Our Process
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Consult
Finding the right solution begins with a thorough consultation and assessment. We take a cast or scan of the residual limb for a prosthesis, or the body part that needs support or correction for an orthosis.
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Design
Using the cast or scan, we create a physical plaster of paris mould and/or generate a CAD mould which is then carefully re-worked to create a custom design for a prosthesis or orthotic.
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Manufacture
The prosthesis or orthotic is produced for trial (e.g. a test socket) or permanent use using state-of-the-art equipment, components and lightweight, flexible, skin-friendly materials.
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Fitting
Fit, comfort and function are vital. Typically more than one fitting is required to custom fit a prosthesis or orthosis, and it is standard practice for a patient to trial a prosthesis before the definitive prosthesis/orthosis is completed.
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Ongoing Care
Prosthetic and orthotic devices need to be serviced to maintain effective function, and adjustments carried out to accommodate physical changes and optimise fit.
Children’s Prosthetics
Children’s Prosthetics & Paediatric Prosthetic Care
At Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, we provide personalised children’s prosthetic and paediatric prosthetic services to help children live active, independent and fulfilling lives.
With more than 30 years of experience, our experienced Prosthetists and Orthotists understand that every child is different. We work closely with children, parents and carers to understand their medical history, development, daily activities and goals before recommending the most appropriate prosthetic solution.
Our Prosthetists Peter, Anton and Aidan provide specialist prosthetic care from our clinics in Brisbane, Toowoomba and Townsville, supporting children and families throughout Queensland.
talk to our prosthetists
Prosthetics Designed for Growing Children
Children are constantly growing and developing, so their prosthetic needs can change over time. We regularly assess prosthetic fit, comfort, function and componentry and make adjustments or recommend replacement components as required.
When designing a child’s prosthesis, we consider factors including:
- Age and developmental stage
- Level and type of limb loss or limb difference
- Mobility and physical abilities
- School, play and everyday activities
- Sport and recreational interests
- Comfort and skin health
- The child’s and family’s goals
There is no single prosthetic solution that is right for every child. We take an individualised, child-centred approach to help each child achieve their own goals.
Children’s Upper & Lower Limb Prosthetics
We provide a range of paediatric upper and lower limb prostheses, including:
- Body-powered upper limb prostheses
- Myoelectric and externally powered prostheses
- Hybrid and cosmetic upper limb prostheses
- Lower limb prostheses for different activity levels
- Sport and recreational prostheses
- Activity-specific prostheses
We select prosthetic components and materials based on each child’s individual requirements, with a focus on comfort, durability, function and appropriate weight.
Prosthetics for Sport, Play & Recreation
Being able to play, participate in sport and spend time with friends and family is an important part of childhood.
Recreational prostheses can provide additional opportunities for children to participate in activities such as swimming, surfing, cycling, running and soccer.
Depending on the child’s needs, an activity-specific prosthesis may be designed to make participation easier and more enjoyable. We work closely with coaches and para sporting organisations to help your child to excel in sport.
SPORT AND RECREATION PROSTHETICS
A Child-Centred Approach
We want children to feel comfortable and confident when visiting our clinics. Our clinics include dedicated play areas with toys and games, helping create a relaxed and welcoming environment for children and their families.
We also work with parents, carers and other healthcare professionals where appropriate to ensure the child’s prosthetic care supports their broader development and rehabilitation.
Children’s Prosthetics in Brisbane, Toowoomba & Townsville
With 30+ years of experience, Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics provides specialist children’s prosthetics and paediatric prosthetic care from our clinics in Brisbane, Toowoomba and Townsville.
Our Prosthetists Peter, Anton and Aidan provide personalised assessment, prosthetic design, fitting and ongoing care for children with limb loss or limb difference.
If you are considering a prosthesis for your child, our team can discuss their individual needs, goals and available options.
get in touch
Prosthetics Funding
In a nutshell, the following categories apply to prosthetic funding:
- If you lost your limb due to disease or illness, you will most likely be covered by the Queensland Government’s Artificial Limb Service (QALS) or the NDIS if you are under the age of 65.
- If you lost your limb in an accident at home or during recreation, and there is no compensating body, then the public health system or the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) will cover the cost of the prosthetic limb/s. Note: The NIIS is still in development and in the meantime, funding will be provided by the NDIS.
- If your amputation was due to trauma, such as a motor vehicle or workplace accident, and compensation is identified as a possibility, the insuring organisation, e.g. National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) or WorkCover, will most likely fund your prosthesis and medical care as part of your rehabilitation.
- Veterans who either lost their limb as a result of injuries received while serving in the Australian Army, Navy or Airforce, or who have a Gold Card, will have their prosthesis paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) or the Defence Force.
- Most Private Health Insurance companies do not allocate funding for prosthetics, however it is worth checking with your insurer if you are uncertain, as they may cover partial costs.
Talk to your Prosthetist for more information.
Orthotics Funding
In Queensland the following options are available for orthotics funding:
- Queensland Health’s Medical Aid Subsidy Scheme (MASS) – this is a subsidy scheme for orthotics and therefore the patient is required to pay any shortfall.
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) – DVA pay for orthotics for eligible serving and former Australian Defence Force members. An out-of-pocket contribution may be applicable, depending on the type of device required.
- Private Health – Most private health insurance companies do not allocate funding for orthotics, however it is worth checking with your insurer if you are uncertain, as they may cover partial costs.
- NDIS – If you are under 65, have a permanent disability and require support for the rest of your life, the NDIS may cover the cost of orthotics.
- National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) or WorkCover – If your injury was due to trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or workplace accident, and compensation is identified as a possibility, the insuring organisation (NIISQ or WorkCover) will most likely fund your orthoses and medical care as part of your rehabilitation.
