Replacing the prothesis every time the child grows (ie every few months) can be a mistake because it takes several months for the child to get adapted to a new prosthesis. The good news is that there are adjustable features which can be built into a prosthesis for a child to make minor adjustments until a whole new device is needed. In addition, a new prosthesis for a child may come with padding built in which can be adjusted to accommodate growth. Sometimes the length can also be adjusted to match the length of the other limb. A new prosthesis may be required in cases where there is a significant change in body weight, skin ulceration, bone overgrowth or trauma to the residual limb. Your Sunshine Prosthetics & Orthotics prosthetist is able to tell you when a change is necessary.

There should be a balance between these two which will change as the child grows. Small children will need the guidance from their parents; as they become teenagers, they will want to make their own decisions. At this point they will also be more influenced by peers, and amputee role models.