Pediatric Orthotics & Prosthetics
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Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for orthotic and prosthetic services?
Our pediatric specialists design, manufacture and customize orthotics (support devices) and prosthetics (artificial limbs) for children of all ages. We help your child be as comfortable, independent and mobile as possible.
We see your child frequently, adjusting their devices to accommodate their growth, activity levels and condition changes. When possible, we design devices to help your child safely participate in sports and activities and offer device training through our community outreach program.
Our team works closely with UCSF's orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitative services, providing collaborative care for congenital and acquired conditions affecting mobility.
As innovators in the field, we are continuously designing new, custom devices to help improve the lives of children with neuromuscular and skeletal conditions.
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for orthotic and prosthetic services?
Our pediatric specialists design, manufacture and customize orthotics (support devices) and prosthetics (artificial limbs) for children of all ages. We help your child be as comfortable, independent and mobile as possible.
We see your child frequently, adjusting their devices to accommodate their growth, activity levels and condition changes. When possible, we design devices to help your child safely participate in sports and activities and offer device training through our community outreach program.
Our team works closely with UCSF's orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitative services, providing collaborative care for congenital and acquired conditions affecting mobility.
As innovators in the field, we are continuously designing new, custom devices to help improve the lives of children with neuromuscular and skeletal conditions.
Pediatric prosthetic and orthotic specialists
Our pediatric team works exclusively with children and has expertise in addressing their unique mobility needs, concerns and goals.Regular monitoring and adjustments
As your child grows, we regularly adjust artificial limbs and supportive braces to keep them fitting comfortably and working well.Collaborative care planning
We work with your child's surgeon, physical and occupational therapists and other UCSF providers to help your child stay as healthy and active as possible.Community engagement and outreach
Our Adaptive Community Training Program helps children with limb loss learn how to safely participate in athletic activities.
Pediatric orthotics and prosthetics services
Your child gets custom orthotic and prosthetic care from compassionate, highly skilled experts. Our team works with your child's referring doctor and physical and occupational therapists to identify the most effective device. At your child's follow-up visits, we help them learn how to move well in the device and adjust it as they grow.
Custom orthotics and prosthetics
We design custom braces and artificial limbs for children of all ages and abilities, helping them move and feel their best.
Some conditions we provide support for include:
Cerebral palsy
Chest wall deformities (including pectus carinatum)
Deformational plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
Hip dysplasia
Limb differences
Scoliosis
Spina bifida
Our team also partners with UCSF's sports medicine specialists to help young athletes prevent reinjury.
Activity-specific prosthetics
Children with limb differences can get custom artificial limbs designed for specific sports and recreational activities. Our prosthetists design and create a comfortable device that empowers your child to enjoy physical activities, such as running or swimming.
Through our Adaptive Community Training Program, children affected by limb loss have the chance to participate in various activities, including yoga, basketball, swimming and rock climbing.
Innovative orthotics for children with chest wall deformities
Pediatric orthotics can help correct alignment, stabilize joints and improve mobility. Our team is committed to improving orthotic care through innovation and research. The UCSF orthotics research team designed one of the first braces to correct pectus carinatum, a chest wall deformity.
Awards & achievements
Best in Northern California for orthopedics
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Bow-Leg Deformity
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chest Wall Disorder
- Clubfoot
- Congenital Limb Defects
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
- Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
- Flatfoot
- Hip Dysplasia
Treatments
- Bracing
- Correction of Pectus Deformity
- Gait Analysis
Research initiatives
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Camp Winning Hands
This overnight camp is for children with congenital hand and upper limb differences. Kids make friends in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.