What You Should Know Before Getting a Prosthetic Leg

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.

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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. 

Not Everyone Benefits from a Prosthetic Leg

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:

• Is there enough soft tissue to cushion the remaining bone?
• How much pain are you in?
• What is the condition of the skin on the limb?
• How much range of motion does the residual limb have?
• Is the other leg healthy?
• What was your activity level before the amputation?
• What are your mobility goals?

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.

Prosthetic Legs Are Not One Size Fits All

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:

• The prosthetic leg itself is made of lightweight yet durable materials. Depending on the location of the amputation, the leg may or may not feature functional knee and ankle joints.
• The socket is a precise mold of your residual limb that fits snugly over the limb. It helps attach the prosthetic leg to your body.
• The suspension system is how the prosthesis stays attached, whether through sleeve suction, vacuum suspension/suction or distal locking through pin or lanyard.

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.

Rehabilitation Is an Ongoing, Collaborative Process

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. 

Getting Used to a Prosthetic Leg Isn&#;t Easy

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:

• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), which can affect the fit of the prosthesis and lead to skin issues.
• Changing residual limb shape. This usually occurs in the first year after an amputation as the tissue settles into its more permanent shape, and may affect the fit of the socket.
• Weakness in the residual limb, which may make it difficult to use the prosthesis for long periods of time.
• Phantom limb pain could be intense enough to impact your ability to use the prosthesis.

A Note on Phantom Limb Pain

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.

Your Leg Prosthesis Needs May Change

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.

Prosthetic Leg Technology Is Always Evolving

There are always new developments in prosthetic limb technology, such as microprocessor-driven and activity-specific components.

• Microprocessor joints feature computer chips and sensors to provide a more natural gait. They may even have different modes for walking on flat surfaces or up and down the stairs.
• There are also specialized prosthetic legs for different activities, such as running, showering or swimming, which you can switch to as needed. In some cases, your everyday prosthetic leg can be modified by your prosthetist to serve different purposes.
• Osseointegration surgery is another option. This procedure involves the insertion of a metal implant directly into the bone, so there is no need for a socket. The prosthetic leg then attaches directly to that implant. While this procedure is not right for everyone and is still under study, it can provide improved range of motion and sensory perception.

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.

Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Amputee Rehabilitation Program

Having the support of a dedicated team of experts is essential when recovering from the amputation of a limb. At Johns Hopkins, our team of physiatrists, orthotists, prosthetists, physical and occupational therapists, rehabilitation psychologists and other specialists works together to create your custom rehabilitation plan.

Learn more about our amputee rehabilitation program

For most amputees, it&#;s important to understand that they will have to budget and plan expenses related to prosthetic devices for the rest of their lives. The cost of a prosthetic leg varies, with prosthetic legs ranging between $3,000 to more than $120,000 for advanced control.

If you need lower limb prosthetics in Albuquerque & Las Cruces, PrimeCare can help - we recommend speaking to one of our specialists. In the meantime, here&#;s a basic idea of leg prosthesis prices.

Types of Prosthetic Legs

What factors influence the cost of permanent prosthetic limbs? The type of prosthetic chosen, the features of the carbon foot, and the adjustable carbon socket are factors, as well as the brand.

Below the Knee Prosthetic Leg Cost

Transtibial prosthetics are tailored for individuals who have undergone amputations below the knee. These types of prosthetic devices generally enable a faster return to mobility, primarily because the knee joint is still intact. The cost of a prosthetic leg below the knee varies from $3,000 to $24,000, depending on the brand, the type of carbon foot, and the features of the silicone liner chosen.

Brand

Starting Price

Key Features

Ottobock

$4,000

Type of carbon foot, silicone liner

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Össur

$3,750

Active vacuum system, carbon foot options

Prosthetic Leg Above Knee Cost

Transfemoral prosthetics, designed for above-the-knee amputees, replace the leg above the knee and incorporate an additional knee joint. This inclusion often means higher energy expenditure for walking. The cost for above-the-knee prosthetics ranges from $5,000 to $70,000, varying based on factors like brand, the type of joint used, and the choice of carbon foot.

