Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services Opens First Freestanding Location in Tampa

Shriners Children’s has a new footprint in the Tampa Bay area! On August 1, Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) moved to a new location on North Florida Avenue, located just off Interstate 275. POPS in Tampa is the first freestanding POPS department within the Shriners Children’s healthcare system, and is now accepting new patient referrals from outside providers. Now, any child in the community can benefit from the amazing care that POPS delivers.

Tampa’s new POPS facility fabricates the same individualized devices you would expect to see within other POPS departments system-wide. From custom knee-ankle-foot orthoses and scoliosis orthoses, to upper- and lower-extremity prosthetics, the team in POPS is there to customize equipment with the proper fit and function to help children thrive. They understand the unique requirements of children’s growing bodies, and how those requirements evolve as they get older. They give kids a chance to express themselves and take pride in their abilities.

“The people in POPS believe that I can do anything, and then make it possible for me to try,” said Patient Ambassador Grace. Born without hands or feet, the now teenager grew up wearing POPS’ prostheses, and keeps staff busy as she explores new hobbies and interests. Throughout her lifetime as a Shriners Children’s patient, Grace has received more than 15 sets of prosthetic legs and other devices from the team in POPS. She loves the outdoors, riding her bike, swimming, going to the beach and taking trips with her family. Thanks to the continuity of care provided by Shriners Children’s, Grace gets to enjoy these things and more, with increased mobility and independence – something every parent wants for their child.

Conditions that may require orthotic and prosthetic services include scoliosis, cerebral palsy, hip disorders, intoeing, toe walking, limb length discrepancies, limb deficiencies and spina bifida, to name a few.