This is a brief post on activity- specific prosthetics. There has been much controversy on the timing and appropriate use of prosthetics in kids. I have previously blogged about this several times as can be seen HERE. I really appreciate activity specific prosthetics. The child is engaged in the process based on a demonstrated interest and the specially designed and fitted prosthetic makes a difference. This idea, compared to the ‘old- fashioned’ idea that every kid is fitted with a general prosthetic at 6 months of age, just makes so much more sense!
This is a great example of a really helpful tennis specific prosthetic. It allows an ability to more easily play tennis including serving.
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn77vjUtiBA/XaHlhi6dB9I/AAAAAAAAbws/wi53OrTjZgMlcAcJ2g7xF__keth9tt_YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Prosthetic-1.jpeg) |
Activity specific prosthetic. This one is designed for tennis to allow serving. |
Here are a few other activity specific prosthetics. I took these pictures in the lab and the prosthetic is not typical (harness included) but demonstrate the point- easily changeable prosthetics that have a specific function. These are durable, functional, and appreciated by kids and families.
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMwGBX2mzts/XaHjr8ehEVI/AAAAAAAAbwM/bc3Rd7IC7Qc_SlEha123uC7JtjG0p_KUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1726.JPG) |
Voluntary closing prosthetic. |
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QTlvpl_tSY/XaHjro1TG7I/AAAAAAAAbwI/mmqE8BqUczQGrPeG7IHDX20ib0EK8IgDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1728.JPG) |
Activity specific prosthetic. Associated with harness (not typical). This one can be used for weight lifting, etc. |
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPZVEWvBirg/XaHjrhF41kI/AAAAAAAAbwE/AvDiExa-IaMidG3BxLmshKXwGBv7HMI4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1729.JPG) |
Activity specific prosthetic. This one is designed for riding a bicycle. |
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNFTz8buTg4/XaHjsrLiohI/AAAAAAAAbwQ/gCZm6WDsOIojyc30OQQhlG_nVkMtC8JtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1730.JPG) |
Activity specific prosthetic. This one is designed for… yes- lacrosse. |
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fnXb_6f9tg/XaHjtYZs_nI/AAAAAAAAbwY/mymtduUxtcUmlaiZhfq_HNnwS7PQmXShQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1732.JPG) |
Activity specific prosthetic. This one is designed for volleyball. |
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbDoR3-d_5M/XaHjtNdSU_I/AAAAAAAAbwU/rG3yBvk5zEgPMcVksf3wm0DeY3dXq6zYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1731.JPG) |
Activity specific prosthetic. This one is designed for volleyball (other view) |
I will close by saying- search the internet. There is a great deal of information and pictures out there on what is possible. Many companies will work with you for sports and activities.