Center for Limb Differences Staff
The Center for Limb Differences continues to use a comprehensive team approach. The center’s team is led by physicians Dayle Maples, MD, Michael Forness, DO, and Julian E. Kuz, MD. These physicians all specialize in orthopedics and the treatment and management of children with limb differences. The center is a founding and ongoing member of the Association of Children’s Prosthetic - Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC).
In addition, patients at the center are seen by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team made up of a pediatric nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, prosthetist and orthotist, support staff, and volunteers.
Meet the Center for Limb Differences Treatment Team
We specialize in the care of children's orthopedic conditions. A variety of specialists are available to best meet the needs of each individual patient.
Orthopedic Surgeon
- Performs orthopedic assessment
- Evaluates the function of the child and outlines the care plan
- Provides medical management regarding prosthesis and orthosis, surgery, therapy, adaptive devices, and assistive technology
Pediatric Nurse
- Performs pediatric assessment, monitors development, and provides health promotion and disease prevention information
- Coordinates and prepares family and child for surgery
- Coordinates care with local resources and other specialists
Social Worker
- Provides diagnostic assessment and facilitates counseling for the purposes of adjustment, problem solving, and coping skills
- Coordinates peer support
- Coordinates local educational, vocational, recreational, and financial resources
Physical Therapist (PT)
- Assesses lower limb activities, provides input and/or training regarding:
- Overall gross motor development
- Lower extremity prosthesis use/care/fit
- Walking/balance
- Strength/flexibility/coordination
- Wheelchair mobility
- Functional daily activities
- Coordinates wheelchair seating and adaptive equipment needs
- Coordinates PT services in local community, provides resources as needed
Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Assesses activities of daily living and provides input and/or training regarding:
- Upper extremity function, strength, coordination
- Upper extremity prosthesis use/care/fit
- Dressing/self-care
- Feeding
- School
- Homemaking
- Recommends and assesses use of adaptive equipment and splints
- Coordinates OT services in the local community and provides resources, as needed
Certified Prosthetist (CP)
- Evaluates the patient for the prescribed prosthesis
- Designs and fabricates the appropriate prosthesis
- Manages patient treatment by fitting and adjusting the prosthesis for comfort
Certified Orthotist (CO)
- Evaluates the patient for the prescribed orthosis
- Designs and fabricates the appropriate orthosis
- Manages patient treatment by fitting and adjusting the orthosis for comfort
Pediatrician
- Reviews medical and developmental history
- Recommends intervention when problems or concerns are identified
Registered Dietitian
- Evaluates nutritional needs
- Provides individualized medical nutrition therapy and education for patient and patient's family
Program Coordinator
- Coordinates general office management activities
- Schedules center visits
- Maintains medical records
Volunteer
- Welcomes patients and families
- Records height and weight, as needed
- Escort patients and families to exam rooms
Department Manager
- Orients families and patients to center services
- Answers families' questions regarding patient care plan
- Responsible for day-to-day operations of CLD
Psychologist