When learning about a prosthetic, you need to first understand what it is as there are different sizes for adults and children. They are of the same concept, but the function is a little different due to the size, and most of the time, the child needs to have the prosthetic adjusted at a later time in order to grow with the body. There are various reasons as to why child prosthetics are used, and not all children wear them. The prosthetic is an artificial body part. It is made to replace an arm, hand, leg or foot depending on what part of the body has been removed. Most of the time, these limbs are removed because of an illness that has meant that a doctor has needed to surgically remove the limb. However, some children could lose a limb because of an accident which has resulted in an amputation.
Sometimes, children will wear a prosthetic only while they are young so that they can gain the strength in the muscles of the upper areas of the limb so that the part of the body can be used as an adult, allowing for the removal of the prosthetic. There are others who will wear the device while at school or playing sports, removing it while at home so that they can feel as normal as possible. Children will often receive a prosthesis based on the severity of the condition and how the doctor feels about whether the device will do more in helping than it would in interfering with daily activities.
At the assessment appointment, measurements will be taken to determine the size that the device needs to be for the child. A cast might be made to make it easier to fit the device on the arm or leg. Once the device is made, the child will go back to the office for a fitting to see how it will adjust to the body. If any adjustments need to be made, then they can be done at the office. If major adjustments need to be made, then the device might need to be sent off to another office before it is ready to use. There will likely be review appointments so that the doctor can look at how the device is sitting with the child and if there needs to be a new device made as the child grows.