Your Experience at the Center for Limb Differences
Every child’s care plan is as unique as their story. We develop individualized treatment programs for congenital amputations, syndromes, acquired amputations, limb length discrepancies and limb salvage procedures. Our coordinated approach combines:
- Medical care
- Therapy
- Orthotic and prosthetic support
- Community care and connection
In addition to providing therapies, we also provide community resources, including opportunities to connect with other families.
Taking the First Steps
We recommend an evaluation as soon as possible after birth or amputation. Early assessment helps our team develop a customized treatment plan. It also gives our team the opportunity to provide guidance on resources and offer second opinions when needed.
What to Expect
Most children visit the Center two to three times a year. Each visit includes assessments of orthopedic condition, growth and developmental needs.
Our services include:
- Medical management and surgical care
- Therapy and functional training
- Orthotic and prosthetic fittings through Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics
- Motion analysis using advanced gait technology to study how your child walks and moves
Conditions We Treat
Congenital Limb Differences (Present at Birth):
- Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD)
- Congenital short femur
- Fibular or tibial hemimelia
- Absence or hypoplasia of the radius, ulna, or humerus
- Amelia / Phocomelia
- Foot and hand differences
- Radial club hand
- Arthrogryposis
- Caudal regression /lumbosacral agenesis
Limb Differences Associated with Syndromes:
- Thrombocytopenia & Absent Radius (TAR) Syndrome
- Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
- Poland Syndrome
- Holt-Oram Syndrome
- VATER / VACTERL Association
Acquired Limb Loss or Differences:
- Cancer
- Vascular conditions
- Accidents or trauma
- Disease
- Post–limb salvage procedures
Meet Your Team
The Center for Limb Differences is a founding and active member of the Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics, representing the highest standards in pediatric care.
Your child’s care team is multidisciplinary, led by pediatric orthopedic surgeons Dr. Michael Forness and Dr. Lisa Maskill. It’s supported by specialists in therapy, nutrition, psychosocial care and more.
Core Team Members:
- Orthopedic surgeons oversee surgical management and ongoing care.
- Pediatric nurses monitor growth while coordinating care.
- Care managers provide counseling and connect families to support resources.
- Physical therapists focus on mobility, balance and prosthetic use.
- Occupational therapists support fine motor development and daily activities.
- Certified prosthetists & orthotists design and fit prosthetic and orthotic devices.
- Registered dietitians support healthy growth and recovery.
- Psychologists or pediatricians address emotional and developmental needs.
Resources for Families
Educational Handbooks:
- Children with Limb Differences (Birth–5 years)
- Children with Limb Differences (6–12 years)
- Adolescents with Limb Differences
- Children with Limb Differences: A Handbook for Teachers
- Children with Hand Differences: A Guide for Families
- Guía Para Familias de Niños con Extremidades con Diferencias
- Your Personal Best
Helpful Handouts:
- “Teasing Happens: How to Make Friends”
- “Teasing Happens: Tips for Parents and Teachers”
- “Tips for Encouraging Self-Esteem in Teens with Disabilities”
Additional Resources:
- Amputee Coalition of America
- Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics
- Family Resource Center on Disabilities
- Federation for Children with Special Needs
- National Sports Center for the Disabled
- Easter Seals and other adaptive camp programs
Why Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
For nearly eight decades, Mary Free Bed’s Center for Limb Differences has been shaping the future of pediatric limb rehabilitation. Families choose us because we offer:
- A nationally recognized, child-centered approach
- Comprehensive orthopedic and prosthetic expertise
- Seamless collaboration between physicians and therapists
- Advanced technology and motion analysis labs
- Emotional and family-centered support at every stage.
At Mary Free Bed Kids, we’re proud to celebrate every milestone—from first fittings to first steps.
Begin Your Child’s Journey
If your child has a congenital or acquired limb difference, we’re here to help. Together, we’ll help your child build confidence, independence, and strength for every step ahead.
