Orthotics Clinic

The Children's Orthotics Clinic at SickKids provides treatment for children with a variety of conditions involving the muscles, bones and joints. Custom orthoses, or braces, are designed at the clinic to aid in the correction or improved function of the affected areas.

The highly skilled team of orthotists and orthotic technicians journey with a patient through their rehabilitative process, using sound treatment principles while providing patient-centred care. From your first visit to the professional fitting of the orthosis, our team of orthotists and technicians will provide an individualized treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcomes for your child.

Treatment is offered for children with a variety of orthopaedic conditions including clubfoot, scoliosis, positional plagiocephaly (“baby flat-head”) and craniosynostosis. 

Learn more about the Children's Orthotics Clinic

Directions: 

From the Elm Street parking lot, take the parking elevator up to the S level (one below M).  When you exit the elevator, turn left and walk to the end of the hallway.  Follow the signs and keep turning left towards the Children's Orthotics Clinic. 

From the Main Floor, go to the Black Wing elevators in front of Shoppers Drug Mart. Go down one level to S (Service). Take a left and follow the signs to the Orthotics Clinic. 

After your child has been prescribed an orthosis, you may be referred to the Children’s Orthotics Clinic. 

What to expect

1. Your free initial assessment  

• At this first visit, a certified orthotist will conduct a clinical assessment to determine your needs. 
• This will involve asking you questions and conducting an assessment/examination which may include range of motion and muscle strengthening assessments as well as a gait analysis.  
• The type of assessment will be determined by your diagnosis and the body segment involved. 
• Based on this information and your physician’s prescription, the orthotist will make a recommendation for a pre-made or custom-made orthosis. 

For off-the-shelf orthoses 

• If you require an off-the-shelf orthosis, the orthosis can be purchased onsite from our clinic. Visit our Orthotics page for a sample listing of off-the-shelf orthoses available. 

For custom-made orthoses 

•  If it is determined that you require a custom-made orthosis, a cast or mold will be taken during your first clinic visit. The cast of the orthosis will be used to make the orthosis. Fitting times may vary from two to six weeks depending on what type of orthosis is necessary. 

2. How to get the exact fit: casting/molding techniques and 3D scanning technologies 

• If you agree to a treatment plan, the orthotist will use a variety of traditional casting/plaster molding techniques or 3D scanning in order to make a custom orthosis during your first visit 
• You and your child may need to visit the orthotist several times to measure, cast and fit your child's orthotic device.

3. Design and manufacturing 

• If a custom-made orthotic device is needed, it will be designed and created to your child 
• The orthotist will design the orthotic device based on their assessment findings and the prescription from your health-care professional. 
• The orthosis will be manufactured in our onsite lab, which is located within The Children’s Orthotics Clinic at SickKids. 
• Orthotic devices are custom-made or custom-fit by our highly skilled technicians using state-of-the-art technology or specialized hand tools to smooth and shape the orthotic to precise accuracy. 

4. Followup appointments and fittings 

An orthotist will fit the orthosis, show you how to use it properly and answer your questions. 

For off-the-shelf orthoses 

• A followup appointment is arranged to evaluate the orthosis and to make any adjustments as necessary. 
• Your orthotist will recommend followup visits based on your specific needs. 

For custom-made orthoses 

• During your follow up visit (fitting appointment), you will be measured for your orthosis and then it will be trimmed to fit precisely. The orthotist will evaluate the fit and function of the orthosis. Once you and your orthotist are happy with the fit, a followup appointment is arranged to determine the effectiveness of the orthosis and to make any necessary adjustments. 
• Your orthotist will recommend followup visits based on your specific needs 

Based on the initial assessment, the orthotist may recommend a custom-made brace or orthotic device, or they may recognize when an off-the-shelf solution will work. When a custom-made device is needed, our orthotist works closely with the onsite technicians. The technical team has the expertise to design, fabricate and fit the brace or device specifically tailored to your child’s needs. 

Custom colour, transfer and logo selection

As well as the basic colours of the orthosis, there are other optional designs, cartoon characters and sports logos that are available for a small extra fee.