{"id":2610,"date":"2026-04-17T20:57:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T20:57:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/?p=2610"},"modified":"2026-04-17T20:57:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T20:57:33","slug":"beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginning Your Journey With Amputation: A Guide for Parents"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#Understanding_Amputation_Why_It_Happens_and_What_It_Means\" >Understanding Amputation: Why It Happens and What It Means<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#What_makes_amputation_in_a_child_different_from_amputation_in_an_adult\" >What makes amputation in a child different from amputation in an adult<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#Preparing_for_Your_Childs_Amputation_Surgery\" >Preparing for Your Child\u2019s Amputation Surgery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#Helping_your_child_get_ready_talking_about_surgery_in_a_kid-friendly_way\" >Helping your child get ready: talking about surgery in a kid-friendly way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#What_to_expect_right_after_surgery\" >What to expect right after surgery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#Early_Recovery_and_Rehabilitation_Helping_Your_Child_Heal_and_Move_Again\" >Early Recovery and Rehabilitation: Helping Your Child Heal and Move Again<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#Caring_for_the_residual_limb_at_home\" >Caring for the residual limb at home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#Understanding_phantom_limb_sensations_and_pain_in_children\" >Understanding phantom limb sensations and pain in children<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#Physical_and_occupational_therapy_building_strength_balance_and_confidence\" >Physical and occupational therapy: building strength, balance, and confidence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/#Prosthesis_Fitting\" >Prosthesis Fitting<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hearing that your child needs an amputation can feel overwhelming. This guide was created with families in mind, to help you navigate your child\u2019s amputation with greater confidence and understanding. It explains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why an amputation may be necessary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What to expect about your child&#8217;s amputation journey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How early rehabilitation supports healing and growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Above all, this is a reminder that amputation is only one part of your child\u2019s journey &#8211; not the end of their story. With time, care, and the support of family and care teams, your child will go on to live an active, confident and independent life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Amputation_Why_It_Happens_and_What_It_Means\"><\/span>Understanding Amputation: Why It Happens and What It Means<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Amputation refers to the surgical removal of all or part of a limb (i.e. an arm or leg). Doctors may recommend an amputation when it is the safest or most effective way to treat a medical condition, injury, or infection. Some children may also be born with a limb difference or missing bones that make a limb hard to use. The goal is to support the child\u2019s overall health, function, mobility, and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_makes_amputation_in_a_child_different_from_amputation_in_an_adult\"><\/span>What makes amputation in a child different from amputation in an adult<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children are not just small adults. Their bones, muscles, and joints are still growing, so doctors have to think ahead. Because the reason for needing an amputation as a child may be unique, due to an illness or congenital limb difference, doctors sometimes use different amputation surgeries and strategies in children that allow for better healing and prosthesis fit for a growing child. They are adept at planning ahead for growth and a child\u2019s changing needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preparing_for_Your_Childs_Amputation_Surgery\"><\/span>Preparing for Your Child\u2019s Amputation Surgery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, you may not be able to prepare for your child\u2019s amputation surgery. However, in many cases the decision to pursue amputation will come after many visits with your trusted medical team. During your time working with the medical team, the surgeon will get to know your child and family, understand your goals, and discuss all available treatment options and anticipated outcomes (both surgical and non-surgical). During these visits, you may also meet other team members who will help with your child\u2019s rehabilitation, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rehabilitation Physician, or PM&amp;R doctor, who focuses on rehabilitative needs, including therapies, equipment, and functional rehabilitation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists who help support your child\u2019s rehabilitation to recover mobility, function, independence, and strength<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Prosthetist, who will help with your child\u2019s prosthetic care, getting to know your child\u2019s functional and mobility goals and designing and upkeeping the prosthesis as your child grows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Child life specialists, social workers, or psychologists who can help support your child and family\u2019s emotional well-being on this journey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to take the time to ask your doctor questions, and bring up any concerns you have about your child\u2019s rehabilitation after amputation. If you are unable to meet with some of the above providers during your doctor\u2019s visits, ask your physician what resources they have, or if they work closely with a care team to be able to speak to a prosthetist, PMR doctor, and therapists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your doctor should be able to provide specific details about your child\u2019s surgery and recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please see this article for more information on questions to ask your child\u2019s providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Helping_your_child_get_ready_talking_about_surgery_in_a_kid-friendly_way\"><\/span>Helping your child get ready: talking about surgery in a kid-friendly way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children often cope better when they know what to expect. Your words don\u2019t have to be perfect &#8211; simple and honest is best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For younger children, using dolls, stuffed animals, or simple drawings to show or demonstrate what is happening can help your child cope and prepare. A child life specialist or social worker with your medical team may be able to help provide age-appropriate support to help your child best prepare emotionally for this big change. