What are orthotics?
Orthotics, or orthoses, are medical devices a child wears to help correct a condition of the bones or muscles. Patients diagnosed with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, a spinal cord injury or stroke may benefit from an orthosis. Orthoses can help control a joint, assist in movement or aid in rehabilitating a fracture.
What are prosthetics?
Prosthetics, often referred to as artificial limbs, are medical devices created to replace all or part of a child’s missing limb that may be a result of a disease, a trauma or a condition present at birth. Prostheses help restore the functions of a missing body part.
What do orthotists and prosthetists do?
Our experts in orthotic and prosthetic care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, known as orthotists and prosthetists, are specialists in creating custom designs for children who need orthopedic braces or artificial limbs. We apply the latest advances in technology so that growing children can continue to reach functional goals at home, in the classroom and while playing.
Orthotic and prosthetic devices are prescribed by a doctor and can help children who have:
- Limb deficiency: full or partial loss of an arm or leg
- Cerebral palsy: disorder affecting movement and coordination
- Spina bifida: incomplete closing of the spinal column
- Scoliosis: curves of the spine
- Plagiocephaly: a flattening of an infant’s head on the back or side
- Brachycephaly: a flattening that is mostly straight across the back of an infant’s head
- Pectus carinatum: a condition, also referred to as "pigeon chest," in which part of the sternum (breastbone) protrudes
- Clubfoot: a birth defect in which a child’s foot is twisted out of shape or position
- Traumatic brain injury: usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body
- Limb sparing: surgery to preserve a limb
- Burns: damage to the skin or deeper tissues caused by the sun, hot liquids, fire, electricity or chemicals
- Neurological disorders: diseases of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction and muscles

Researched strategies to help effectively treat CMT
Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common postural deformity in newborns that can lead to long-term consequences if untreated. Colleen Coulter, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, Physical Therapist at Children’s, recently co-authored a research study with strategies to effectively treat some of our smallest patients.
Learn MoreDepending on your child’s needs, Children’s offers a number of programs to patients and families to help determine how to best care for your child.
Cranial Remolding Helmet: Proper Fit and Care
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Proper fit and care are important for your child’s cranial remolding helmet
Learn the tips to properly take care of your child’s cranial remolding helmet, whether he is wearing it or not, and what to look out for to help ensure a proper fit.
In addition to our board-certified orthotists and prosthetists, the team includes orthopedic surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and pediatric physiatrists, who all specialize in rehabilitation medicine. Specialized physical therapy services are available for patients who are referred for limb difference or cranial remolding treatment. All team members are highly trained and experienced in caring for children and teens. We can help your child physically, emotionally and socially overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
Certified prosthetists orthotists
- Emma Blass, CPO
- Karl Barner, CPO, LPO
- Amy Bridges, CPO, LO
- Kaitlin Cash, MSPO, CPO, LO
- Catherine Leigh Davis, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
- Brian Emling, MSPO, CPO, LPO
- Jennifer Galbraith, MSPO, CPO, LPO
- Rebecca Hernandez, CPO, LPO
- Mark Holowka, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
- Laura Klagstad, CPO, LPO
- Denise Larkins, MSPO, CPO, LPO
- Lauren Levinson, CPO
- Richard Welling, MSPO, CPO, LPO
Certified prosthetists
Certified orthotists
Certified orthotic assistants
- Greg Carey, COA
- Paul Jackovitch, CO, LO
- Megan Shulk, COA
Physical therapist
- Colleen Coulter-O'Berry, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
- Jill Cannoy, PT, DPT, PCS

Support and resources for families
Center for Advanced Pediatrics
1400 Tullie Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Children’s at Duluth
2270 Duluth Highway 120
Duluth, GA 30097
Children’s at Fayette
1265 Highway 54 West, Suite 200
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Children’s at Forsyth
The Collection at Forsyth
410 Peachtree Parkway
Cumming, GA 30041
Children’s at Meridian Mark
5445 Meridian Mark Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
Children’s at Old Milton Parkway
3300 Old Milton Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Children’s at Town Center Outpatient Care Center
605 Big Shanty Road NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Contact Us 404-785-3229