make any needed adjustments and go over all wear and care instructions. If your child’s brace needs any adjustments after this appointment, you can call to schedule an appointment with their orthotist.

Pediatric prosthetics

Experiencing limb loss or limb difference can bring a whirlwind of emotions. Wherever your child is on this journey, our prosthetists are here to support them and work closely with your care team to help them overcome challenges, gain confidence and regain mobility.

A prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces a missing limb. Prostheses can be body powered, electronically powered or passive. Each prosthesis is custom made and designed for your child’s specific needs and goals.

Once you begin the process of getting your child’s prosthesis, you’ll schedule a series of appointments with their prosthetist. The full process typically takes about one to two months – from the first appointment to the delivery appointment when you get to take home your child’s prosthesis.

Once your child is cleared by their pediatrician and you have a prescription for their prosthesis, you can make an appointment with their prosthetist. At your initial appointment, your child’s prosthetist will go over medical history, discuss the needs and goals for your child’s prosthesis and assess their limb. Your prosthetist will either take a plaster mold or scan of your child’s limb.

Your child will have one or two test-socket appointments to ensure their prosthesis fits comfortably. A test-socket is like a rough draft of your final prosthesis. The socket is made of clear plastic that allows your child’s prosthetist to ensure an appropriate fit. If there are any changes, your child’s prosthetist may make another test-socket before their final prosthesis is made.

Your child will learn how to put on and remove their liners and prosthesis. Your child’s prosthetist will also make any needed adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and will show you how to wash and care for your child’s liners, as well as how to use prosthetic socks. By the end of your child’s delivery appointment, they will be able to take home their prosthesis.

After your child receives their final prosthesis, there will be a follow-up appointment one to two weeks later. At this appointment, your child’s prosthetist will address any questions or concerns you or your child may have. If you have noticed any issues or concerns with your child’s prosthesis, your prosthetist can also make adjustments. You can schedule a follow-up or an adjustment appointment anytime you have a question or concern about the prosthesis. Your prosthetist may visit your child in physical therapy to check on their progress.

Your child’s liners and socks typically need to be replaced every six months. We recommend contacting your child’s prosthetist if you notice their supplies are starting to wear out before you reach six months or have any other questions. This appointment is also helpful to make sure your child has not outgrown their prosthesis.