Prosthetic fittings for children aim to support the child's movement, play and developmental needs in cases of congenital limb differences or conditions resulting from illness or injury. They are planned at every developmental stage from infancy to adolescence according to the child's needs, daily life and rate of growth. Fittings are prepared individually by certified prosthetist-orthotists in line with a specialist physician's assessment and prescription.
Upper limb prostheses
A prosthetic hand or arm supports the child when fingers, the hand, part of the arm, the elbow or the shoulder are missing. Upper limb prostheses for children come in various types suited to different ages, needs and activities:
- Light, simple hands designed for comfort and a natural appearance
- Myoelectric (muscle-controlled) hands that support grasping and daily tasks
- Lightweight arm systems with elbow resistance that the caregiver can adjust, for children aged 3-7
By supporting play, learning, creativity and self-care, upper limb prostheses may help children discover their abilities at home and at school.
Developmental importance of early fitting
A child starting to use a prosthesis early may make many developmental processes easier:
- Exploring the environment: The ability to grasp and control objects broadens the child's interaction with toys, nature and other children.
- Mastering daily skills: Activities that use both arms together, such as dressing and school tasks, may be learned earlier.
- Balanced posture and movement: Support from both sides makes more natural posture and movement easier; it may reduce compensatory movements that strain the opposite side of the body.
Lower limb prostheses
A prosthetic leg supports the child when part or all of the hip, knee, foot or toes is missing. Lower limb prostheses come in designs suited to different ages, activity levels and growth stages:
- Light, durable prosthetic feet that support daily movement on various surfaces
- Pediatric knee joints that provide stability and easy kneeling for children at different developmental stages
- Prosthetic feet for sports and running with high energy return that support physical education and play activities
- Microprocessor knee joints that adapt in real time for walking, playing and growing
It is important that prostheses for children are durable, suitable for various weather and ground conditions, and sturdy enough to withstand the child's active life.
Socket and liner fit
The liner is a special sleeve that covers the residual limb while the prosthesis is worn. In children, it is particularly important that the liner is adapted to the growing body, developmental stage and rate of growth. Skin-friendly silicone liners are easy to put on and take off, can be cleaned and provide a secure fit.
The socket is the direct physical connection between the child and the prosthesis. Because body structure differs from person to person, this component is usually not mass-produced; a certified prosthetist-orthotist custom-makes it to fit the child's residual limb. Correct socket fit is decisive for comfort, safety and balanced movement.
Follow-up as the child grows
As children grow, prosthetic components need to be reassessed regularly and adapted when necessary. Selecting, adjusting and following up the appropriate device is a process carried out through physician assessment and collaboration with a specialist team.
This content is for informational purposes only; you should consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
