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SickKids

Children's Orthotics

Location:
555 University Avenue, Service Floor, Room S247, Black Wing
Phone:
416-813-7073
Fax:
416-813-5957
Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
Orthotics Clinic staff securing a protective helmet on an infant's head

What we do

The Children’s Orthotics Clinic at SickKids provides orthotic care to babies, children, youth and teens. We assess, design, fabricate and fit orthoses that are customized to your child’s unique needs. The clinic carries custom-made orthoses and off-the-shelf orthoses to help support, protect or realign parts of your child’s body.

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.

Expert collaboration

  • Our skilled clinicians specialize in treating complex paediatric cases, following best clinical practices for the casting and fitting of children.
  • We work closely with divisions and departments (including Orthopaedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery and Rehabilitation Services) across SickKids to provide a multi-disciplinary care team for your child.
  • Our orthotists provide postoperative casting for orthoses in the operating room at the hospital.

Always innovating

  • Cranial orthoses (helmets) and scoliosis braces are fabricated with the use of advanced 3D scanning technology.
  • Our team stays well-informed on the latest advancements in orthotics, ensuring best practices in family-centred care.
  • All custom-designed products are fabricated and adjusted by our technicians in the on-site lab with cutting-edge equipment and materials

Family-centred care

  • Our orthotists are authorized vendors of the Ontario Assistive Devices Program, who can help your family navigate ADP policies and procedures for funding.
  • Our skilled team is one of our province’s largest providers of scoliosis bracing.

Expand the sections below to learn more about our clinic. 

  • Provide orthoses that are lightweight, durable and acceptable in cosmesis
  • Correct or prevent bony alignment problems due to structural abnormalities
  • Improve walking efficiency
  • Support weak muscles from neurological conditions
  • Reduce pain by supporting or protecting affected joints

The Children's Orthotics Clinic carries a wide variety of orthotics for children of all ages. Patients must have a prescription or a referral with a diagnosis from a physician before making an appointment with the clinic. Any physician can refer you to our department.

If you do not have a prescription or referral, please visit your physician before contacting our clinic.

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

Our certified orthotists are members of Orthotics Prosthetics Canada . Certification assures that all of our orthotists have a high degree of knowledge and experience, which is supplemented with continuing education.

Members of our team routinely participate in international courses and conferences related to the pathologies we treat. This means you have access to the latest technologies and clinical expertise, ensuring quality and accountability at every step of your child’s treatment. One example is our 3D scanning technology, which is applied for cranial orthoses (helmets) and scoliosis bracing. Since its introduction, 3D scanning has provided many benefits to our patients and staff by improving patient experience and making our workplace environment safer.

Physician referral

Referrals must be completed by a family physician or paediatrician.

Virtual clinic visits

What you need to know about your virtual clinic appointment.

Calendar

Coming to the clinic

The Children's Orthotics Clinic 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.

clinical research clipboard icon

MyChart Patient Record

Securely access you or your child’s SickKids health records online.

Products for head, neck, spine and hand

The clinic may be able to order orthoses not listed below. Speak to your orthotist for more information.

Helmet therapy is used to gently reshape the skull. A corrective helmet can help treat your baby's plagiocephaly or "baby flat-head."

Custom-made medical and protective helmets (plagiocephaly “flat-head” helmets)

Custom-made helmets for the treatment of plagiocephaly (“flat-head”) or cranial synastosis in infants

Custom protective helmets

Custom-made helmets for children and adults requiring head protection

Learn more about positional plagiocephaly

Read more about Positional Plagiocephaly on AboutKidsHealth. 

Neck collars are for various reasons such as injuries or post-surgery. A well-fitted collar allows the neck to be centrally aligned.

Cervical Collar

Off-the-shelf neck collar to provide light neck support

 

Off-the-shelf and custom-made spinal orthoses based on a physician’s prescription. A spinal orthosis holds the spine in place and decreases the chance that the curve in the spine will get worse as you grow.

Custom TLSO

Custom-made thoracic-lumbo-sacral orthosis for the treatment of scoliosis and spondylolisthosis.

California Compressor

Off-the-shelf, low profile lumbar orthosis used to provide abdominal pressure for relief of minor back pain.

Custom Torticollis Collar (low temperature)

Custom-made collar made with low temperature thermoplastic or similar material for the treatment of torticollis.

