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Family-centered Care by a Medical Team Dedicated to Pediatric Orthopedics and Amputation Care

About 2 million people in the United States are living with a loss of a limb. More than 185,000 surgical amputations are performed each year.

The most common reasons for which Shriners Children's physicians recommend amputation include blood vessel diseases, diabetes, bone infections, injuries and surgeries to remove tumors.

Loss of a limb can impact a child's movement, mobility and self-image. Shriners Children's philosophy is to provide compassionate, family-centered care to help kids lead productive, fulfilling lives. Rehabilitation begins shortly after surgery and expands as the child's condition improves. The talented, skilled technicians in our Pediatric Orthotics and Prosthetics Services department will work with your child to create the perfect artificial limb.

A Team Approach

An amputation can be stressful for the entire family. Those stressors can include fears about your child's future and insecurity about making the right decisions. Be reassured that if your child comes to us for amputation, you'll have a Shriners Children's care team to guide you. Your child’s surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, and other care providers understand the concerns of children and parents navigating this journey.

We’ve seen children with amputations successfully progress through childhood, as they become active preschoolers, elementary school gymnasts, and teens confidently socializing with friends and succeeding in sports.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

I can do everything I set my mind to. The only limitations I have are the limitations I set on myself.
Colton, St. Louis
female with prosthetic arm playing violin

Helping Your Child Live the Life They Want to Live

A visit to one of our master Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services specialists is about more than measurements and mechanics. It is about sharing hopes and dreams with a trained professional who understands the needs of children, providing information that allows the technicians to return to the lab and design the perfect fit. Every day, these craftspeople help improve the quality of life for our patients. Come learn more.

Services We Provide

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Physical Therapy

Physical therapy at Shriners Children's helps children build confidence and strength, focusing on what is important to them and what they love to do in their daily lives.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists at Shriners Children's help kids be as independent as possible, focusing on what is important to them and what they love to do in their daily lives.

Motion Analysis

The specialists in Shriners Children’s motion analysis centers collect and analyze movement-related data, like gait analysis, to help treat children with neuromuscular, acquired or congenital disorders.

Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS)

Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children from infants to young adults.

Pediatric Rehabilitation

Shriners Children's specializes in supporting your child physically, developmentally and emotionally to reach his or her pediatric rehabilitation and therapy goals.

Care Management

The care management team at Shriners Children's consists of registered nurses and social workers who act as resources for families throughout their plan of care.

Psychiatry & Psychological Services

Our psychologists at Shriners Children's specialize in evaluating and providing support to children and their families who are adjusting to a new diagnosis or having difficulty in their everyday lives due to trauma.

Next Steps

Request an Appointment

Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.

Log in to the Patient Portal

Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.

Refer a Patient

Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.