Deciding if a prosthesis is the right option for your child

 

Your child's decision whether or not to wear a denture will depend on what they want to do. As a first step, you should discuss your child's goals and needs with your prosthetic provider so they can find the most suitable device.

 

For example: If your child has a lower limb difference, a prosthetic leg can help with mobility and the way they move around home, school, or in the community. Most people with lower extremity differences wear prostheses every day. The type of prosthesis will depend on your child's age and level of mobility. Prostheses for young children are quite simple. As you grow, a wider choice of prosthetics becomes available.

 

Children with upper extremity differences may decide not to wear prostheses every day. They can use prostheses only while doing a certain activity, such as playing sports, playing a musical instrument, or painting. Upper extremity prostheses are often customized to suit the activity.

 

Organizing a prosthesis for your child

 

Your child's prosthesis will be fitted and cared for by a prosthetist at a hospital or private limb clinic. Ask your prosthetist to show you and your child some examples to better understand how the device looks and works.

 

You will go to several appointments to measure, fit and check your prosthesis.

 

Evaluation appointment – ​​measuring your child

 

This meeting will include taking measurements of your child's remaining limb and possibly a cast. This plaster is then used to make a shaped socket to fit your child. The casting process doesn't hurt or take too long. After the assessment, it may take several weeks for you to move on to the next step - don't make it up.

 

Placement appointment – ​​trying on the prosthesis

 

At this meeting, your prosthodontist will attach the prosthetic socket to your child to make sure it fits correctly. At this time, the prosthodontist can make changes to the socket to ensure that the socket fits comfortably and well. This is usually done by what is called the control socket. A control socket can be set before making the final socket. If a child is fitted with a lower limb prosthesis, the prosthesis specialist will check the alignment and height of the prosthesis.

 

Review appointment – ​​check if the prosthesis still fits

 

As your child grows, his or her prosthesis will need to be adjusted.

 

– possibly every 3 months initially, or more often if a growth spurt occurs. But appointments decrease over time. When your child's socket grows, a new one is made.

 

Getting the most out of my child's prosthesis

 

It will take time for your child to get used to living with a prosthesis. The whole family can help by participating. As your child grows, the prosthesis will need to be adjusted and/or a new prosthesis made.