THE NEW O&P MATH: ENGINEERING + CARE + LISTENING + PLAY = EXTRAORDINARY PEDIATRIC PROSTHETICS INNOVATION

Out of the mouths of babes… can come extraordinary prosthetics innovation.

At least that’s what happened when a group of elementary school kids wrote to Össur’s R&D department in Iceland, asking if the company’s engineers could create a new prosthetic foot to help a classmate with limb difference.

Challenge accepted. The engineering team at Össur not only concurred; they wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children with limb loss and limb difference.

They went directly to the source, engaging the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team of O&P professionals and the Clinical Research Program at Shriners Children’s New England, including Prosthetics and Orthotics Manager Brock McConkey, CPO, and Clinical Research Lead Jules Miehm, MS.

Together, the team members focused on a single question: What would prosthetic design look like if it were inspired by children, and not just adapted from adult models?

The resulting field study took a unique approach that combined engineering precision with clinical empathy, using an outdoor playground setting where children could demonstrate how they actually used their prosthetic feet in everyday activities. Historically, prosthetic component testing in children has been limited, so in this study, a number of kids from Shriners Children’s New England were encouraged to run, jump, climb and play while researchers studied how they accomplished such activities as incline walking, sidestepping and balancing. They also participated in various games that revealed authentic movement patterns.

After the field study, the research team had captured many important insights regarding kids’ needs for comfort, flexibility and energy return in their prostheses.  Later, the team presented their findings, Child-Adapted Investigation for Design Input of a New Prosthetic Device, at the 2025 International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress in Stockholm[1].

“Structural design testing often assumes children are ‘small adults,’ but kids don’t just walk – they’re in constant motion and explore with boundless energy,” said Volker Nissels, a Clinical Investigation Specialist at Össur. “The study with Shriners Children’s’ POPS team led to an important discovery: kids preferred a slightly softer stiffness category than we had expected. And that finding directly impacted how we designed the layup and stiffness curve for our new pediatric prosthesis.” 

The collective input led to the conceptualization, design and launch of Össur’s new Pro-Flex® LP Junior, a low-profile, S-Glass composite foot that was designed to keep up with the most energetic younger users while providing best-in-class flexibility and smooth rollover and energy return. A removable, snap-on waterproof cover, treaded sole for better grip and sandal-clamping toe also make it possible for its user to bathe or participate in water activities without concern.

“The new Pro-Flex LP Junior features Össur’s signature Pro-Flex three-blade technology and split toe design, and provides exceptional ankle range, flexibility and energy return,” said Ragnar Örn Gunnarsson, Product Designer at Össur. “We also made sure that the new prosthesis was designed to deliver enhanced durability, so kids could be free to run around and truly enjoy a life without limitations.”

From playgrounds to park trails, the new Pro-Flex Junior is ready to go wherever a child’s curiosity leads and is now available to kids worldwide.

Meanwhile, the experts at Össur and Shriners Children’s are continuing to explore the potential for additional pediatric innovations in the future, demonstrating without a doubt that when engineering meets care, play becomes progress. To learn more about the product and Össur’s commitment to pediatric innovation, please visit https://www.Össur.com/en-us/prosthetics/feet/pro-flex-lp-junior

[1] https://www.ispo-congress.com/program/ispo/14528