Custom Unbending TLSO

Custom-made thoracic-lumbo-sacral orthosis for night time treatment of scoliosis.

Jewett Style TLSO

Custom-made thoracic-lumbo-sacral orthosis for the treatment of anterior compression fractures.

Kidney Protector

Custom-made orthosis to protect kidneys.

Milwaukee CTLSO

Custom-made cervical-thoracic-lumbo-sacral orthosis for stabilization and treatment of patients with scoliosis and kyphosis.

Pectus Carinatum Orthosis

Custom-made orthosis for the treatment of pectus carnatum (abnormally prominent sternum).

Sansplint Back Brace

Custom-made post-operative back brace.

S.O.M.I.

Custom-fitted sternal occipital mandibular immobilizer back brace.

Hand splints are prescribed for pain control and protection. A splint is sometimes used to provide rest, support, and pain relief to a sore joint.

Hand Splints

A variety of hand and wrist support splints available.

AliMed “Freedom” Hand Splint

Wrist support designed to allow free finger movement while immobilizing the wrist.

Coolflex Hand Splint

Light, cool and comfortable hand splint.

Custom Bi-Valved WHFO

Custom-made wrist-hand-finger-orthosis.

Custom EO

Custom-made elbow orthosis.

Custom EO with Joints

Custom-made elbow orthosis with joints.

Custom Resting WHFO

Custom-made wrist-hand-finger-orthosis.

Custom WHO

Custom-made wrist-hand orthosis.

Otto Bock Rehband Hand Splint

Off-the-shelf, soft, breathable and flexible hand splint for the treatment of rheumathoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Products for ankle, foot and knee

Foot orthotics can improve alignment, reduce pain, or accommodate for problems such as bunions (painful swelling on first joint of big toe).

Custom-Made Foot Orthoses

Foot orthoses custom-made in-house.

Metatarsal Pads

Off-the-shelf pads for the treatment and prevention of pain in the balls of the feet.

Pre-made Quick Fit

Off-the-shelf foot orthoses for treatment of many common foot ailments.

Reinforced Bottoms

Off-the-shelf foot orthoses with reinforced bottoms for increased durability and functional support.

Extra Wide, Extra Depth Runners

Off-the-shelf extra wide, extra depth running shoes to accommodate children’s ankle-foot orthoses or other types of braces, custom orthoses or insoles for children and adults. Many sizes available.

90/90 Wheaton (high temperature)

AFO (Ankle and foot orthoses)/KAFO (Knee, ankle and foot orthoses) for the treatment of metatarsus adductus/varus, clubfoot or tibial torsion. Pre-made and custom-made sections.

90/90 Wheaton (low temperature)

Custom-made AFO/KAFO for the treatment of metatarsus adductus/varus, clubfoot or tibial torsion.

External Shoe Lifts

Off-the-shelf shoe lifts designed to modify and adjust leg length.

Foam Hip Abduction Splints

Custom-made hip splints for hip deformities.

Internal Shoe Lifts

Off-the-shelf shoe lifts designed to modify and adjust leg length.

Toe Extension

Custom-made toe extension for AFOs or KAFOs.

Topy Sole

Custom-designed rubber piece added to the bottom of AFOs or KAFOs.

Wheaton Hip Abduction

Off-the-shelf hip support and stabilization for hip disorders.

Wheaton Pavlik Harness

Off-the-shelf hip harness for hip disorders.

The boots and bar orthosis is also called a foot abduction orthosis or a Denis Browne splint. The brace holds your child's feet turned outwards and in the corrected position.

Bars (standard and adjustable)

Bars for use with Dennis Brown Boots.

Boots

Off-the-shelf boots to help maintain correction in babies with clubfoot and metatarsus adductus.

Plates

Plates for use with Dennis Brown Boots.

Off-the-shelf or custom-made knee orthoses are used to control motion around the knee joint due to instability (ligament damage) or arthritic pain at the knee joint.

“Contour Air Light”

Off-the-shelf knee brace.

Custom Knee Orthosis

Custom-made from measurement and/or cast as per doctor’s prescription.

Adjustable Plantar Fascitis Resting Splint Coreflex

Night time resting splints.

Ankle Orthoses (various) -- Aircast, Active Ankle

For ankle ligament instabilities.

Drop Foot Splint AFO - (Ankle Foot Orthosis)

Custom brace from prescription.

