Children’s prostheses

If you are looking for a specialised and recognised prosthetics company for children insured in Belgium and the Netherlands, the Amputee Care Center (ACC) is an excellent choice. The Amputee Care Center, an orthopaedics company specialising in prosthetics, based in Genk, Belgium, provides total care for children and adults with an amputation, with a focus on innovative and custom-made prosthetics.

The Amputee Care Center is a focus company within the Spronken Orthopaedics group. Paediatric prosthetists and orthopaedic technologists focus specifically on children with congenital shortening or amputation of one or both legs or arms, offering customised prostheses, guidance and training. Spronken Orthopaedics' paediatric departments are known for their multidisciplinary approach and strive to support children to live active and enjoyable lives.

At Amputee Care Center (ACC), we offer much more than just top-quality prosthetics. We pride ourselves on our unique offering of total care for children and adults. At Amputee Care Center, we can fully support you and your child. We want both children and their parents to feel fully guided and supported. 

In addition to fitting and making prostheses, you will therefore find prosthetic coaching at our facility, for example. Professional coaches help children get used to their prosthesis and work on their freedom of movement. You will also find emotional and mental support if you need it. It is extremely important to us that children and parents feel heard and supported during their journey. After all, an amputation or birth defect can also have a great emotional impact. 

Children with an amputation of an arm or leg can struggle with feelings of being ‘different’ or insecurity. Wearing a prosthesis or transitioning to a new one can be challenging at the beginning or during adolescence. Our specialists work with families and caregivers to help children achieve a high-tech prosthesis and a confident future. 

The Amputee Care Center team includes specialised prosthetists, coaches, psychologists and other experts who work closely together to ensure that each child receives the maximum care and support he or she deserves! Our counselling is always individual, working with the child and parents to find the best solution.

At the Amputee Care Center in Genk (Belgium), we guide parents even before birth when ultrasound has detected a congenital limb defect. Each situation requires a personalised approach, tailored to your child's unique needs. In close cooperation with the paediatrician or rehabilitation specialist, we make prostheses for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, often as early as 6 months, with a children's prosthesis that helps with balance and motor development. In both the Netherlands (via the basic health insurance) and Belgium (via the mutualiteit-RIZIV), prosthetic care is supported by a multidisciplinary team. By starting early, your child gets used to the prosthesis faster and grows up accepting it naturally as part of his or her body.

Children learn through play and exercise. That's why at Amputee Care Center we make children's prostheses designed specifically for hobbies, sports and recreation. From prostheses for running and swimming to adaptable prostheses for specific sports such as basketball or goalkeeping in football. There are huge opportunities to keep children moving despite a physical disability! Our goal is to make the arm or leg prosthesis an enhancement.

Besides, sports and games are not only important for your child's physical development. It also increases social interaction and self-confidence! A child who can move freely feels stronger and happy and therefore has a higher quality of life! 

Because children are constantly growing, a children's prosthesis needs to be adjusted or replaced regularly. Sometimes this is after just one year, in other cases only after several years. This depends on the growth rate and how intensively the arm or leg prosthesis is used. The prosthetists at Amputee Care Center closely monitor your child and ensure that the prosthesis always fits properly, is comfortable and functions optimally. Our prosthetists have a close relationship with children and their parents and are always available for adjustments, calibration or questions. We recommend having the prosthesis checked regularly at our specialised prosthesis centre in Genk, Belgium, and contacting us immediately in case of complaints or doubts.

Yes, at ACC we develop special sports prostheses that support children when, for example, running, swimming, cycling or playing football. Sports prostheses are often lighter and more flexible than a standard prosthesis, and we recommend a sports prosthesis when your child regularly plays the same sport. This is because this not only provides more support during sports, but is also safer. Sports prostheses are always custom-made and made especially for a specific sport, such as football, running, horse riding, cycling or skiing.

A pediatric myoelectric arm prosthesis is an advanced arm prosthesis controlled by muscle signals. They contain sensors that convert electrical signals from the muscles in the stump into movements of the wrist and fingers. This type of prosthesis is especially widely used for arm and hand prostheses for children and allow many movements. They can help children perform daily tasks, such as writing, eating and playing. We make myo arm prostheses from 3 years of age. Contact a specialised centre, such as the Amputee Care Center, to discover more about myo-electric arm prostheses for children. 

Children learn to use their prosthesis step by step in a playful and positive way. In the beginning, it is all about getting used to it: learning to wear the prosthesis, feeling it, and gradually using it in daily life for activities such as playing, sitting, crawling or walking.

The prosthetist at the Amputee Care Center plays a central role, also in guiding the child and the parents. Together with the rehabilitation team, the child learns how the prosthesis functions and how best to use it in everyday situations. The prosthetist follows your child closely and adjusts the prosthesis as he or she grows, moves more or develops new skills, always with an eye on comfort and confidence. Parents play a very important role in supporting and encouraging their child!

