Overview of program:
The Prosthetic and Orthotic Department provides assessment, fabrication, fitting and finishing of prostheses and orthoses. A prosthesis is a device that replaces a missing limb or part of a limb. Children may have lost limbs through injury, illness or were born with a congenital limb loss. Prostheses are also called artificial limbs. An orthosis is an external support for a joint. Orthoses are also called splints or braces. Orthoses may be used to:
- Achieve or maintain good joint alignment
- Stabilize injured joints and the surrounding tissues to allow for healing
- Prevent or slow the development of joint contractures or deformities
- Assist with function
- Relieve pain
Children and youth referred to the Prosthetic and Orthotic Department will be seen by clinicians who assess their functional goals and needs, typical environments and lifestyle, and preferences when planning for a prosthesis or orthosis. Referrals may also be made to physiotherapy for gait training, posture exercises, and training to use a myo-electric prosthesis.
Once a child or youth has been seen initially the frequency of visits depends on the type of device(s) being provided and their growth and development. For prosthetics the child or youth is assessed and cast at the initial visit and is then required to come for more fittings before the prosthesis is finished and provided. The length of the fabrication process depends on the type of prosthesis being made. For orthotics the fabrication of a device usually involves the initial assessment and casting or measuring and then a final fitting, which may take 4 – 6 weeks. After the device is provided, the medical specialist, clinician, physiotherapist/occupational therapist and parents will monitor the fit and function of the device(s) and the child or youth will be followed based on their needs.
What to expect during your visit:
Check in at the front reception at SSCY Centre, and the receptionist will send you to the Prosthetic and Orthotic Department. When you get to the Prosthetic and Orthotic Department you will check in with our receptionist, show your child’s health insurance card and confirm your contact information. Your child will then be seen by their clinician. Prosthetic appointment times vary depending on the stage of fabrication of the prosthesis. An orthotic appointment is usually 1 hour long. The clinicians will give you all the information you need about the casting and fitting process and any follow up information. Families are encouraged to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Meet your team:
The Prosthetic and Orthotic Department is made up of a team of certified prosthetic and orthotic clinicians, registered technicians and administrative support. The clinicians design and fit the prosthetics and orthotics and the technicians help make the devices. The administrative support is responsible for reception, scheduling visits, and providing information about billing and other questions.
Our certified clinicians are:
Ed Lee, BSc., CO(c), elee@rccinc.ca
Jacky Gilmour, MSc. CO(c), jgilmour@rccinc.ca
Chelsea Korstrom, MSc. CO(c), ckorstrom@rccinc.ca
Meghan Guglich, MSc. CP(c), mguglich@rccinc.ca
Our registered technicians are:
Douglas Janzen, RTO(c)
Randy Dookeran, RTPO(c)
Kate Wagner, BA. (kin), RTP(c), Orthotic Intern
Alicia Hill, EIT, Orthotic Intern
How to access the program:
Children and youth up to the age of 21 from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut are eligible for services from the Prosthetic and Orthotic Department. Children and youth can be referred to the Prosthetic and Orthotic Department by parents or guardians and various medical professionals. The wait time for an appointment is usually 1 to 2 weeks.
Find and contact us:
The Prosthetic and Orthotic Department of the Rehabilitation Centre for Children is located in Innovation Station on the second floor of SSCY Centre. We are open Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. You can contact us by phone ((204) 258-6660), toll free (1-866-314-0501) or by fax ((204) 235-1288).
Program funder:
Most of the devices provided are funded by the provincial health services programs (Manitoba Health and Ontario Health) and also by Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for Nunavut and treaty status children. For items that are not covered by provincial health insurance there are other funders available to cover costs, such as The War Amps (Champ Program), Non-Insured Health Benefits program, the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, Child & Family Services Agencies, Family Services and Consumer Affairs (Orthotic Program), and a parent’s private insurance (such as MB Blue Cross, Great West Life, etc.). There are some off-the-shelf items (such as insoles, protective helmets and extra-depth shoes) which may have to be funded by parents or caregivers.
