A prosthesis is an artificial extension that replaces a body part such as an artificial limb or artificial eye.

An orthotic device or orthosis is a brace or a device that provides correction or support for weak or imbal-anced muscles. Orthoses are defined or described by the area of the body that they are treating (e.g., ankle-foot orthosis [AFO]). The words brace, splint, and orthotic tend to be used interchangeably. Examples include leg braces, arm braces, spine braces, shoe inserts, shoe lifts, cranial molding helmets, and several other devices. These are typically used for a prolonged period of time. A splint, however, usually refers to a supportive device that is used for a shorter period of time, after injury or surgery.

A prosthetic or orthotic device is ordered by the healthcare prescriber. A prosthetics and orthotics professional is utilized to design the appropriate prosthetic/orthotic device to meet the needs of the child and works in collaboration with other specialist to prepare the prosthesis or orthosis to fit the individual, and ensure its optimum use and user’s satisfaction.

Management of the prosthesis or orthosis while in the hospital should be performed by the registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), physical therapist or occupational therapists within the framework of orders by the healthcare prescriber. If the prosthesis or orthosis is new, the physical therapy team will be involved in the management of the prosthesis and establishing the break-in period procedure.

Management of the prosthesis or orthosis and the plan of care for the child with a prosthesis or orthosis in the school or daycare setting is determined by the child, the family, school nurse, and other members of the child’s 504 Plan (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act) and/or Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

A prosthesis that is not worn at all times needs to be available to the child at all times. Storage of the device should be in close proximity to the child to promote age-appropriate independence.

Orthoses as a rule are custom designed and custom fit for the child. Most orthoses/braces must be adjusted or revised every 6 months based on the growth.

All prostheses and orthosis should have routine care and maintenance programs to ensure proper function and long-term use of the device. A maintenance program includes the prosthetist/orthotist, the child, and the family as well as the healthcare prescriber. The maintenance program includes:

Routine care includes cleaning the plastic parts with antibacterial soap, rinsing thoroughly with cold water, and drying. The prosthesis should be air dried because the plastics can be damaged by heat (i.e., do not dry with blow dryer).