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For school-age children and teens, offering a little more detail can be helpful. Encourage them to ask questions and use clear, direct words like \u201camputation\u201d and \u201csurgery\u201d. It can also be reassuring to talk about activities they can return to doing once they\u2019ve healed, what the healing process can look like, and introduce them to different members of the team so they can start to build relationships with their care team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your hospital has child life specialists, consider asking them to meet with your child. They often have books, pictures, dolls, and activities to help explain medical care in a way children can better understand to better prepare your child emotionally for medical procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_expect_right_after_surgery\"><\/span>What to expect right after surgery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your physician should discuss all of the details of your child\u2019s surgery and recovery. It\u2019s important to ask the doctors any questions you may have about the process, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What the hospital stay may look like before and after surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Details of the surgery procedure, how long it will take, and any risks that may be involved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What the physical or occupational therapy will look like in the hospital after the surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your child will go home with a wheelchair, walker, or crutches, and how they will be trained on those support tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What home accommodations your child may need after the amputation (a ramp for a wheelchair, additional bars or supports in the bathroom, extra supervision on stairs, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What kind of bandaging, covers\/shrinkers, casts, or protectors your child will be wearing after surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When to follow-up with your doctor and what the post-operative plan may look like<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While in the hospital, your child may see a physical or occupational therapy team to make sure they are safe and comfortable with mobility given their new amputation. This may include learning to use a walker, crutches, or wheelchair to safely move after their surgery. Preventing falls after surgery is very important to ensure your child\u2019s wound heals properly without further injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your child may go home with special bandaging, covers\/shrinkers, or protectors on their limb. Be sure the medical team provides you with instructions on when to wear these covers, how often they should be changed, and gives you the opportunity to practice care before you go home from the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The medical team will make sure your family is comfortable with all of your child\u2019s surgery after-care and the follow-up plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some pain after surgery is normal, but it should be controlled. Call your child\u2019s care team or seek medical care right away if you notice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fever or chills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increasing redness around the incision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Abnormal or excessive heat coming from the limb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A bad smell or yellow\/green drainage from the wound<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Very sharp pains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trust your gut. If something doesn\u2019t feel right, it is always okay to call and ask for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_Recovery_and_Rehabilitation_Helping_Your_Child_Heal_and_Move_Again\"><\/span>Early Recovery and Rehabilitation: Helping Your Child Heal and Move Again<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you go home, the focus will be on healing and settling back into daily life. The first few weeks are usually centered on caring for the incision, gentle movement, and slowly rebuilding strength. Be sure to follow the instructions from your doctor on any movement, incision care, and therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therapy often starts in the hospital and continues after discharge, either through outpatient visits or in your home. Progress may happen in small but important steps \u2013 it is important to follow the instructions of your therapist so your child can progress safely through their rehabilitation to prevent injury and continue their safe healing journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Caring_for_the_residual_limb_at_home\"><\/span>Caring for the residual limb at home<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The part of the arm or leg that remains after surgery is often called the <em>residual limb<\/em>. Taking good care of this area each day helps lower the risk of infection and skin problems. Here are some general tips for residual limb care, however always follow your surgeon\u2019s instructions if they differ:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep the skin clean and dry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask your doctor and therapist about scar mobilization to prevent adherent scars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the skin every day for redness, blisters, or spots that look irritated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage your child to help check their limb so they can begin building healthy habits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_phantom_limb_sensations_and_pain_in_children\"><\/span>Understanding phantom limb sensations and pain in children<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some children may notice sensations that feel like they are coming from the part of the arm or leg that is missing. This is called <em>phantom limb sensation<\/em>. Children may describe feelings such as tingling, warmth, itching, cramping, or movement in a hand or foot that is no longer there. This occurs less in children with amputations, but it can still happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes these sensations are painful. This is known as <em>phantom limb pain.