Children's Prostheses
Prosthetic applications in children and follow-up as they grow.
What are pediatric prostheses?
Pediatric prostheses are artificial limbs designed for children who are missing part or all of an upper or lower limb from birth or because of illness or injury. They aim to partially take over the function of an arm, hand, leg or foot and to support the child's participation in movement, play and activities of daily living.
Unlike adult prostheses, pediatric prostheses are designed to adapt to a body that is constantly growing and developing. They are adjusted according to the child's age, developmental stage, activity level and rate of growth, and are reassessed at regular intervals and renewed or adjusted when necessary.
The aim of pediatric prosthetic care is not only to replace the missing limb but also to support the child's independence, balance and posture, social participation and self-confidence. The suitable type of prosthesis and its components are determined according to the child's individual needs through the assessment of the relevant healthcare and technical specialists.
Pediatric prosthetic applications
Different prosthetic applications are planned according to the child's needs and activities. You can go to the relevant page from the headings below.
Pediatric Leg Prosthesis
A pediatric lower limb prosthesis at the hip, knee or foot level that supports independence in play, balance and daily life.
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Pediatric Arm Prosthesis
Cosmetic, body-powered and myoelectric pediatric upper limb prostheses, from the finger to the shoulder, that support grasping, play and everyday skills.
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Pediatric Running Prosthesis
A lightweight and durable running blade that provides energy return for running and sports and complements the everyday prosthesis.
Learn moreUpper limb (arm and hand) prostheses
Arm and hand prostheses support children with a limb difference in the fingers, hand, forearm, elbow or shoulder area. They come in various types suitable for different ages and activities. Some are simple, lightweight hands used mainly for appearance and balance, while others are more complex systems that work with muscle signals and support functions such as grasping. The suitable type is chosen according to the child's age, development and daily needs.
- Cosmetic (passive) prostheses: lightweight; provide support for everyday balance and appearance.
- Body-powered prostheses: draw power from body movements through a harness and cable system.
- Myoelectric prostheses: move an electric hand or components using signals from muscle contractions in the residual limb.
- Activity-specific prostheses: can be used with terminal devices intended for specific games, sports or daily tasks.
Lower limb (leg and foot) prostheses
Leg and foot prostheses help children with a limb difference at the hip, knee, foot or toe level move more safely, take part in play and activities and become more independent in daily life. Lower limb prostheses come in various designs suitable for different ages, activity levels and stages of growth; each is chosen and adjusted according to the child's individual needs and goals.
- Prosthetic feet: lightweight and durable solutions for daily activities; help maintain balance on various surfaces.
- Pediatric prosthetic knees: components sized for different developmental stages that support sitting down, standing up and walking.
- Microprocessor-controlled knees: sensor-based solutions intended to improve stability by adapting to the gait in real time.
- Sports prosthetic feet: lightweight designs that provide energy return for running and physical activities.
The developmental importance of early fitting
Starting prosthetic fitting at a suitable stage of development may make it easier for the child to accept the prosthesis as a natural part of their body. Using both hands or both legs together is important for bilateral skills such as grasping objects, dressing, school activities and play. In addition, balanced support from both sides may contribute to the child developing posture and movement that are as natural as possible, helping to reduce compensatory movements that overload one side of the body. The timing and type of fitting vary for each child and require a specialist's assessment.
- Exploring the environment: grasping and control skills support play and interaction.
- Mastering everyday skills: getting used to bilateral activities early.
- Balanced posture and movement: reducing compensatory strain.
Features to consider in pediatric prostheses
Because children are constantly growing and very active, it is important that pediatric prostheses are durable, lightweight and suitable for different conditions. The prosthesis should be sturdy enough to withstand the loads created during running, jumping and play, and at the same time comfortable and easy to use so that it supports the child's social and physical development. Regular check-ups and adjustments may be needed as the child grows.
- Durability: sturdiness suited to intensive daily activities and play.
- Lightness and comfort: materials and design that reduce fatigue during long-term use.
- Adaptability to different conditions: resistance to indoor and outdoor use, different surfaces and weather conditions.
- Adapting to growth: the need for reassessment and adjustment at regular intervals.
Liner and socket: the foundation of fit
The liner is a special sleeve that surrounds the residual limb while the prosthesis is worn and plays a critical role in comfort and secure suspension. In children, it is important that the liner is chosen to suit the growing body and the unique shape of the residual limb; options made from skin-friendly materials that are easy to put on, take off and clean are preferred. The socket is the direct connection between the child and the prosthesis; since every body is different, it is usually custom-made according to the residual limb. Correctly selecting and fitting the liner and socket is a technical process carried out through the assessment of a certified prosthetics and orthotics specialist.
- Liner: a personal sleeve fitted to the residual limb that provides comfort and secure suspension.
- Socket: the custom-made interface, prepared according to the residual limb, that connects the prosthesis to the body.
- Specialist fitting: regular check-ups and adjustments for a safe, stable and comfortable fit.
Application process
Physician's prescription / report
The process starts with a prescription or medical report issued by a specialist physician. No application is made without a prescription or report.
Assessment and measurement
The person's condition is assessed; measurements are taken for custom-made production and a service plan is prepared.
Production and fitting
The custom-made prosthesis or orthosis is produced; fit and alignment are adjusted during the fitting stage.
Application and user training
The device is applied; use, cleaning and care are explained.
Follow-up
Follow-up is provided for check-ups, maintenance and repair after the application.
Related informational content
Prosthetic Fittings for Children: An Informational Guide
ReadInformation on Pediatric Prostheses and Their Components
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Information on Microprocessor Knee Joints for Children
ReadApplications are carried out in line with a specialist physician's prescription or medical report, at our licensed center addresses. This content is for information only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.