No way! At Amputee Care Center, we make children's prostheses from lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and titanium. This way, children have their maximum freedom of movement and the prosthesis is also comfortable to wear. The aim of the prosthesis is to support natural movement without additional strain on the child. It should not be a blocking factor.

The fitting and making of a children's prosthesis is done carefully and to size, and takes 2 to 6 weeks on average. First, we schedule an intake and fitting moment, during which we determine the exact fit via plaster cast or 3D scan. This is followed by the production of the prosthesis, possibly with a test phase or trial fitting to adjust everything perfectly. Once everything fits properly, the final prosthesis is delivered and the child can start settling in and practising. 

In urgent situations or rapid growth, we naturally try to speed up the turnaround time, always in close consultation with parents and rehabilitation team. Thanks to technological innovations, such as 3D printing, at Amputee Care Center we can fit and make certain prostheses in as little as one day. The time depends on the complexity of the prosthesis, the parts chosen and any adjustments still needed. 

Yes, amputees can also turn to Amputee Care Center for emotional and mental support for children and their families. An amputation, as well as adjusting to a prosthesis, can be mentally challenging. That is why you will also find psychologists and experience experts in our prosthesis centre. This helps children and their parents to get used to the idea of a (new) prosthesis with confidence and a positive mindset. 

The ambassadors of the Amputee Care Center (ACC) play a special role in the emotional support of children with a prosthesis. These are often experts by experience: young people or adults who wear a prosthesis themselves and who, as inspiring role models, show what is possible. They share their stories, listen to the concerns of children and parents and give practical tips in an understandable and encouraging way. Their presence gives children recognition, hope and the confidence that they are not alone. For many children, it is very reassuring to meet someone who has already walked their path: with a prosthesis and with a smile.

Yes. Reimbursement of children's prostheses is regulated in Belgium: hassle-free. In Belgium, children's prostheses are reimbursed through the mutual insurance company and the RIZIV. The exact conditions may vary depending on the type of prosthesis, but at Amputee Care Center, a focus company within the Spronken Orthopaedics Group, we know the system inside out thanks to more than 60 years of experience as a partner of all Belgian mutual health organisations. We will be happy to advise you on what is possible, and if required, take the entire administrative process off your hands. Thanks to the third-party payment system, you do not have to advance anything yourself: we settle the reimbursement directly with the health insurance organisation. This gives you access to a high-quality paediatric prosthesis, without financial worries or extra costs.

Yes. In the Netherlands, basic children's prostheses are usually covered by the basic health insurance. Only cosmetic prostheses are not always reimbursed and advanced prostheses, such as a bionic prosthesis, may require a co-payment. The exact conditions vary depending on the health insurer and your insurance policy. 

The Amputee Care Center, a focus company within the Spronken Orthopaedics Group, has been an official partner of all health insurers in the Netherlands for more than 60 years. We can therefore take the entire authorisation process off your hands and advise you on this. This way, you don't have to worry about this, but it will simply be taken care of properly to get the most out of your insurance.

A child's prosthesis supports many daily activities. However, it may take some practice and adjustments to get maximum use out of the prosthesis. Children usually gradually learn how best to use their prosthesis. For some specific activities, such as certain sports, it is recommended to get a specialised sports prosthesis for extra support and better performance.

Is your child in pain because of the prosthesis or experiencing discomfort? If so, it is important to contact the Amputee Care Center prosthetic centre as soon as possible. We can then check the child's fit, pressure points or growth, among other things, and make adjustments to the prosthesis. A well-fitting prosthesis should be comfortable and should not cause pain. 

Do you have complaints about your child's prosthesis, such as pain, discomfort or reduced function? If so, always contact us as soon as possible. We take every report seriously and look for a solution together. Sometimes a small adjustment already helps, such as adjusting the socket or recalibrating an electronic component.

Didn't have your prosthesis made with us? No problem! We will support you and think along with you, because your child's well-being is always our priority. Would you like a second opinion or advice from another prosthetist? That is totally OK. As a parent, you always have the right to consult another prosthetist. Looking for a second opinion? Even then you can come to us free of charge.

The best prosthetic centre for children is a place where medical expertise, child-friendly care and personal support come together. A great prosthetic centre for children from Belgium and the Netherlands is the Amputee Care Center (ACC) in Genk, Belgium. They distinguish themselves through a specialised team in paediatric orthopaedics with more than 60 years of experience, an orthopaedic workshop, a large choice of prosthetic parts due to their brand independence, a digital (AI assisted) measuring lab for prosthesis analysis, a multidisciplinary team specialised in paediatric prostheses and a warm, personal contact with parents, children and teenagers. Moreover, at the ACC, you can enjoy the latest technologies and innovations in 3D printing, myo-electric and bionic arm prostheses, hand prostheses and finger prostheses. 

