Prosthetics

Our staff is readily available for consultation with the referring physician or physical therapist. We listen to the needs and goals of our patients and their medical team. We are committed to providing top quality services and technology.
Throughout the course of treatment, our patients receive an extensive, detailed education on the use and care of the prosthesis, along with information on personal care of their residual limb.

All of our patients will receive a personal evaluation to ensure that their specific needs are addressed. During this evaluation the type of socket interface, suspension, and componentry to be used in your prosthesis will be determined. Designing your prosthesis will be a collaborative effort involving input from all members of our professional team and you the patient. Our goal is to please the patient and provide the best outcome for their level of function

It’s time to start thinking about your prosthesis after you’ve had an amputation and your residual limb is healing. Here are some answers to questions new amputees frequently ask:

After you’ve had your amputation and begin healing, you will need to focus on resuming your physical activity. Your Physical Therapist will design an exercise program for you which will help you build your overall strength, as well as build the muscles that are needed for balance and walking with your prosthesis. It is in your best interest to follow this exercise program, so that you will have the best results with your new prosthesis. You will also be provided with “shrinkers” that will help reduce the swelling in your residual limb. Reducing the swelling is essential for proper fit of the prosthesis. You will be given instructions as to how to use the shrinker. The most important factor for success is working with your doctor, prosthetist and therapist to address all of your concerns, and needs.

When your residual limb has healed and has minimal swelling you will be ready for prosthetic measurements and fitting. It usually takes about four to eight weeks to heal from your amputation, but healing time may take longer if you have other health issues. During this stage, your medical providers will also be concerned with maintaining proper shape of the residual limb, as well as increasing overall strength and function.

When you are ready to begin the process, you will be fitted with your initial prosthesis, which is called your preparatory prosthesis. This is a prosthesis that you will use during your training period. During this phase, the limb is well healed, but remains volumetrically unstable. Once your limb has become more volumetrically stable and you will be ready begin definitive care. This involves the careful selection and fitting of the appropriate prosthetic componetry to maximize the functional capabilities of each patient. Proper gait training and limb maintenance are greatly stressed. Several factors will be taken into consideration when creating your unique prosthesis. Your age, prior activity level, lifestyle, physical and cognitive condition, and condition of your residual limb will all determine how your prosthesis will be designed. Our goal will be getting your life back to normal, in the fastest and easiest way possible.

Learning to use a prosthesis takes time, great effort, strength, patience and perseverance. You work with a prosthetist and therapist while learning how to use your new limb. You will be given guidance on how to

• put on (don) and take off (doff) the prosthesis

• care for your prosthesis

• walk on different types of surfaces, including stairs and uneven terrain

• handle emergencies safely, including falling down and getting up again

• perform daily activities at home, at work and driving

• resuming other activities such as sports and recreational activities

Rehabilitation will be different for everyone and depends on their motivation, physical strength and muscle strength. For most people, it takes 3 to 4 weeks after starting your training until you can resume your normal activities. Many amputees will be able to return to their jobs, yet some may need to change or modify their jobs depending on their profession. Most amputees are able to drive at this time as well. Some amputees may require an adaptive device to assist with driving.

Depending on the level of your amputation, physical ability and functional needs, each prosthesis will be somewhat different. The prosthetists will first take a series of measurements of your residual limb and then make a cast mold of your limb. Most prostheses, are comprised of manufactured component parts (foot, knee, hand, etc.) that are attached to a socket that fits over your residual limb. If you desire a more natural look, that option is available to you as well. Prosthetics are made from a variety of materials that provide greater strength and less weight.

The prosthesis is held on in a variety of ways. Suction, mechanical locks and belts/straps can be used to secure your prosthesis to your residual limb. Your prosthetist will make many alignment and fitting adjustments to ensure proper fit and design.

Follow-up is as important as the initial fitting. You will need to make several visits for adjustments with the prosthetist. Together, your prosthetist and physical therapist can help you ease pressure areas, adjust alignment, work out any problems, and regain the skills you need to get your life back to normal. You should inform your prosthetist if the prosthesis is uncomfortable, too loose or too tight. Prostheses, like cars, need regular maintenance and repair to continue efficient functioning. Small adjustments can make a big difference. Proper communication with you prosthetist and therapist regarding your problems and concerns will result in better success for you.

You will be able to wear most casual shoe styles with your prosthesis. Your shoes should be comfortable, have proper non skid soles, and fit properly. Most importantly, your shoes should have the same heel height. High heeled shoes should be avoided.

Most amputees wear prosthetic socks with their prosthesis. These prosthetic socks come in a variety of thicknesses and materials. Prosthetic socks protect your skin, provide cushion, absorb sweat, and compensate for changes in size due to swelling and shrinkage of your residual limb. Your residual limb will change in size and shape. The prosthetic socks will help you to maintain a proper fit of your prosthesis as these changes in size and shape occur. A prosthetic sock thickness and weight is represented with the term “Ply”. Greater ply means greater thickness.

Several socks of each ply will be provided to you when you receive your prosthesis. These socks will help you to control the fit of your prosthesis. If the prosthesis seems too tight, then you should reduce the sock ply, and if it is too loose, then you should add sock ply until the fit is appropriate. Ideally, you should use minimal amounts of socks to achieve the best fit. This is important in avoiding skin irritation and breakdown. Sheaths, which help to reduce friction caused by excessive rubbing and help wick away perspiration, can also be worn.

There are special prosthesis’ that are designed for swimming. If you do not have a special swimming prosthesis, then you should not get your prosthesis excessively wet. Water can damage the components of your prosthesis.

We provide the following service to pediatric, adult and geriatric patients:
Microprocessor Knee Prostheses (C-Legs)
Pre-operative Consultation
Post-operative and Pre-Prosthetic Care
Acute Care/Immediate Post-Operative Prosthesis
Sports Prostheses
Harmony /Elevated Vacuum Prosthesis
Partial Foot Prosthesis
Symes/Chopart Prosthesis
Below Knee Prosthesis
Knee Disarticulation Prosthesis
Above Knee Prosthesis
Hip Disarticulation Prosthesis
Partial Hand Prosthesis
Wrist Disarticulation Prosthesis
Below Elbow Prosthesis
Above Elbow Prosthesis
Myoelectric Prosthesis
Gait Analysis