Pediatric Prosthetics: A Parent’s Handbook
If your child has a limb difference or is faced with an amputation, you probably have a hundred questions and a few worries too. You are not alone. At Floyd Brace, we have helped South Carolina families for over 80 years, and we believe care should feel human, organized, and hopeful. This guide walks you through what to expect, from the first evaluation to everyday life, so you can make confident decisions for your family.
Our promise: Expert care and heartfelt support since 1942.
Pediatric prosthetics 101
What a prosthesis can and cannot do
A prosthesis is a tool that helps a child do more of the things they love. It can support balance, reach, mobility, and independence. It will not define your child’s potential or personality. The best results happen when the device, training, and family support all work together.
Prosthetic timing by age and milestones
Every child is unique. Some children benefit from early exposure to a device to build body awareness and motor skills. Others start later when specific goals appear, such as walking with peers, riding a bike, or playing an instrument. Your prosthetist and therapy team will help you choose the right timing based on age, growth, and goals.
Team approach
Great care is a team effort. Your team may include a pediatric prosthetist, pediatrician or surgeon, physical or occupational therapist, and of course your family. We coordinate with your providers, share updates, and adjust quickly when needs change.
Is my child ready? Signs and referral pathways
Common reasons for a first referral include congenital limb differences, cancer care, or trauma. Referrals can come from pediatricians, orthopedic surgeons, physical medicine physicians, or therapists. If you feel your child is ready, ask your provider for an evaluation or contact our team directly. We will guide you through next steps and work with your clinical partners.
The journey: from evaluation to first steps
What happens at the first visit
Your first visit is friendly and low stress. We get to know your child, review medical history, and talk about goals. We may scan or cast the limb to capture an accurate shape. Your child can see and touch example components, which helps the process feel familiar and fun.
Fitting day
On fitting day, we focus on comfort and confidence. We check alignment, skin contact, and movement. Your child practices simple tasks, like standing balance, grasp and release, or sit-to-stand transitions. Early Wins matter, so we celebrate progress and set an easy home plan.
Follow-ups and fast tweaks
Kids grow fast, and devices often need quick adjustments. We schedule follow-ups to keep fit, function, and comfort on track. You will have a direct line to request fast tweaks, because small changes can make a big difference in school and play.
Types of pediatric prostheses
Upper-limb
Passive or cosmetic: lightweight and durable for protection and basic tasks.
Body-powered: uses cables and harnessing that a child controls with body movement.
Myoelectric: uses tiny muscle signals to open and close a hand or power the wrist. Great for specific activities and training goals.
Lower-limb
Below-knee and above-knee: components are selected for stability, safety, and growth.
Knees and feet: from simple, steady options for new walkers to energy-storing feet for active kids.
Activity limbs: swim legs, running blades, or sports-specific tools that keep kids safely in the game.
Growing kids, growing devices
Children often outgrow sockets faster than they wear them out. Typical replacement cadence is driven by growth spurts and activity level. We plan for growth room and teach you signs that show it is time to check fit, such as redness that does not fade within 20 minutes, new pressure marks, or slipping.
Daily life and confidence building
School, recess, and sports
We help you prepare a simple school plan that covers donning and doffing, storage, and playground safety. Coaches and teachers appreciate clear instructions, so we provide tips and can speak with them if needed. Kids thrive when they can participate, and many sports have adaptive options.
Skin care, comfort, and maintenance
Clean the liner daily with mild soap and water, then let it dry fully. Check the skin each night. If you see persistent redness or blisters, call us. Keep sand and dirt out of moving parts and wipe things down after beach or park days.
Confidence and peer questions
Kids are naturally curious. You can coach simple, child-friendly responses such as, “This is my special hand that helps me do things,” or, “It helps me run and play.” Confidence starts with comfort and support at home, and we are here for both.
Therapy and training at home
Your therapist will design a plan that fits your child’s stage. At home, short bursts of practice work best. Try games like stacking cups, catching balloons, or stepping over chalk lines. Build skills into daily routines, such as carrying light items to the table or clipping papers for school. Safety always comes first. If your child falls frequently, has pain, or avoids the device, reach out for a check.
Insurance, funding, and paperwork
Insurance focuses on medical necessity and function. Good documentation speeds approvals, so we collaborate with your providers on letters and therapy notes. Because children grow, payers often allow more frequent replacements than for adults. Our team guides families through benefits, authorizations, and any needed appeals.
Why choose Floyd Brace for kids
You want experts who listen and make time for your family. Floyd Brace is local, independent, and focused on relationships. We aim to keep the same clinician with your child through the journey. With locations in North Charleston, Charleston, Walterboro, Georgetown, Conway, Irmo, and Orangeburg, families can choose the clinic that is easiest to reach. Our pediatric experience includes upper- and lower-limb devices, activity limbs, and close coordination with physicians and therapists.
What to bring to your first appointment
Insurance card and photo ID
Any clinic notes, imaging, or prescriptions
Current device or brace if your child has one
Comfortable shorts or a short-sleeve shirt that allows easy access
A list of your goals and questions
A favorite toy or snack for younger kids
Real stories, real progress
We routinely see children reach milestones that grow confidence and independence. A young swimmer using a water-safe limb, a middle-schooler joining track, a kindergartener mastering scissors and crayons with a myoelectric hand. Children flourish with the right device, training, and support.
Ready when you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can a child start using a prosthesis?
It depends on goals and medical guidance. Some children start with simple devices during early development to build body awareness. Others start when specific tasks become important. Your care team will help you choose the right timing.
Will my child outgrow the device quickly?
Children grow fast, so expect more frequent socket updates. We design with growth in mind and schedule routine checks to stay ahead of discomfort.
How often are adjustments needed, and how fast can you see us?
Small changes can improve comfort and function right away. We offer timely appointments to keep school, therapy, and sports on track.
What is the difference between body-powered and myoelectric arms for kids?
Body-powered arms rely on cables your child moves with body motion. Myoelectric arms use muscle signals to control a hand or wrist. We consider age, goals, and training when recommending options.
Is therapy required after getting a prosthesis?
Therapy is strongly encouraged. It helps children learn safe movement patterns, build strength, and make the most of their device.
How do we handle school, PE, and playground time?
We provide a simple school plan, tips for storage and care, and guidance for PE. We can speak with teachers and coaches if you like.
What should we do if the device causes redness or discomfort?
Take the device off and check the skin. If redness does not fade in 20 minutes, or if there is pain or blisters, contact us. Do not wait, since small fit issues can grow.
How does insurance coverage work for pediatric prosthetics?
Coverage varies by plan, yet most focus on medical necessity and function. We help with benefits checks, documentation, and authorizations.
Can my child swim or play sports with a prosthesis?
Yes, many kids enjoy sports with the right setup. Activity limbs or water-friendly options may be recommended for safety and performance.
What can we bring to make the first appointment easier?
Insurance information, medical notes, current devices, comfy clothes, and a short list of goals. For younger children, a favorite toy or snack helps.
Do you coordinate with our pediatrician or surgeon?
Yes. We share updates and collaborate on documentation and goals with your permission.
Where are your nearest clinics, and can we transfer care as we move?
We serve families in North Charleston, Charleston, Walterboro, Georgetown, Conway, Irmo, and Orangeburg. If your family moves, we help you transition care smoothly.
Final encouragement
Your child’s future is bright. With the right device, a supportive team, and a clear plan, kids do more than adapt. They thrive. When you are ready, we are ready to help.
