The Med Supply Orthotics and Prosthetics Division of Med Supply provides uncompromised care and unparalleled service, promoting the highest level of our patient&#;s recovery, independence and function. Having the proper prosthetic or orthotic device is essential to a patient&#;s recovery and return to a quality lifestyle. Here we have supplied a list of frequently asked questions regarding prosthetics provided by Mike Smith, Clinical Director & Prosthetist.
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1. How long before I get my prosthesis?
Some people are ready for their temporary prosthesis as early as 2-weeks following the removal of all staples and sutures. This will vary from person to person. As a general rule, when the surgical site is fully healed and most of the swelling has disappeared, you will be ready for the next step. Each patient&#;s healing time differs depending on their overall health condition.
2. How often do I wear my stump shrinker?
You should wear your shrinker 23 hours per day (unless told differently by your physician) and change it every other day. If you do not have a second shrinker, another one can be purchased, usually through your insurance. Your shrinker should be removed when bathing, and if any numbness or tingling occurs; please contact your practitioner immediately. Med Supply carries the Juzo Silver Shrinker for Above Knee Amputees, and the Ossur Shrinker for Below Knee Amputees.
3. How long before I will be able to walk again?
Walking will vary because healing is different for each person. On average, healing time will range from 1-3 months. However, it could be longer for patients with diabetes or other health related issues. Your ability to walk is determined by how hard you work in therapy, and regain strength and range of motion.
4. Will I always have phantom pain/sensations?
Phantom pain will also vary from person to person. Some people never experience it, while others experience it from time to time forever. Often times when you are fit with your prosthesis, the pain or sensation may decrease due to the total contact provided by the socket. Sometimes, stump shrinkers also provide relief and there are a number of techniques that can be used to reduce phantom pains that your therapist will discuss with you.
5. Will I need therapy to learn how to use my prosthesis?
Physical and Occupational Therapy plays a very important part in your rehabilitation process. You will learn new techniques for walking which are key to a speedy recovery.
6. How long does it take to make and fit a prosthesis?
The fabrication of a prosthesis is a very labor intensive process, requiring multiple fittings to ensure the best fit. Insurance authorization also plays a key role in delivering a prosthetic device. Once authorization is obtained, it will take about 2 weeks, provided we can obtain all of the parts from manufacturers.
7. What is my prosthesis made of?
Med Supply Corporation uses state of the art materials and componentry. This includes plastics, acrylics, polyester laminates, titanium, carbon graphite, aluminum and steel. The type of componentry used will be customized based on weight capacity and what is best for your optimal function. Insurance coverage also will determine what type of componentry will be used.
8. How much does a prosthesis cost?
The prosthetic industry is constantly changing and improving the componentry and fabrication of prosthetic limbs. A comprehensive range would be $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the individual needs of each person. Microchip computer technology is one of the most recent additions and can cost upwards of $50,000. Insurance coverage plays a large part in determining the cost. It is important to inquire about your co-pays and deductibles prior to being serviced so that you are fully aware of any out-of-pocket cost you may incur.
9. How long will I be wearing a temporary prosthesis?
On average, most patients will wear a temporary prosthesis for 6 months to 1 year depending on how quickly the residual limb stabilizes.
10. How much physical energy will I be exerting with my prosthesis?
Below knee amputee &#; 9% more energy than a non-amputee
Above knee amputee &#; 60% more energy than a non-amputee
Bilateral below knee amputee &#; 180% more energy than a non-amputee
Bilateral above knee amputee &#; 260% more energy than a non-amputee
11. Will my residual limb change size?
Yes, your residual limb will shrink as the swelling goes down and will change from a bulbous shape to a thinner, cone like shape. There are various methods used for reducing the swelling that include wrapping the limb, and exercises.
12. How often should I wash my liner?
Your liner should be washed every night. Make sure it is cleaned thoroughly to remove any layers of bacteria/dirt build-up. In addition, you should disinfect your liner once a week by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol.
13. Do I have to come into the office to be seen?
Not necessarily, however, better and more efficient service can be provided when we see patients in our office. This allows us to access the tools in our lab and allows us to make adjustments to your prosthesis quickly and efficiently. If transportation and/or physical challenges are difficult for you, a home visit can be arranged by calling our office.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Made Prosthesis. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
14. What renovations will have to be made to my home?
The number of renovations to your home will depend upon your personal needs. Many patients will need a shower chair (Med Supply carries a number of options which can be found here), detachable shower head and grab rails for the bathroom. You may also need to consider a ramp for the entrance to your home.
