Orthotics and Prosthetics

Arkansas Children's offers orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) services to patients by providing specialized equipment they need to help achieve their own success. Skilled orthotists and prosthetists treat patients with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs, lower limbs, spine, torso, and head. Our Orthotics Prosthetics department works with both inpatients and outpatients to aid the proper alignment of bones and joints, assist weak and dysfunctional muscles, and replace missing limbs to restore mobility resulting from congenital deformity, illness or injury.

Programs & Services addressed by Orthotics and Prosthetics

• Ankle foot orthosis
• Cranial Remolding Helmet
• Custom arch supports
• Elbow orthosis
• Hip knee ankle foot orthosis
• Hip orthosis
• Knee ankle foot orthosis
• Knee orthosis
• Lumbosacral orthosis
• Shoulder orthosis
• Supramalleolar orthosis
• Thoracolumbosacral orthosis
• Wrist hand finger orthosis
• Wrist hand orthosis

Orthotics and Prosthetics is a referral-based service, which includes a client-centered evaluation to determine the individual's needs.

Many disorders and conditions are treated in the Orthotics and Prosthetics Department at Arkansas Children's.

Meet the Team

At Arkansas Children’s Orthotic and Prosthetic Department, we are a team of highly trained, educated and compassionate orthotists (brace designers), prosthetists (artificial arm and leg designers) and technicians. We dedicate our work to helping children ranging from newborns to young adults achieve their own level of success with the family’s support.

Your child's individual needs may be met with a pre-fabricated orthosis sized to fit. Many patients require an orthosis to be custom made for their specific condition. By using art, science, and technology, we can design and create tools (braces, arms or legs) unique to your child that will make life’s challenges a little easier. We love what we do and we cannot thank you enough for trusting us with your care.

Orthotist

An orthotist is a health professional, specifically trained and educated in evaluating, designing and fitting orthoses (braces) for almost any part of the body. We work with you, your doctor, physical and occupational therapist to give you the best possible outcome.

Prosthetist

A prosthetist is a health professional, specifically trained and educated in evaluating, designing and fitting prostheses to replace missing body parts, including arms, legs, fingers, and toes.

Your Visit to Orthotics and Prosthetics

Below are some tips before your visit. When being fitted or adjusting an orthosis (brace) or prosthesis (arm or leg):

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. If your child is being fit with a device below the waist then have them wear loose fitting clothing or shorts. If they are getting a back brace, have them wear a thin T-shirt.
• Scoliosis evaluations - If your child is seeing a doctor at Arkansas Children’s, we will have access to the X-rays. If your child is seeing a doctor outside of Arkansas Children’s, please bring X-rays to the appointment.
• If your child needs a shoe lift, you may need to leave a shoe with us to add the lift. Not every shoe will work, but we can help you pick one that fits your child’s needs.
• In order to see your child, we must have a valid prescription from a staff physician (we cannot use prescriptions from resident physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, etc.).
  • Prescriptions must include what we are fitting and why by telling us the diagnosis ICD10 code.
  • The date of the prescription must be less than 6 months old.
    
    
• During the appointment, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit if needed.
• Is something broken on your brace? Developing a red spot or notice that it doesn’t feel right? Call 501-364-1192 and we’ll schedule a time to make necessary adjustments. We’ll try to see you the same day you called.

Possible Treatments

• Leg prosthesis
• Arm prosthesis
• PFFD (proximal femoral focal deficiency)