Prosthetics for Kids

At Green Prosthetics & Orthotics we understand the challenges associated with raising a child with a limb difference. You want to support all their activities, while addressing their physical growth and accommodating the need to have the prosthetic durable. Other considerations include the child’s motivation, your financial situation, and any other medical conditions that may exist.

Our experience is that children’s needs are quite different from adult’s needs. This requires a special consideration. Our approach always takes into account the child’s weight, physical factors, activity levels, as well as identifying future activities they may want to engage in.


It’s amazing how adaptable children can be at coping with limb loss due to birth defects, accidents, or amputations. That is why it’s important to have a child assessed as soon as possible by a certified prosthetist that has experience treating children. At Green Prosthetics & Orthotics we have found that often times fitting an extremely young child with a passive prosthesis leads to better outcomes as they grow older. We have also found that it is important for parents and/or care givers to encourage their child to try and do everything. When something new is being explored make an assessment as to whether the prosthesis seems to help or hinder and communicate that back to the prosthetist.


The child’s ever-changing nature means that they will require frequent office visits. They will be assessed as to whether or not they have outgrown the prosthesis; ensure proper alignment is maintained; check for wear & tear; assess socket fit; and determine if there is a need for advanced training. Additionally, often times new components, materials, or pediatric programs become available which can be incorporated into the child’s continuing development.


We provide activity specific prosthesis often called “terminal devices” which are designed to ensure our pediatric patients are as independent, mobile, and best equipped to conquer new activities they may be interested in. These “passive units” are designed for a particular function such as helping a young child crawl or for specific activities, such as tennis, swimming, fishing, baseball, and playing musical instruments (drums and guitars).