Children's Hospital Colorado
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About the Amputee Program

Our team of orthopedic specialists within the Amputee Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado focuses on the evaluation and treatment of children with limb differences of the arms and legs. These differences can be congenital, meaning they are present at birth, or they can develop later in life from incidents like trauma or cancer. Our care team will evaluate all possible treatment options and discuss these recommendations with you. This may include limb reconstruction, limb sparing or amputation.

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Amputee Program services:

  • New and follow-up evaluations
  • Prenatal evaluations
  • Comprehensive imaging, including EOS X-rays that reduce a child’s exposure to radiation
  • Physical therapy and occupational therapy
  • Surgical care
  • Consultation with a collaborating prosthetist
  • Counseling for families considering limb sparing, lengthening or amputation surgery
  • Counseling for families considering adoption of a child with an amputation or limb difference
  • Opportunities for patients and families to participate in ongoing research
  • Access to peer groups and families who have been through similar experiences
  • Access to community organizations and resources

Why choose our Amputee Program

Our program is nationally recognized for its clinical expertise, personalized care and strong surgical outcomes. Our multidisciplinary clinic team spans a variety of specialties including orthopedics, rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy and prosthetics. These experts work together to craft individualized treatment plans for each patient. Additionally, our clinic team includes active members of the Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics.

In certain cases, we work with our Center for Gait and Movement Analysis to receive additional information.

Parents often question if amputation is required, and the answer varies. But when amputation is recommended as a treatment option, it’s typically because our care team feels amputation will give a patient the highest quality of life. This often means reduced pain and a decrease in the number of additional surgeries.

We counsel patients and their families during the decision-making process. This gives families time to talk through the advantages and disadvantages of surgery. It also gives them the opportunity to connect with other families who’ve been through a similar surgery. In general, the process can help families arrive at a decision that feels right for them.

After surgery, we work to educate patients and families on how to improve quality of life. We also provide patients with information about activities and programs that can help them lead an active, healthy lifestyle.

Amputation-related conditions we treat

Our amputation clinic treats a variety of conditions and is also equipped to provide consults or second opinions. This can include congenital and acquired limb amputations and deficiencies, as well as congenital pseudarthrosis.

Amputee resources for patients and families

When your treatment plan includes an amputation recommendation, we strive to answer all your questions as thoroughly as possible so you can make an educated care decision for your child. In addition to the information we provide at your appointments, the following resources may help.

Contact the Amputee Program

Our amputation clinic is a branch of our Orthopedics Institute.

For appointments at Anschutz Medical Campus or South Campus, call 720-777-6600.

For appointments at Outpatient Care at Briargate, Colorado Springs, call 719-305-9060.

Get to know our pediatric experts.

Ryan Mooney, PA-C

Ryan Mooney, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Sayan De, MD

Sayan De, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery

Pam Wilson, MD

Pam Wilson, MD

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - Pediatric, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Nathan Donaldson, DO

Nathan Donaldson, DO

Orthopaedic Surgery

Looking for a second opinion?

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