The limb difference clinic is a fortnightly rehabilitation service for children with a limb difference they were either born with or have acquired during their life. The aim is to help children with limb difference reach their full potential and achieve a rich and functional life.

The limb difference clinic works with the child and family to help achieve their goals of independence and participation in life. The clinic’s services are listed below.

• Paediatric rehabilitation specialist review to monitor the child’s growth, development and attainment of age-appropriate skills.
• Evidence-based information on prosthetic options to aid with function.
• Supporting children’s participation in local communities and educational environments.
• Prenatal counselling for families who receive a diagnosis of limb difference during pregnancy.
• Pre-amputation counselling for families.
• Education and training for families and schools.
• Developing and monitoring rehabilitation goals.
• Liaison with other health professionals in the hospital and community (e.g., surgeons, teachers, community therapists and the pain service).
• Prosthetic training.

The team

The specialist multidisciplinary team includes:

• paediatric rehabilitation specialists
• physiotherapists
• occupational therapists
• prosthetists
• rehabilitation nurses
• social workers.

Prostheses

A prosthesis is a device designed to replace, as much as possible, the function or appearance of a missing limb or body part. Children with prostheses will make regular visits to our clinics and their limb maker to get a device that fits correctly. The rehabilitation team will help the child to accept their prosthesis and teach them how to maximise its use.

Children may also need other assistive devices to help gain independence. The amount of assistance a child needs with mobility and transfers will be very individual and the rehabilitation team will help determine this.

We work with prosthetists in hospital and private prosthetic service providers. We also liaise with the Queensland Artificial Limb Service which provides funding for prostheses made by private prosthetists.

Recreational limbs

We are strong advocates for recreational prosthetics (e.g. prosthetics designed for sport, music or other activities). We can help your family explore recreational options and trial equipment or prescribe a recreational prosthesis.

Other ways we can help

You should contact us to arrange a clinic time if you have any problems with:

• Ill-fitting or outgrown prosthesis.
• Prosthetic training.
• Regular pain.
• Mastering certain activities.
• School transitions.
• Seeking peer support.
• Any other concerns.

Who can access this service?

New patients

Referrals are accepted up to 16 years of age (prior to 16th birthday).

Existing patients with complex care needs

Referrals are accepted up to their 18th birthday (patients are usually transitioned to adult services by this time).

Catchment area

This service is available to children living in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Do I need a referral?

You will need a formal referral to access this service.

How do I get a referral?

Referrals are accepted from:

• medical specialists
• general practitioners.

Useful links

Amputee Coalition
Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC)
Aussie Hands
Limbkids
Limbs 4 Kids
Limbs 4 Life
National Disability Insurance Scheme
Queensland Artificial Limb Service (QALS)

Our team

Director

Dr Priya Edwards MBBS, FRACP, FAFRM

Paediatric rehabilitation consultants

Dr Theresa Carroll MBBS, FRACP, FAFRM
Dr Lisa Copeland MBBS FRACP FAFRM
Dr Owen Gillies BSc (Hons), MBBS, FRACP, FAFRM
Dr Kim Mclennan MBBS, FRACP, FAFRM
Dr Kate Rodwell

Paediatricians

Dr Sasaka Bandarayanke
Dr Nicola Previtera MBBS, DCH (Lond), FRACP

Orthopaedic surgeons

Dr Ivan Astori MBBS, FRACS (Ortho)
Dr David Bade
Dr John Walsh