<\/em> It is very real and can be upsetting, especially if a child does not understand why it is happening. Depending on your child\u2019s phantom limb sensation or pain, your care team may suggest interventions such as gentle massage, desensitization therapies, mirror therapy, or other treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keeping a simple record of when phantom pain happens and what helps can be very useful. Sharing this information with your child\u2019s care team allows them to better support your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physical_and_occupational_therapy_building_strength_balance_and_confidence\"><\/span>Physical and occupational therapy: building strength, balance, and confidence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Physical and occupational therapy are often where many children begin to build strength, confidence, and independence. This can begin even before your child receives a prosthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In physical therapy (PT), your child may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do gentle stretches to help protect joints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build strength in their core and limbs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work on balance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn to move using tools like a walker, crutches, wheelchair, or a prosthesis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In occupational therapy (OT), your child may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Practice daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom in new ways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn how to use adaptive tools for tasks like writing or eating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work on play skills and school-related activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many parents find it helpful to watch therapy sessions. This can make it easier to support exercises at home. Rather than trying to remember everything, ask the therapists to show you two or three key activities to practice between visits or provide a print out of exercises you can do at home. Your therapy team will work closely with your prosthetist team to ensure your child is successful with their rehabilitation and recovery goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prosthesis_Fitting\"><\/span>Prosthesis Fitting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your child\u2019s limb has healed and your physician has deemed it safe for them to wear a prosthesis, you will meet with a prosthetist team to begin the process of being measured for a prosthesis. This may take a number of visits, including evaluation appointments, casting sessions, and practice fittings before the prosthesis is ready to come home with your child. Your prosthetist will work with your family, the physician team, and the therapy team to ensure the prosthesis is appropriate for your child, and can help your child regain functional mobility and meet their goals. They may even join you at sessions of physical therapy to help adjust and optimize the prosthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your child\u2019s prosthetic goals may change over time, especially as their limb changes and heals after surgery, and as they get stronger. Their activities and interests may change over time as they grow. A pediatric prosthetist will ensure that your child\u2019s prosthesis can adapt and change to their growing body and changing needs. Your prosthetist will also ensure that the prosthesis is still fitting your child as they grow, and may replace parts or measure for a new prosthesis as your child grows and changes. It is important to regularly follow-up with your child\u2019s prosthetist team so they can be successful and safe with their prosthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Disclaimer:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>OPSB products and products distributed by OrthoPediatrics Corp. should be used under the guidance of qualified healthcare professional. Individual results may vary. Please consult your pediatrician or orthopedic specialist for professional advice, including intended use, warnings, precautions, side effects and contraindications. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your doctor&#8217;s recommendations and instructions.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MAM-MM-177<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hearing that your child needs an amputation can feel overwhelming. This guide was created with families in mind, to help you navigate your child\u2019s amputation with greater confidence and understanding. It explains: Above all, this is a reminder that amputation is only one part of your child\u2019s journey &#8211; not the end of their story. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[28,24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-prosthetics","category-condition"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Beginning Your Journey With Amputation: A Guide for Parents - OPSB Family Resource Hub<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/opsb.com\/family-resources\/beginning-your-journey-with-amputation-a-guide-for-parents\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Beginning Your Journey With Amputation: A Guide for Parents - OPSB Family Resource Hub\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hearing that your child needs an amputation can feel overwhelming. This guide was created with families in mind, to help you navigate your child\u2019s amputation with greater confidence and understanding. It explains: Above all, this is a reminder that amputation is only one part of your child\u2019s journey &#8211; not the end of their story. 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