Orthotics and prosthetics are custom-made devices that support your child’s bones, joints or limbs. Orthotics are braces that support or align a body part. Prosthetics replace a missing body part, such as an arm or leg.
These devices are often recommended for children who have special orthopedic needs, including limb differences, scoliosis, clubfoot or sports-related injuries.
Our Approach to Orthotics and Prosthetics
At Scottish Rite, we understand that children are not small adults. Their bones and muscles are still growing, and their orthotic and prosthetic care will reflect that.
Your child may need prostheses or orthoses for many reasons. For instance, prostheses can help kids with missing limbs gain mobility, function and independence. Orthoses can help kids recover after injuries, prevent injuries or support mobility and functional challenges from other orthopedic conditions.
Multidisciplinary Care
If your child needs a prosthetic or orthotic device, their care begins in a multidisciplinary clinic where we assess their unique needs.
Our Orthotics and Prosthetics team works closely with your child’s care team to develop the best plan. Together, we review options and create a clear path forward for your child.
Custom Devices, Built On-site
We design, customize and fabricate orthoses and prostheses in our state-of-the-art, on-site labs in Dallas and Frisco. We ensure every device is:
- Personalized for your child’s goals and interests
- Adjustable to accommodate growth
- Built with the most advanced techniques, including CAD/CAM and 3D printing
Since our Orthotics and Prosthetics team is on-site, we’re able to adjust and repair your child’s device quickly. This helps your child return to school, sports and daily life without unnecessary delays.
Types of Orthotics and Prosthetics
We provide a wide range of orthotic and prosthetic devices for children of all ages.
Upper Limb Prostheses
Custom arm and hand prostheses designed for daily tasks, school activities, sports and cosmetic restoration. For these devices, we will coordinate with your child’s Hand and Upper Extremity team.
Lower Limb Prostheses
Leg prostheses for all amputation levels, including microprocessor knees and specialized running or sport blades. We work with Gait Analysis experts in the Movement Science Lab to improve your child’s alignment and performance.
Activity-specific Prostheses
Custom devices for running, cycling, dancing, skiing and swimming. We will also work with your child’s Sports Medicine expert to tailor the device to your child’s needs.
Pediatric Orthotics
Custom braces and supportive devices to improve alignment, stability and mobility for growing children. We also work closely with the casting team to provide your child the support they need.
Clubfoot Braces
Custom braces used after casting treatment for clubfoot to help keep your child’s foot in the correct position. These braces are an important part of the Ponseti method and help prevent the condition from returning.
Scoliosis Braces
Custom braces designed to help guide your child’s spine as they grow and help prevent curve progression. We use advanced scanning technology to create a brace that is carefully fitted to your child’s body.
Benefits of Orthotics and Prosthetics
Our goal is to help your child move freely and participate in the activities they love.
Prosthetic and orthotic devices can help your child:
- Walk, run and play with friends
- Participate in sports and hobbies
- Gain independence
- Improve balance and alignment
- Prevent joint or muscle strain
- Build confidence at school and socially
What to Expect With Orthotic and Prosthetic Care
For your first appointment, make sure to bring:
- Existing prostheses or braces
- Shorts (for lower limb prostheses)
- Athletic shoes
- A list of questions for providers
At this appointment, your child will first meet with their care team to evaluate their needs. If your child needs a device, their care team will refer you to our Orthotics and Prosthetics team.
Often, you will be able to see our Orthotics and Prosthetics team the same day as your clinic visit. This means you can begin treatment right away without scheduling a separate visit elsewhere.
Getting Your Child’s Device
If your child needs an orthotic or prosthetic device, one of our specialists will first measure and fit them. This is a painless process that may include casting or digital scanning.
Our team will fabricate the device in our in-house lab, using the most advanced technology available. This ensures your child’s device is built by pediatric specialists with materials designed specifically for kids.
Once the device is ready, the Orthotics and Prosthetics team will work with your child to ensure the device is fitted and aligned properly. We can make adjustments on site whenever needed.
Children are continually growing, so their device will need regular adjustments to maintain the right fit. Most children require three to four adjustments per year. They also typically need a replacement approximately every 12 to 15 months during growth spurts.
Orthotic Device Fitting and Adjustment
Most orthotic devices are custom-made to fit your child’s size, shape and needs. This process usually begins with a mold of your child’s arm or leg so the device fits as comfortably and accurately as possible.
When making a custom device, we typically mold your child at the first visit and see them back in approximately two weeks for fitting and delivery of the device.
As your child grows, the orthotics team adjusts the brace or braces to ensure a good fit. A brace typically lasts about one year before you need to get it replaced due to your child’s growth.
Our orthotists and technicians monitor and adjust shoes and braces throughout the treatment process. They can also add lifts to your child’s existing shoes when needed due to differences in leg length.
Prosthetic Device Fitting and Training
At Scottish Rite, we specialize in caring for kids with limb loss and amputation. Our prosthetists are highly skilled in helping them learn how to live and thrive with a custom-made prosthesis.
The steps to make a prosthesis typically begin three to four weeks after surgery. This allows time for healing before fitting the first prosthesis. Your child will typically need three to four separate visits to help them transition and adjust to the prosthesis.
We will work closely with your child’s providers in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Gait Analysis to support their progress.
Risks of Orthotic and Prosthetic
Using orthotic and prosthetic devices is relatively safe. However, minor risks include:
- Fit issues due to growth
- Skin irritation or breakdown
- Temporary discomfort
These side effects are typically minor and easily addressed with some adjustments. Our team is available to adjust the device whenever needed.
We will teach you and your child how to monitor their skin health and adjust clothing appropriately. If your child experiences redness, pain or skin changes, contact their care team.
Why Choose Us?
Nationally renowned and highly trained specialists: Our Orthotic & Prosthetic experts are national leaders in the field with over 50 years of clinical and research leadership. They specialize in the latest technologies and approaches that offer your child the most comfortable and effective results.
Coordinated care, all in one place: If your child needs a prosthetic or orthotic device, you can get all their care in one place. Our specialists work side by side with your child’s surgeons, therapists, psychologists and others to provide seamless, coordinated care.
Expertise in limb loss: Scottish Rite sees more children who need prostheses for limb loss and amputations than most places in the country. With this level of expertise, we’ve helped thousands of children regain independence and get back to enjoying activities they love.
