Limb Deficiency Care
Our World-Class, Internationally-Recognized Physicians Treat Even the Most Challenging Cases
Every year, roughly four of every 10,000 babies will be born with an upper limb deficiency, while two in every 10,000 will be born with a lower limb deficiency. Some babies are born with both.
Limb deficiency occurs when part or all of a child's limb does not completely form during pregnancy.
There isn't one known cause of congenital limb deficiencies, and the condition can vary widely from child to child. Deficiencies can affect the thigh, lower leg, foot or all of these parts. The truth is that researchers are still working toward understanding the causes.
Treatment at Shriners Children's
The Shriners Children's physicians who treat pediatric limb deficiencies practice a highly specialized area of health care. Here, we believe in collaborating with families to build personalized treatment plans tailored to each child's needs. We take into consideration the child’s age, the severity of the discrepancy and the child’s ability to participate in the treatment plan.
Treatment options may include limb lengthening, physical therapy, occupational therapy and, in some cases, amputation.
When you come to Shriners Children's, your child may be seen be our Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department, which designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children. These devices include shoe inserts, braces, and, when needed, artificial limbs. These craftspeople are specially trained to work with children and collaborate with physicians and rehabilitation therapists to provide your child a customized, personalized device, depending on their specific needs.
Care for the Whole Family
A limb deficiency diagnosis 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 Shriners Children's, you'll have an entire care team to guide you. The team has extensive experience working with families with a child who has a limb deficiency, and we understand the concerns of children and parents navigating this journey.
Our teams include physicians, specialized nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and in some locations, mental health professionals, to provide complete care designed to help children with limb deficiencies feel confident while dealing with the challenges of life with a limb deficiency and the treatment that is required.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
The goal for treatment at Shriners Children's is to give your child a limb that works and looks right. Treatment goals can vary for each child. They may include:
- Helping your child grow and develop
- Helping your child feel a sense of independence
- Encouraging self-care
- Improving how the limb looks
Treatments vary depending on your child's condition. Options may include:
- Artificial limbs, called prosthetics
- Splints or braces, called orthotics
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation, such as physical or occupational therapy
I get to be that person I didn’t have as a kid. I just ask myself, ‘Who does 8-year-old Zach need?’ Then I go be that person.
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