Specialties & ConditionsOrthotics & Prosthetics Neuromuscular Conditions
Neuromuscular Conditions: Orthotic Treatment
The Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics works with the Division of Neurology and the Division of Orthopedics & Sports Medicine as well as outside providers to help treat children with a range of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Muscular dystrophy (including but not limited to):
- Congenital muscular dystrophy
- Becker’s muscular dystrophy
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Limb Girdle muscular dystrophy
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Friedrich’s ataxia
- Myotubular myopathy
- Charcot Marie Tooth
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
The goal of managing these patients with orthotic devices is to provide stability and support to the body structures, encourage and allow maximum mobility and limit secondary effects of these conditions.
The Lurie Children's Difference
In some cases, our orthotists are available throughout other departmental clinic appointments to evaluate patients and initiate an orthotic consultation. The physician and orthotist will discuss the patient’s condition and history to decide upon the best treatment plan. This is also an opportunity for the parents to join the discussion and weigh in on their child’s needs, treatment goals and timelines.
What to Expect
Consultation
Your first visit with your orthotist will either be at a visit with your physician and multi-disciplinary team, or as a separate orthotic outpatient appointment. At this visit our specialists will complete an evaluation and discuss a treatment plan as it pertains to orthotic management. If bracing is recommended, our team will contact your insurance provider with this initial exam information and obtain pre-authorization for the prescribed orthoses.
Evaluation
When pre-authorization is obtained, an evaluation appointment can be scheduled directly with our orthotics and prosthetics department. At the evaluation appointment your orthotist will take a series of measurements and possibly a mold of your child’s affected body part to fabricate or order an orthosis. Turnaround time to receive an orthosis is 2-3 weeks.
Pick-up
During the pick-up appointment, the orthotist will fit the orthosis, review donning instructions, discuss wear time, and answer any questions you have.
Follow-up
Follow-up is an important part of successful orthotic management. Your child’s orthoses may need to be periodically checked and adjusted due to growth. Different orthoses have different lifespans and when a new evaluation is required due to growth, new orthoses must first be ordered by the physician.
Make an Appointment
After receiving a prescription for an orthosis, you can call our office at 312.227.6210 to schedule an appointment with an orthotics specialist. We can provide our services at the following locations:
Philanthropy
Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children's relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org or call 312.227.7500.