Talk to your Orthotist for more information.
The Australian Government's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support to people with disability, their families and carers. Under the NDIS, all Australians under the age of 65 who have a disability that is likely to be permanent and significant are provided with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life. This includes prosthetics and, in some cases, orthotics.
These are the steps involved in becoming an NDIS participant and getting funding approved for a prosthesis:
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Contact NDIS
and request a NDIS registration form. Once you have received the form, complete it and return it to the NDIS.
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Arrange your planning meeting
Once your registration form has been submitted, the NDIS will contact you to arrange a planning meeting with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
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Meet with your prosthetist
IMPORTANT: Before your meeting with the NDIS' Local Area Coordinator, make sure you meet with your prosthetist. Your prosthetist will advise you of the funding required. The goals you set for yourself in your NDIS plan will determine the type of prosthesis NDIS may fund.
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Meet with your Local Area Coordinator
You then meet with your NDIS Local Area Coordinator and develop a proposed plan requesting the funding and correct allocation required for the life of your plan (usually 12-months).
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Visit your prosthetist for a functional assessment
Once you received a copy of your plan from NDIS, visit your Prosthetist for a functional assessment and quote that he will submit for approval to NDIS. At this point, there will be funding available for consumables like liners/socks to see you through until the approval comes through.
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NDIS approval
Once NDIS approval is received, you can commence the process of having a prosthesis designed, manufactured and fitted.
Important Links
Here are some links to associations, organisations which support people requiring prosthetics and orthotics.
- Paralympics Australia
- Ottobock (Supplier)
Funding Bodies
- Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (Queensland Health)
- Queensland Artificial Limb Service (Queensland Health)
- NDIS
- Department of Veterans Affairs
Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics is a registered member of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA), NDIS, Queensland Artificial Limb Service (QALS) and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Your Child Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, we take a child-centred approach to prosthetic care, helping children and their families feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
Our experienced Prosthetists work with children, parents and carers to understand their individual needs, development, activities and goals before recommending a prosthetic solution. With more than 30 years of experience, our team is committed to providing safe, comfortable and functional prostheses designed around each child.
Are Prosthetics Safe for Children?
When appropriately prescribed, fitted and monitored by a qualified Prosthetist, a prosthesis can be a safe and effective option for children with limb loss or limb difference.
Our Prosthetists carefully consider factors such as fit, comfort, skin health, growth, activity level and development when designing and fitting a child’s prosthesis. Regular reviews are important because children grow quickly and their prosthetic needs can change over time.
We work closely with children and their families to identify any issues with comfort, fit or function and make adjustments when required.
Can Children Get a Prosthetic Limb?
Yes. Children with limb loss or limb difference may benefit from a prosthetic limb, depending on their individual needs and goals.
Prostheses can include lower limb prostheses, upper limb prostheses and activity-specific or recreational prostheses. The decision to use a prosthesis is individual and may depend on the child’s development, level of limb loss, physical abilities, activities, goals and preferences.
For some children, a prosthesis may support everyday mobility or function. For others, a prosthesis may be particularly useful for specific activities such as sport, cycling or swimming.
Our Prosthetists can assess your child’s individual needs and discuss the available options with you.
What Materials Are Used in Prosthetics for Children?
Children’s prostheses can be made using a range of lightweight, durable and skin-friendly materials. Depending on the design and function of the prosthesis, materials may include silicone, thermoplastics, aluminium, titanium, stainless steel and composite materials.
Prosthetic components are selected based on the child’s individual requirements, including their age, activity level, level of limb loss, comfort and functional goals.
We use high-quality prosthetic components from established manufacturers and select materials and components based on their suitability for each child’s needs.
What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Children's Prosthetics?
A well-fitted prosthesis can help a child participate in everyday activities, play, school, sport and recreation. For some children, a prosthesis can support mobility, independence and confidence.
However, prosthetic use can also involve challenges. These may include changes in socket fit as a child grows, skin irritation, discomfort, maintenance requirements and adapting to a new device. Not every child will use their prosthesis in the same way or for the same activities.
Regular Prosthetist reviews can help identify changes in fit and function. Keeping liners and prosthetic interfaces clean and following recommended care instructions can also help support skin health and comfort.
As children grow, their prosthesis may need to be adjusted, modified or replaced to maintain an appropriate fit.
How Much Does a Children's Prosthesis Cost?
The cost of a children’s prosthetic limb varies considerably depending on the level of limb loss, type of prosthesis, components, technology and the child’s individual requirements.
Children may also require more frequent adjustments, components or replacement prosthetic sockets as they grow. This means the overall cost of paediatric prosthetic care can vary over time rather than being a single one-off expense.
Funding and out-of-pocket costs depend on individual circumstances and eligibility. Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics can provide guidance about available funding options, including the NDIS, where applicable, as well as other funding arrangements and self-funded options.
How Often Should Children's Prosthetics Be Replaced?
There is no fixed replacement schedule for every child. Children’s prostheses often require more frequent adjustments or replacement than adult prostheses because children grow and their activity levels and functional needs change.
A prosthetic socket may need to be adjusted or replaced when a child grows, their residual limb changes shape, the socket becomes uncomfortable or their functional requirements change.
Regular appointments with your Prosthetist allow the fit, comfort, components and function of the prosthesis to be monitored and adjusted as your child develops.
Can Children Play Sport and Participate in Activities With a Prosthesis?
Yes. Many children with limb loss or limb difference participate in sport, recreation and active play.
An everyday prosthesis may not always be the best option for every activity. Depending on the child’s goals, an activity-specific or recreational prosthesis may be considered for activities such as swimming, surfing, cycling, running or soccer.
Our Prosthetists can discuss recreational prosthetic options and help determine whether a specialised prosthesis may be suitable for your child’s activity.