Custom-made Prosthetics & Orthotics for Kids
Helping children live happy, active lives
At Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, we’re passionate about helping children move with confidence and get the most out of everyday life.
Your child will be cared for by one of our three experienced clinicians — Peter, Anton or Aidan — from assessment through to fitting and ongoing care. With more than 30+ years of experience, our team takes the time to understand your child’s medical history, development and everyday activities to find a solution that fits their life.
We design, manufacture and fit every device in our own workshop, allowing us to make adjustments quickly without relying on interstate suppliers.
And with dedicated play areas in our clinics, we make every visit as comfortable and positive as possible for children and their families.
Custom-made prosthetics for children
Children’s Prosthetics
A prosthesis replaces a limb a child was born without or has lost. Whether a child uses one, and what kind, depends on their age and stage of development, their activity level, the type and level of limb difference, and — just as importantly — what they want to be able to do.
Our prosthetists, Peter, Anton and Aidan design, manufacture and fit prostheses for children across our Brisbane, Toowoomba and Townsville clinics, using lightweight, flexible and skin-friendly materials suited to small, growing bodies. Children’s prostheses use a different set of components to adult ones. As a child grows, smaller adult components can be introduced, which opens up a wider range of options.
Recreational and sports prostheses
For many children this is the part that matters most. A recreational prosthesis lets your child join in with family and friends rather than sit out. That might be a waterproof leg for swimming and the beach, a leg built for running or soccer, or an arm set up for riding a bike.
Growing children need more frequent changes
Children outgrow prostheses. Sockets need adjusting or remaking as a limb grows and changes shape, and components get replaced as your child gets bigger and more active. We manufacture in-house, so adjustments can be made without long waits. We’ll talk you through what to expect and when, so reviews and replacements can be planned into NDIS funding rather than becoming a surprise.
Children’s prostheses we provide:
Lower limb
- Everyday walking prostheses, from low activity through to high activity
- Sports and recreation prostheses — running, swimming, cycling and more
Upper limb
- Body-powered (conventional) prostheses
- Externally powered (myo-electric) prostheses
- Hybrid prostheses, combining both
- Cosmetic (passive) prostheses
- Sports and recreation prostheses
Every prosthesis is made to your child’s own measurements, with appointments available at our Brisbane, Toowoomba and Townsville clinics.
Custom-made orthotics for children
Children’s Orthotics
An orthosis — often just called a brace, splint or orthotic — is a device worn on the body to support a limb, hold a joint in a better position, reduce pain, or make walking, standing and using the hands easier.
Children are referred to us for all sorts of reasons: cerebral palsy, a foot or leg that turns in, toe walking, a wrist or hand that needs support, recovery after surgery, or protection while a fracture heals.
We design, manufacture and fit our children’s orthoses in-house at our Brisbane and Toowoomba clinics. Every device is made to your child’s own measurements, and because we make them ourselves, adjustments and repairs can usually be turned around quickly — which matters when children grow fast and are hard on their equipment.
Custom-made orthoses we provide for children
- Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) — ankle and foot braces to improve walking, foot position and stability
- Knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) — full-leg braces for children who need support above the knee
- Foot orthoses — custom insoles for foot, leg and postural concerns
- Fracture bracing — protective support while a break heals
- Upper limb orthoses — functional and static arm braces
Not sure which your child needs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children get prosthetics?
Yes. Children can use prosthetic limbs and other prosthetic devices to help them participate in everyday activities at home, school and in the community.
The type of prosthesis recommended depends on your child’s age, development, activity level and individual needs. Some children may benefit from lower-limb prosthetics for walking and mobility, while upper-limb prosthetics may be used for specific activities or to support everyday function.
What materials are used in children's prosthetics?
Children’s prosthetics are made using a range of lightweight, strong and durable materials, including titanium, aluminium, carbon fibre and specialised plastics. The materials and components used will depend on the type of prosthesis and your child’s individual needs.
We use quality components and materials from established prosthetic manufacturers to create devices designed for children’s everyday activities.
What are the benefits and challenges of children's prosthetics?
A well-fitted prosthesis can help children participate in everyday activities, play, sport and other activities with greater independence.
Children’s prosthetics are designed with their growth, development and activity levels in mind. However, getting used to a prosthesis can take time, and issues such as pressure, skin irritation or changes in fit can occur.
Regular reviews and adjustments are important as your child grows and their needs change.
How can I prevent problems with my child's prosthesis?
Regular adjustments and reviews can help maintain a comfortable fit as your child grows. Keeping liners and skin clean and dry can also help reduce friction and irritation.
If your child experiences persistent discomfort, skin changes or problems with their prosthesis, speak with their prosthetist so the fit and device can be assessed.
How much does a prosthetic for a child cost?
The cost of a children’s prosthesis varies considerably depending on the type of prosthesis, components, technology and your child’s individual requirements.
Because children grow and their needs change, additional costs may also be required over time for adjustments, socket replacements or new prostheses.
We can discuss your child’s requirements and provide information about the expected costs during your consultation.
How often do children's prosthetics need to be replaced?
Children generally need prosthetic devices reviewed and adjusted more frequently than adults because they are growing and developing.
The timing of a replacement depends on your child’s growth, changes in their activity and the condition and fit of the prosthesis. Some components or sockets may need to be replaced sooner than the complete prosthesis.
Regular reviews allow us to identify when adjustments or replacement are needed.