GET THE FACTS…
WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE AMPUTATIONS?
Amputations may be the result of diabetes, bacterial infections, circulatory diseases and trauma.
Some people may be born with congenital birth
defects which leave them with non-functioning
limbs that may become more useful once
removed and replaced with prostheses.
DO I NEED ANY OTHER HELP IN
LEARNING TO WEAR THE PROSTHESIS?
A prosthetist can help you find other health
professionals, such a physical or occupational
therapists, for additional instruction and training
on using your prosthesis as well as necessary
strengthening programs.
WHAT IS A PROSTHESIS?
A prosthesis is an external device designed to
replace a missing part of the body, including
arms, hands, fingers, legs, toes, breasts and
even eyes.
HOW DO YOU PUT ON A PROSTHESIS?
There are several ways for an amputee to don a
prosthetic, depending on their individual anatomy, preference and the design of the prosthesis.
Pull-in users work with a donning sock to be
sure that all necessary tissue is contained within
the suction socket. The donning sock is used
where there is no liner interface and requires a
lotion (wet fit) or powder (dry fit). Push-in donning is for amputees with longer above-knee
residual limbs. Some prefer to push the residual
limb into the prosthetic’s socket using a wet or
dry fit.
HOW OFTEN WILL MY CHILD
NEED A NEW PROSTHESIS?
Replacing the prosthesis every time the child
grows (i.e. every few months) can be a mistake
because it takes several months for the child
to get adapted to a new prosthesis. The good
news is that there are adjustable features which
can be built into a prosthesis for a child to
make minor adjustments until a new device is
needed. In addition, a new prosthesis for a child
may come with padding built in which can be
adjusted to accommodate growth. Sometimes
the length can also be adjusted to match the
length of the other limb. A new prosthesis may
be required in cases where there is a significant
change in body weight, skin ulceration, bone
overgrowth or trauma to the residual limb.
WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY PROSTHESIS
JUST LIKE I USED MY NATURAL LIMB?
Although a prosthesis will never completely
replace your natural limb, it can help restore all
or most of your original functioning. This is partially reliant on your level of amputation. Below
the knee amputees usually do well in returning
to former lifestyles. Above the knee amputees
may proceed more slowly but usually can
return to former lifestyles as well. Depending on
personal goals and needs, patients with upper
limb amputations have varied rates of success in
restoring former lifestyles.
ARE PROSTHETICS COVERED
BY INSURANCE?
While most medical insurance coverage will
include prosthetic limbs with a prescription
from your doctor, it is best to check your policy
and call your insurance company to be sure.
CAN MY PROSTHESIS GET WET?
Generally, your prosthesis should be kept as
dry as possible to protect the components.
However, there are covers which go over them
to help prevent water from entering. There
are also special prostheses designe