Parents of children with amputations come to Allen Orthopedic Labs seeking care that will allow their child to play and live like any other kid.
When working with children who have lost limbs from emergency amputations or congenital conditions, our goal is to ensure your child receives a limb that allows him or her to be a kid while reducing the impact of amputation on their everyday life.
Generally, children are eligible for prosthetics at the age when they are able to pull up to a stand, typically around 9 to 12 months. Once a child reaches this age, it’s best to begin using a prosthetic as soon as possible so he or she can become accustomed to it.
As a child grows, sockets may need to be changed once a year or more, and regular adjustments need to be made to keep the prosthetic in-line with their rapidly evolving physical needs.
Because kids will be kids, Allen Orthopedic Labs designs pediatric prosthetics that stand up to a child’s highly physical lifestyle. We choose components from leading pediatric prosthetic manufacturers that balance optimal function and minimal weight. We also build prosthetic devices that support a child’s pursuit of his or her favorite physical activities, such as running, swimming, skiing, or snowboarding.
Many factors determine how much of the limb is amputated. Generally, the longer the remaining limb and the more joints kept intact, the easier it is to fit and use a prosthesis. Children may be born with limb reduction effects or they may have reason for amputation. Generally speaking, for the upper extremity, limb loss occurs above the elbow and below the elbow.
Pediatric Above-the-Elbow Prostheses
When fitting an above-the-elbow (AE) prosthesis, the function of the elbow and the hand must be taken into consideration. The primary function of the elbow joint is to bend (flex) and straighten (extend) the arm. The primary function of the hand is to grasp.
With a high-quality, fully functioning above the elbow prosthesis, like those offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs, children can experience several advantages, such as ease of motion, ability to hold a certain amount of weight, and natural arm movements.
Above-the-Elbow Prostheses offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs:
Pediatric Below-the-Elbow Prostheses
A below-the-elbow (BE) or transradial prosthesis is custom made for a child born with limb reduction or who has had a BE (transradial) amputation. The prosthesis consists of a custom-made socket, optional liner, wrist unit, and terminal device or hand. Sometimes, the prosthesis may consist of a sleeve or other harness depending on the suspension system used for that child.
Below the elbow Prostheses offer by Allen Orthopedic Labs:
Infants who are born with a missing or partial lower limb, or children who lose a lower limb/extremity to accident or amputation need to 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 limb loss device (prosthesis) right away so that the limb is incorporated into their developing body image. This can also help children socially as they begin interacting with their peers.
Pediatric Above-the-Knee Prostheses
An above-knee (AK) prosthesis consists of a custom-made socket combined with a supportive frame, knee unit, pylon, and foot. Sometimes a suspension sleeve or harness may also be necessary.
Pediatric Above the Knee Prostheses Offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs:
Pediatric Below-the-Knee Prosthesis
A below-knee (BK) prosthesis will typically consist of a custom-made socket, a pylon and a foot. Sometimes a suspension sleeve or harness may also be necessary.
Pediatric Below the Knee Prostheses Offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs:
