Prosthetic Services

A prosthesis is an artificial replacement for a body part such as an arm, hand, foot or leg. At Gillette, certified prosthetists work closely with patients and families to design a prosthetic device that meets their unique needs. As a child grows and develops, our specialists redesign and refit the prosthesis accordingly.

While there are many different types of prostheses, most work on the same basic principles. A child’s medical considerations, age, weight, mobility expectations and everyday activities will determine the type of prosthesis recommended.

Arm and hand prostheses

The three most common types of hand and arm prostheses include:

Myoelectric arms and hands

Myoelectric hands have special sensors that pick up electrical impulses from the upper arm and use those impulses to open and close a natural-looking hand. A myoelectric arm provides a three-point contact between the first two fingers and the thumb, allowing a person to pick up, hold and move objects. Because of its complex design, a myoelectric prosthesis is more expensive and requires more repairs than other prostheses.

Cable-operated hooks

Many people find they can do more things with a cable-operated hook than with a myoelectric hand. A special harness holds the prosthesis in place and allows the person to open and close the hook, which serves as fingers to pick up, hold and move objects. Moving the shoulder forward pulls the cable, which operates the hook.

Passive arms and hands

A passive prosthesis helps very young children balance and push objects. A passive hand also allows a child to get used to wearing a prosthesis at a very early age. Older children and young adults may request a passive hand for cosmetic reasons.

Leg and foot prostheses

There are hundreds of different leg and foot prostheses. Some have energy-storing feet made of special materials that provide a spring-like action when bent during walking. This action helps to propel the foot and leg forward. Other types of feet, as well as a variety of artificial knees, are also available. While each has its own unique features, most work by using body alignment and the way in which body weight is placed on the prosthesis.

Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)

Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)

The ankle foot orthosis is a lightweight, custom molded plastic shell that is fabricated from a model of a patient's lower extremity. There are various styles of AFOs including solid ankle, articulated (shown), posterior leaf spring and floor reaction. All of them are designed to provide support for and help maintain proper positioning of the foot and ankle. These orthoses place the foot and ankle in good alignment, improve weight-bearing and mobility, and help minimize potential orthopedic complications.