Prosthetics

The first step is to meet with our patient and discuss the prosthetic process going forward. We examine the patient's residual limb and discuss healing of the amputation and timeline going forward. Every patient is unique which means every patients healing progress and prosthetic timeline is unique. During this visit we like to address any questions or concerns patients have about the prosthetic process and what to expect from their individual prosthesis. We discuss all facets of the device and we make sure to discuss the componentry that the patient will be receiving and how it will help them. During this visit we will also measure for a shrinker sock to be worn after stitches/staples have been removed from the amputation. The shrinker helps to aid in circulation and reduce swelling. This is an important step to shape the residual limb in preparation for casting.

Usually after 2 to 4 weeks of wearing a shrinker, the initial swelling has gone down and the suture line has healed well enough for casting. The residual limb is wrapped in a fiberglass cast which is then hand shaped to distribute the desired amount of pressure to key areas on the residual limb. When the cast has hardened it is removed and used to create a plaster mold of the limb. We then take measurements of the Residual limb to ensure an exact, total contact fit of your socket. The plaster mold is modified to by our lab technicians to ensure the socket will provide total contact of the residual leg and any bony areas are relieved to not cause excess pressure. We then pull a piece of clear plastic over the mold to create the check socket.

The check socket is a clear plastic socket which has been formed over the plaster mold of the limb. The socket will resemble the shape of your final socket, but will not have any means of suspension and it will not include a terminal device or foot. The socket is used sole to determine if the residual limb has a good fit in the socket. Modification maybe made at this visit. Foam pads can be added to the socket to tighten loose areas or a heat gun could be used to either push in or push out areas that need addressing. If the fit is appropriate or the necessary modifications have been made to deem it appropriate, we will be ready to finish the prosthesis.

During this visit the the patient will receive their final prosthesis. If the Prosthesis is a leg, the patient will stand, weight bear, and walk on the prosthesis in the parallel bars. We will be making fine tune adjustments to ensure ideal alignment, comfort, and function. For upper limb patients, the device will be fit and we will run through a series of tests to ensure the patient is able to operate the terminal device (hand). Physical therapy is always encouraged to help the prosthetic user regain the function and independence they had prior to the amputation.