Prosthetics is the branch of medicine that deals with evaluating, designing, fabricating, fitting and delivering a prosthesis or artificial limb to replace what is missing.  Orthotics involves bracing an existing part of the body. Commonly, people refer to “orthotics” as foot supports. “Orthoses” are the devices a person wears to enhance function and/or reduce or eliminate pain.

A prosthesis is an externally applied device designed to replace a missing part of the body or to make a body part work better. This can include missing eyes, arms, hands, or legs.

A prosthetist is a healthcare professional who is specifically educated and trained to manage comprehensive prosthetic patient care. This includes patient assessment, formation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, follow-up and practice management.

Amputations occur as a result of diabetes, necrotizing fasciitis and other bacterial infection, circulatory disease, and trauma. Some people may be born with non-functioning limbs (congenital birth defects) that can be made useful by reconstructive surgical techniques. Amputation is not a medical failure – it can save lives and ease chronic pain. It is an opportunity for the surgeon to fashion the most appropriate residual limb for prosthetic usage. It is a good idea to meet with your prosthetist prior to surgery if circumstances permit. Your prosthetist will want to look at the physical aspects of your limb, discuss with you possible fitting techniques, and assure you that, following amputation, you will get better and carry on with your life.

A prosthetic limb can greatly enhance your quality of life after an amputation, regardless of the level of amputation. This includes amputations of the leg or arm as well as partial amputations of the foot or hand.

Lower Limb Amputations: With a lower limb amputation, above or below the knee, movement is limited and use of a wheelchair or crutches is necessary. With prosthesis you gain complete freedom of movement and avoid dependence on these devices. At worst, you may only need a cane or walker.

Upper Extremity Amputations: With an upper extremity amputation, above or below the elbow, you also benefit from a prosthesis. Many options are available based on what functions you desire your prosthesis to provide.

Partial Amputations: We also design and build prostheses for partial foot and partial hand amputations. Whether you have had part of your foot or toes amputated you can benefit from a partial foot insert. If one or more fingers have been amputated, there are several options, as well.  A partial hand prosthesis will return significant function because the replacement of  fingers will  again allow oppositional movement for grasping.

Yes. We have been making custom foot supports for years. The types vary based on the physical aspects of the problem presented.

Yes,  physician’s prescription is needed before a prosthesis can be made. However, prescriptions are not needed for initial evaluations.

In many ways, yes! Although a prosthesis will never completely replace your natural limb, it can allow you to do many things you were able to do. This is dependent on your level of amputation. Patients with amputations below the knee do well and have the least  difficulty  returning to former lifestyles. Patients with amputations above the knee proceed more slowly but can return to former lifestyles. Patients with upper extremity amputations success varies, depending on personal desires and specific needs.

Once you are discharged from the hospital, and with careful monitoring and care of the wound, fitting can begin after compression is properly applied and the sutures are removed.

Using up to date technology and techniques, including total surface bearing systems, you will be walking immediately after fit and alignment have been established.

After receiving the appropriate prescription from your physician, we measure or make a mold of your residual limb to make a prosthetic socket. We then design the prosthesis and select the proper components, make and fit your prosthesis, instruct you on how to use and care for your prosthesis We also make repairs and adjustments as needed.

We can help you locate other health professionals such as physical therapists or occupational therapists to additional instruction and training on using your prosthesis, as well as needed training or strengthening programs. We are also a resource for obtaining products needed to wear and care for your prosthesis, including socks and liners.

You will need several visits for adjustments and training. These adjustments can help ease pressure areas, improve alignment, solve problems that are encountered, and aid in regaining skills. Tell us if your prosthesis is uncomfortable, too loose or tight, or causing any skin issues such as blisters. Ask questions and speak honestly about your needs.

The weight of your prosthetic will depend on the type of limb and the components used. 4 lbs is the average weight of the typical below knee prosthetic. 8 lbs is the average weight of the typical above knee prosthetic.  A natural leg is commonly 1/6 of your bodyweight.

Depending on your age, amount of activity and growth, your prosthesis can last from months to years.  Once your prosthesis is comfortably adjusted and you are at your desired activity level, your prosthesis needs only minor repairs and  maintenance and it can last for an average of three years to five years.

Phantom pain is used to describe sensations felt by amputees where the amputated limb had been located., It may include cramping, tingling, itching, pins-and-needles, stabbing pains, pressure, or a sense of fullness. Most amputees experience this, but the degree to which it is felt will vary. These sensations are intermittent and they will come and go unpredictably. New amputees may  have frequent and intense sensations several times every day, sometimes continuously for several hours. Over time, the sensations will generally become less frequent and intense, lasting for a shorter amount of time.