Brand

Starting Price

Key Features

Ottobock 3R80

$8,500

Type of joint, carbon foot

Ottobock 3R60

$10,500

Enhanced safety and mobility, particularly on challenging surfaces such as slopes and stairs

Varieties of Prosthetic Leg Joints

Prosthetics vary primarily in their foot/ankle and knee joints.

Foot/Ankle Joints

Simpler models have a stationary foot/ankle, while others offer flexibility for smoother walking, often using materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass. More advanced models feature multi-axial movement, mimicking natural ankle motion and adjusting to uneven terrain. Microprocessor foot and ankle systems, suitable for low to moderately active amputees, provide greater clearance and automatic adjustments.

Knee Joints

These range from simple manual lock mechanisms to more complex weight-activated locks that facilitate natural walking patterns. Advanced knees controlled by microprocessor units, pneumatic or hydraulic knees, allow for dynamic movement, adjusting to varying walking speeds. Hydraulic knees, as part of the more advanced knees, are ideal for active individuals needing to navigate stairs, uneven terrains, or longer distances.

What Is the Average Cost of a Prosthetic Leg in Las Cruces?

Type of Prosthetic Leg

Average Cost of a Prosthetic Leg

Basic below-the-knee prosthetic $3,000 - $10,000 Flexible basic below-the-knee prosthetic $7,000 - $12,000 Hydraulic or mechanical assistance $20,000 - $40,000 Computerized prosthetic leg $50,000

It is only possible to estimate the price of your complete prosthetic leg once your prosthetist has listed the recommended components. Below is a rough guideline:

For Patients with Health Insurance

Are prosthetics covered by insurance? Patients with health insurance will usually have out-of-pocket costs comprising copays for doctor visits and coinsurance ranging from 10% to 50%. Most prosthetic legs are insured.

However, the exact leg that&#;s covered will be contingent on the individual patient's amputation level, condition, and needs. The basic prosthetic leg price may be covered for homebound people who need to move around the house.

For Patients without Health Insurance

The cost of prosthetic legs can vary significantly depending on the type and extent of the amputation. For those without health insurance, a basic prosthetic leg can cost less than $10,000, while a more advanced, computerized prosthetic leg controlled by muscle movements can cost up to $70,000 or more.

Various non-profits provide financial aid or free prosthetic limbs for patients in need. The Amputee Coalition offers a list of financial resources and non-profits to minimize the burden of prosthetic leg prices.

What Should Be Included in Prosthetic Leg Price?

Included in the cost of prosthetics are the following:

• After amputation surgery, the patient visits a prosthetist, an expert in providing prostheses, a few weeks or months later. The prosthetist takes measurements of the patient and forms a cast of the stump to make a temporary prosthesis, which will be used for at least a year while the stump heals.
• After the residual limb has stabilized, the patient will return to the prosthetist to discuss the different kinds of permanent prosthetics. The professional will make another cast of the stump, and then the permanent prosthetic leg will be manufactured.
• The patient will return for a final fitting after undergoing tests with the prosthetic leg in the prosthetist's office and during their daily activities.

What Are the Extra Artificial Leg Costs?

Patients may need physical and occupational therapy to learn how to do daily tasks at home or work:

• Physical therapy usually costs between $50 and $350 per session.
• Occupational therapy can range from $50 to $400 per session.

The research, published in the November issue of the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, uncovered a significant finding: a shorter time frame (0-3 months) for receiving a prosthesis not only led to improved overall rehabilitation outcomes but also correlated with reduced healthcare costs.

Conclusion: Get Expert Pricing

Now that you know how much a prosthetic leg typically costs, you may wish to explore your options. At PrimeCare Orthotics & Prosthetics, we understand that everyone's prosthetic needs are unique.

Therefore, our team will work with you to determine what your insurance covers and create a solution tailored to your coverage and individual requirements. Please contact us for more information on our prosthetic leg range and insurance options.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Prosthetic Parts Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.