Generation 2 FX stabilizer

Off-the-shelf knee support.

Patella Stabilizers: EPX Stabilizer, Tiny Titan Knee Sleeves

Off-the-shelf knee support.

Pediatric Polpro AFO -- (Ankle Foot Orthotic)

Custom-made as per doctor’s prescription.

Pediatric UFO Adjustable Resting Splint

Night resting splints.

Silicone Heel Cups

Foot accessories in silicone.

Smartknit Seamless AFO Socks

Off-the-shelf, seamless, wrinkle-free ankle-foot orthotic socks made with Coolmax material.

Tiny Titan Hyperextension Elbow Splint

Off-the-shelf elbow splint.

Boxed Cotton Stockinettes (various sizes)

100% cotton, seamless knit, tubular material to make undershirts for various spinal orthoses.

Gel Heel Cups and Insoles

Gel heel cups and insoles for comfort and support.

Smartknit Seamless AFO and KAFO Socks

Ready-made, seamless, wrinkle-free ankle-foot and knee-ankle-foot orthotic socks made with Coolmax® material.

Royal Knit Torso Body Sock

Ready-made, seamless, wrinkle-free full body sock with Coolmax® material.

AFO (Ankle Foot Orthoses - any size)

Coloured/patterned transfers adhered to AFOs.

Looney Tunes ® Characters

Coloured/patterned transfers with favourite Looney Tunes ® characters.

Spinal Orthoses (any size)

Coloured/patterned transfers adhered to spinal orthoses.

Various patterns/designs, sports teams

Coloured/patterned transfers with various designs.

Frequently asked questions

There is no cost for your first visit with a certified orthotist at The Children’s Orthotics Clinic.

Following the assessment, your orthotist will discuss treatment plans.

If you agree to a treatment plan, your child will be casted for an orthosis during your first visit. A 50 per cent deposit is required during this visit (e.g. your clinic visit for the initial assessment).

  • Specific fees vary depending on the type and extent of services required.
  • A minimum of 50% of the payment for this device is expected at the time of the casting, which takes place during your visit for the initial assessment.
  • The remaining 50% of the cost is expected when you receive the helmet.
  • The Children’s Orthotics Clinic is unable to bill your insurance company directly.
  • We accept Visa, MasterCard, certified cheques, money orders, cash and debit.

All proceeds from orthotic treatment at the Children’s Orthotics Clinic support patient care and research at SickKids.

Please review our Financial Policy to understand the expectations and responsibilities regarding payments for orthoses

View Financial Policy (pdf)

Appointments must be cancelled at least 24 hours before your scheduled
appointment. A $25 fee may be charged for appointments cancelled less than 24
hours in advance or not cancelled at all.

To cancel your appointment

  • Call 416-813-7073 or email admin.orthotics@sickkids.ca
  • Provide us with the date and time you called, your name, the date of your
    appointment and your contact information.

Late arrivals

If you arrive to your appointment more than 15 minutes past the scheduled time,
the appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Thank you for understanding and cooperation.

Orthoses covered by the Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

Selected paediatric orthotics are covered in part by the Ministry of Health through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). ADP pays for 75 per cent of orthoses covered by the program. Patients are responsible for paying the remaining 25 per cent. For a list of devices covered by ADP, please see the the Ministry of Health website.

What if I am eligible for ADP coverage?
  • Request an ADP application form from a doctor if you are eligible to receive ADP coverage. Any physician can prescribe ADP-funded orthoses.
  • Bring your signed ADP application form to your referring physician who will fill in the following: date, diagnosis, what they are prescribing and signature. Any medical physician can prescribe ADP funded orthoses.
  • Bring the completed form to the Children’s Orthotics Clinic
  • If you do not have an ADP form, you can obtain one from our clinic and take it to your doctor to be filled out.

Extended health insurance

Some extended health insurance plans may cover a portion of the 25 per cent not covered by ADP. Call your health plan provider for information. The clinic requires full payment up front and your insurance company will reimburse you directly if you are eligible.

Charitable organizations

Some charitable organizations may cover a portion of the 25 per cent not covered by ADP if you do not have extended health insurance. It is the responsibility of the family to apply for assistance with charitable organizations.

