The Limb Differences Clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute is committed to meeting the unique needs of children and adolescents who are missing part or all of a limb or limbs.
We provide quality, comprehensive medical care that focuses on improving the health and maximizing the functioning of our patients. Through our interdisciplinary approach, we work to help children and adolescents with limb differences become active and pain-free, so they may lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
We provide treatment and care for children and adolescents with congenital (present at birth), post-surgical or trauma-related limb differences and amputations, including:
- Congenital deficiencies (short or missing
bones from birth) - Proximal femoral focal deficiency
- Tibial and fibular hemimelias
- Amelia
- Leg length differences
- Amputations and deformities from
trauma or infection - Clubfoot
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
Treatment Team:
Our clinic is staffed by an interdisciplinary team of professionals trained to provide the complex care needed for children who have limb differences. Our team includes experts from the following fields:
- Pediatric rehabilitation medicine
- Orthopedic surgery
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Prosthetics, including 3-D printed prosthetics
- Mental health
Depending on the needs of the patient, consultation with other specialists in fields such as behavioral psychology and social work can be provided. We also welcome the participation of our clients’ other care providers in the assessment and development of the treatment plan.
Our Approach:
Each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations and follow-up from our interdisciplinary team. Depending on the child’s needs, clinic visits typically last between 30 minutes and two hours, and may include formal therapy evaluations or treatment sessions.
We will discuss non-surgical treatment options that could include:
- Physical and occupational therapies
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Rehabilitation
Limb lengthening, reconstructive surgery and straightening bones are some of the surgical options we offer. In addition to addressing a child’s prosthetic, therapeutic and surgical needs, the treatment team also addresses issues such as the child’s emotional well-being, preparation for school, participation in sports, and technology and equipment needs