The ACC paediatric prosthetics team pays great attention to comfort, aesthetics and emotional support for children. Parents especially appreciate the total approach: from personalised follow-up, customisation according to ISO13485 quality standards, reimbursement, reimbursement via mutual insurance and insurance authorisation without worries, the attention to detail by shaping the prosthesis as beautifully as possible to the child's or teenager's taste. 

Which is the best centre? It's where your child or teenager can develop safely, understood and confidently, and that's what we put our heart and soul into every day. Amputee Care Center in Genk (Belgium) is the specialist in the BeNeLux for children's prostheses. The team of experts ensures that every child receives the best prosthesis and learns how to use it optimally. 

The Amputee Care Center (ACC) has an extensive range of upper limb prostheses for children, fully tailored to their age, needs and growth stage. One of the most popular options is Open Bionics' Hero Arm, a lightweight, bionic arm with cool covers and functional control.
In addition, ACC offers a wide choice of components, including:

• Myoelectric hands, such as the Electrohand 2000 (8E51)
• Passive hands for cosmetic purposes
• Children's wrist modules and elbow joints such as the Children's Elbow 12K44
• Shoulder modules, hand adapters and cosmetic gloves
• All kinds of accessories in children's sizes for comfort and fitting

For optimal fit and user experience, a close collaboration with a specialised prosthetics team, such as at ACC, is highly recommended. We recommend testing different components and systems first, so that each child gets a solution that truly suits his or her life and movement.

The Hero Arm is a lightweight, 3D-printed bionic prosthesis designed specifically for children aged 8 and above. It offers multiple grip options and can be personalised with interchangeable covers, including designs from popular franchises such as Disney. 

Yes. The Amputee Care Center makes effective prosthetic options for children with partial hand amputations, ranging from passive silicone fingers to functional mechanical or (in some cases) myoelectric finger prostheses. The choice depends heavily on age, remaining hand function and purpose (functional or cosmetic). A specialised prosthetist at the Amputee Care Center will customise a solution, often in collaboration with specialised manufacturers such as Ossur, Ottobock or Naked Prosthetics.

Absolutely! With the right prosthesis and guidance, children can participate in various sports. There are many specific prostheses and accessories designed for sports activities, such as adapted grippers for cycling or swimming. Get advice on this from a prosthetist at the Amputee Care Center.

Among teenagers aged between 10 and 18, myo-electric and bionic arm prostheses are the most popular, due to their functionality and modern look. Open Bionics' Hero Arm is particularly popular in this age group today thanks to its cool design, lightweight construction, bionic functionalities and the possibility of personalisation with themes of the young prosthetic wearer's choice. Ottobock and Fillauer (Motion Control) also offer compact myo-electric hands that are in our range. For sporty or active teenagers, mechanical (body-powered) prostheses such as hooks remain relevant. The final choice depends on the personal preference of the young arm prosthesis wearer.

At the ACC, you can look at several options. The Amputee Care Center in Belgium plays an important role as a specialised provider and supervisor of advanced arm prostheses. Its prosthetists provide clinical evaluation, fitting, fitting and training. They also guide teenagers and their parents in choosing the right arm or hand prosthesis. The ACC customises the prosthesis, guarantees optimal fitting and long-term follow-up after delivery.

For example, Open Bionics offers the Hero Arm, which can be personalised with interchangeable covers in various designs and colours, allowing children to customise their prosthesis to suit their personal style and preferences. 

Open Bionics' Hero Arm uses official Disney franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars and Frozen. This means children can personalise their prosthesis with the look of their favourite hero, such as Iron Man or Elsa. Thanks to a licence from Disney, these designs are fully recognised and legal. The Amputee Care Center (ACC) in Belgium plays an important role in the fitting, fitting and follow-up of high-tech prostheses such as the Hero Arm. They assist patients, especially children, in fitting, personalising and learning to use this prosthesis, including options with Disney franchises.

For sporty teenagers between the ages of 10 and 18, we at Amputee Care Center make dynamic leg prostheses that grow with their ambitions. Teenagers benefit from testing different dynamic knees and prosthetic feet,before deciding on a brand and type. Testing is important! For example, Össur has a Junior Solutions range with products like the Flex-Run Junior, ideal for running and other sports activities. Ottobock also offers child-friendly options, such as the Challenger foot for multi-sport purposes.

It is essential to work with a specialised prosthetist, such as at the Amputee Care Center, to test and select the most suitable prosthetic components before you decide. Each new leg prosthesis is tailored to the individual needs and activities of the young leg prosthesis wearer. After the testing phase, teenagers aged between 10 and 18 can confidently have their final, new leg prosthesis for children fitted.