Social assistance

If you are receiving social assistance benefits under Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), ADP may cover the total cost. If your child is a patient at SickKids, speak to your clinic nurse or social worker for more information. For patients not affiliated with SickKids, please speak to your health care professional. Proof of social assistance is required in the form of a monthly stub.

The following charitable organizations may be able to assist you with some or all of the cost of your orthosis. You are responsible to apply for assistance from charitable organizations.

  • A Child’s Voice Foundation: assistance for children and their families with special needs as a result of a medical condition.
  • Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities: this is a monthly allowance for disabled children. It is intended to help compensate for expenses beyond those of raising an able-bodied child.
  • Easter Seal Society: financial assistance with funding not covered by the Ministry of Health's Assistive Devices Program (ADP), insurance and other resources. Priority is given to mobility and communication devices.
  • PC Children’s Charity: direct financial assistance in the purchase of expensive mobility equipment, environmental modifications, physical therapy and more.
  • The Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children: assistance for special needs children when funds are not available from any other source. Assistance has been granted for a number of purposes. Western Canadian residences are encouraged to apply.
  • The Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity: assistance for children who are chronically or seriously ill.

  • AFO: Ankle-Foot Orthosis
  • CO: Cervical Orthosis
  • CTLSO: Cervical-Thoracic-Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis
  • EO: Elbow Orthosis
  • EWHO: Elbow-Wrist-Hand Orthosis
  • FO: Foot Orthosis
  • HKAFO: Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis
  • HO: Hand Orthosis
  • KAFO: Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis
  • KO: Knee Orthosis
  • LO: Lumbar Orthosis
  • LSO: Lumbar-Sacral Orthosis
  • SEWHO: Shoulder-Elbow-Write-Hand Orthosis
  • SIO: Sacroiliac Orthosis
  • TLSO: Thoracic-Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis
  • WHFO: Wrist-Hand-Finger Orthosis
  • WHO: Wrist-Hand Orthosis
  • WO: Wrist Orthosis

Meet the team

The Children's Orthotics Clinic includes team members equipped with the skills and creativity to provide bracing and support solutions for a variety of medical conditions. The certified orthotists, registered technicians and patient information staff are dedicated to excellence in child and family-centred care, while providing the highest quality orthotic services.

Our team is committed to delivering compassionate communication and care. We assist children of all ages and abilities to achieve their optimal level of function, mobility and independence with highly effective orthoses.

To ensure the highest standards of care and bolster our creativity to find innovative solutions, we continue to grow through education, research and professional development.

Clinical Manager

Erin Brennan, BA Kin, CO(c)

Technical Supervisor

Tim Gilbert

Patient Information Administrators

Mira Urosevic
Tainya Dennehy

Certified Orthotists

Andrea Fung, BSc (Hons), CO(c)
Christopher Nudds, CO(c)
Linda Lui, BSc (Hons), CO(c)
Bethan White, MSc. (RS), BSc (HK), CO(c)
Ivan Capcap, BSc. (Hons), CO(c)
Jonathan Blunt, CO(c)
Stephanie Pugliese-Santana, CO(c)

Resident Orthotist

Brian Vice, BSc

Orthotic Technicians

Yu Xi Huang
Daniel Low
Edmarl Los Banos, RTO(c)
Fraser Veevers
Kayleigh Shanahan, BSc, RTO(c)
Barbara Laplante, BFA , RTO(c)

Certified orthotists are recognized health-care specialists who treat conditions of the neuro-muscular skeletal systems of the body with custom-made or custom-fit orthoses (braces). They work closely with a team of medical professionals that may include your physician, surgeon, physical and occupational therapist to ensure the best results for each individual. They are the only health professionals with extensive training, knowledge and understanding of custom orthoses and braces.

Certified orthotists evaluate, design, fabricate, fit and deliver a supportive brace or orthotic device. They also provide follow-up care once the orthoses have been delivered. All these services help optimize your child’s functional outcome.

Orthotic technicians partner purposefully with orthotists to produce, fabricate and repair orthoses (braces and supports) that are used to support, correct or realign limbs, the spine or the head. These registered technicians carry out the fabrication of orthotic devices with specialized hand tools, machines and software.

Educational resources

AboutKidsHealth is a health education website for children, youth and their caregivers, with trusted answers from SickKids. Learn about common conditions often treated in the Children's Orthotics Clinic. 

 

 

The Children's Orthotics Clinic provides services to many different departments at SickKids.

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