15. Will I still be able to participate in sports?
Yes, there are amputees involved in just about every sport. If you have participated in sports prior to your amputation, you can probably continue afterwards. Many sports have organized programs for amputees. Please be sure and let your prosthetist know about your desire to play sports, so they can design your prosthesis with that in mind. Most sport-specific prosthetics are not covered by insurance, you may incur an out-of-pocket cost.
16. Why does my training/temporary prosthesis not have a cosmetic cover?
Insurance companies know that the temporary prosthesis is a short-term prosthesis, and therefore will not cover a cosmetic cover being added.
17. Can prosthesis sockets be customized?
Speak with your Prosthetist about this, Med Supply will work with you to customize your prosthesis to your liking!
Prosthetic legs, or prostheses, can help people with leg amputations get around more easily. They mimic the function and, sometimes, even the appearance of a real leg. Some people still need a cane, walker or crutches to walk with a prosthetic leg, while others can walk freely.
If you have a lower limb amputation, or you will soon, a prosthetic leg is probably an option you&#;re thinking about. There are a few considerations you should take into account first.
While many people with limb loss do well with their prosthetic legs, not everyone is a good candidate for a leg prosthesis. A few questions you may want to discuss with your doctor before opting for a prosthetic leg include:
The type of amputation (above or below the knee) can also affect your decision. It&#;s generally easier to use a below-the-knee prosthetic leg than an above-the-knee prosthesis. If the knee joint is intact, the prosthetic leg takes much less effort to move and allows for more mobility.
The reason behind the amputation is also a factor, as it may impact the health of the residual limb. Your physical health and lifestyle are also important to consider. If you were not very active and lost your leg due to peripheral vascular disease or diabetes, for example, you will struggle more with a prosthesis than someone who was extremely active but lost a limb in a car accident.
When it comes to amputation, each person is unique. The decision to move forward with a prosthesis should be a collaborative one between you and your doctor.
If your doctor prescribes a prosthetic leg, you might not know where to begin. It helps to understand how different parts of a prosthesis work together:
There are numerous options for each of the above components, each with their own pros and cons. &#;To get the right type and fit, it&#;s important to work closely with your prosthetist &#; a relationship you might have for life.
A prosthetist is a health care professional who specializes in prosthetic limbs and can help you select the right components. You&#;ll have frequent appointments, especially in the beginning, so it&#;s important to feel comfortable with the prosthetist you choose.
Once you&#;ve selected your prosthetic leg components, you will need rehabilitation to strengthen your legs, arms and cardiovascular system, as you learn to walk with your new limb. You&#;ll work closely with rehabilitation physicians, physical therapists and occupational therapists to develop a rehabilitation plan based on your mobility goals. A big part of this plan is to keep your healthy leg in good shape: while prosthetic technology is always advancing, nothing can replicate a healthy leg.
Learning to get around with a prosthetic leg can be a challenge. Even after initial rehabilitation is over, you might experience some issues that your prosthetist and rehabilitation team can help you manage. Common obstacles include:
Phantom limb pain, or pain that seems to come from the amputated limb, is a very real problem that you may face after an amputation. About 80% of people with amputations experience phantom limb pain that has no clear cause, although pain in the limb before amputation may be a risk factor.
Mirror therapy, where you perform exercises with a mirror, may help with certain types of phantom limb pain. Looking at yourself in the mirror simulates the presence of the amputated leg, which can trick the brain into thinking it&#;s still there and stop the pain.
In other cases, phantom limb pain might stem from another condition affecting the residual limb, such as sciatica or neuroma. Addressing these root causes can help eliminate the phantom pain.
At some point, you may notice that you aren&#;t as functional as you&#;d like to be with your current leg prosthesis. Maybe your residual limb has stabilized and you&#;re ready to transition from a temporary prosthesis that lasts a few months to one that can last three to five years. Or maybe you&#;ve &#;outwalked&#; your prosthesis by moving more or differently than the prosthesis is designed for. New pain, discomfort and lack of stability are some of the signs that it may be time to check in with your prosthetist to reevaluate your needs.
Your prosthetist might recommend adjusting your current equipment or replacing one of the components. Or you might get a prescription for a new prosthetic leg, which happens on average every three to five years. If you receive new components, it&#;s important to take the time to understand how they work. Physical therapy can help adjust to the new components or your new prosthetic leg.
There are always new developments in prosthetic limb technology, such as microprocessor-driven and activity-specific components.
It&#;s important to remember that you&#;re not alone in navigating the many different prosthetic leg options. Your care team will help you weigh the pros and cons of each and decide on the ideal prosthetic leg that matches your lifestyle.
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