If your child was born with or developed a limb difference, you likely have questions about growth, mobility and long-term function.
At Scottish Rite for Children, we focus on helping your child move comfortably, build independence and reach meaningful goals.
Our Approach to Limb Differences Care
If your child has a limb difference, their legs or arms may be shorter, shaped differently or have missing parts at birth or after an injury. You may wonder how it will affect walking, balance, school activities or independence. You may also think ahead to growth and what changes might come over time.
We build care plans around those real-life questions.
We Focus on Function First
We look at how your child moves, plays and participates in daily life. We do not treat X-rays alone.
Our team evaluates:
- Walking and balance
- Joint stability
- Strength and coordination
- Comfort during sitting or activity
Every recommendation connects back to improving daily function.
We Plan Around Growth
Children grow quickly, and limb differences can change over time. Our pediatric orthopedic specialists understand growth plates and timing of correction. We monitor growth carefully and intervene when it supports long-term mobility.
Sometimes that means observation. Sometimes it means bracing or prosthetics. Sometimes it means surgery at the right stage of development.
At Scottish Rite, we recognize that every child grows differently. That’s why treatment plans are tailored to each child’s specific needs and goals.
We Personalize and Coordinate Care
No two children have the same limb difference or the same goals. Depending on your child’s needs, care may involve:
- Pediatric orthopedic surgery
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Psychology
- Therapeutic recreation
We coordinate care so your child’s providers work toward shared goals.
We Focus on Meaningful Outcomes
Our approach helps your child:
- Move more comfortably
- Walk or balance with greater confidence
- Participate in school and activities
- Build independence
- Avoid unnecessary procedures
We adjust the plan as your child grows, so care evolves with their needs.
What to Expect
Your first visit focuses on understanding your child’s needs and goals.
It typically includes:
- A physical exam
- Imaging
- Discussion of growth and future planning
- Review of current braces or prosthetics
Please bring any assistive devices your child uses so we can evaluate fit and function.
Some children need monitoring only. Others may benefit from bracing, therapy or surgery. We explain every option clearly, so you can make informed decisions.
Limb Differences Care Tests and Treatments
We offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment options, including:
- Bone shortening procedures (used to balance limb length)
- External fixators for gradual correction (circular frames used to slowly adjust bone position)
- Epiphysiodesis (growth modulation surgery)
- Limb lengthening
- Limb reconstruction surgery
- Orthotics and prosthetics, including custom bracing and limb support
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
Treatment depends on the size of the discrepancy, projected growth and your child’s goals.
We review every option carefully before recommending surgery.
Why Choose Us?
National expertise in pediatric limb care: Our surgeons specialize in complex limb differences in growing children. This experience helps guide precise timing and long-term planning.
Coordinated care in one program: Orthopedics, prosthetics, therapy and support services work together in one coordinated system. This reduces delays and keeps care aligned.
Long-term growth planning: We follow children through critical growth years. Our experience helps prevent future complications and supports lifelong function.
