Prosthetics for Children
The expectations around upper extremity prosthetics for children are different from those for adults. Most children, who need our services, need it due to a congenital deformity (also called dysmelia) or amniotic band syndrome rather than from an amputation.
It is important that the Prosthetist is experienced in fitting children. A bad experience with prosthetics at a young age might lead to a refusal of prosthetic services for a whole life. Having a well-fitting, well-functioning, and cosmetic appealing limb (natural-looking, or colourful) will encourage your child to wear a prosthetic.
Your child might not want to wear a limb from time to time or during different stages while growing up. It is important not to force your child into wearing a limb, it is better to let them discover that they are benefitting from wearing a limb. Some children might wear the prosthetic only at Day Care or in school and take it off when at home. We support each child and family finding their way with prosthetics.
A child born with dysmelia can start wearing a prosthetic limb as early as 6 months old. Depending on the development of the child, by 2-3 years of age prosthetics are available in different sizes. Your child will always be wearing a prosthetic matching his or her age and development. We are certified for the Otto Bock Myolino electric hand and have extensive fitting experience from overseas and in New Zealand.
A good combination with an electric limb is a sport or activity-specific limb which the child can use for playing outside in the sandpit, to learn playing an instrument or succeed in a sport.
For some children, a passive (cosmetic) arm and/or an activity specific prosthesis might be the only prosthetic they need.
We do not recommend harness controlled (body-powered) prosthetics for children as they can lead to unnatural body movements, tension followed by the abandonment of prosthetics altogether.
Funding can be sourced from various other avenues. We may be able to assist you in your application for funding.