I am going to have an amputation and would like more information?
Your Consultant or GP can contact the rehabilitation centre and arrange for you to meet with our team prior to your amputation to give you more information.
Will I get a prosthesis?
Your initial assessment with the Consultant and members of the rehabilitation team will determine whether your health and any other pertinent issues would prevent you from using an artificial limb. You may ask for a review at a later date if you feel your circumstances have changed.
Do I have to pay for my artificial limb?
No. All limbs are supplied free of charge by the NHS. Private limb services at The London Prosthetic Centre are available if you are not entitled to NHS treatment or would prefer this option.
Is the first limb a temporary limb?
No. The first limb you are issued with is custom made for you. As time goes on, your residuum will mature and change shape and your socket will be adjusted or remade. The type of limb may also be reviewed to suit your changing needs.
How long will my prosthesis last for?
The prosthetic components will last for many years as long as they are serviced regularly. You will be advised of the recommended frequency for maintenance of your limb.
When will I walk again?
Not everyone progresses at the same pace. There are variances of all sorts of patients and amputation levels so this is impossible to determine.
How does my prosthesis stay on?
There are a number of ways of doing this such as straps, sleeves, suction or an interface liner with a pin. Each method has its advantages and will be discussed with you in the clinic.
Will the bone at the bottom of my residual limb take the weight?
The level of your amputation will determine where the pressure is taken. Any cut bones will not directly support your weight although there may be contact. Every effort is made to ensure comfort and protection of your residuum.
Can I change the shoes I wear?
Yes you can, but the height of the heel and sole need to be similar unless are provided with a foot which can be adjusted at home.
Why is my prosthetic leg heavy?
It is as light as we can make it but needs to be strong enough to support your weight. It is actually much lighter than the leg that has been amputated but feels heavy because it is not part of the body and is being moved by only a short section of your remaining leg.
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Can I wear my prosthesis in bed?
We advise you to remove the prosthesis overnight as you may damage your residual limb or other leg. If removed your skin can rest, the stump can be washed and dried and you can check there has been no rubbing while you have been wearing it. The socket of your artificial limb can also be cleaned after use.
What will I be able to do with my prosthetic arm?
Your prosthesis will either be purely cosmetic or have a detachable hand which can be exchanged with numerous specialist and functional devices. The method of opening and closing a hand or tool will vary either using straps or incorporating a battery to power a motor in the hand.
How long can I wear my prosthesis for?
Everyone’s tolerance varies. You will have a structured programme initially to increase your wear pattern, but over time and with practice you will become more familiar with what your limits are.
My skin goes red when I wear my prosthesis, is this OK?
Certain areas of your socket will produce more pressure than other areas and will tend to redden with use. This redness should go away within 20 minutes when the limb is removed. If the redness persists or is itchy, contact your GP or the Rehabilitation Centre for advice.
Why are the bones in my residual limb becoming more prominent?
Initially your limb will be swollen, however as the fluid reduces your bones will start to show more. In addition, the muscles that used to move your lower leg begin to reduce through lack of use which makes the bones appear to be more prominent. It is not usually a problem.
Can I drive with my artificial limb?
You will need to contact the DVLA and you may need to make adaptations to your car. Ask at your Rehabilitation Centre for more specific advice.
Will my prosthetic leg look like my own?
The prosthesis is generally covered with foam which is shaped to match your remaining limb. It is not always possible to match the size as your residuum is still swollen plus it is then encased with one or more layers of the socket. A silicone or fabric cover can then be added over the foam.
Will my prosthetic arm look natural?
Your prosthesis will not hang completely straight due to the suspension required. There are various movements you can perform for the arm to rest in a natural position, for example when you sit down. Essentially the more you wear the arm, the more natural your movements will become.
* As every patient's needs are unique please ensure you follow the advice and instructions provided to you by your prosthetist and care provider.
Being fitted with a new prosthetic limb or learning to walk in a prosthesis can be a very challenging time in someone’s life. In this article, we’ll discuss what K levels are and how we establish them, the different components of a prosthetic lower limb, and how to properly use prosthetic socks.
We’ll also be answering common questions around amputation and prostheses then sharing some helpful community resources to guide you along the way.
K levels were established in by Medicare to better quantify the need and potential benefit of prosthetic devices for individuals that have experienced a lower limb amputation. This rating system is still used by insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare to determine eligibility for payment or reimbursement of funds.
The good news is that K levels can change as you continue to progress and accept new challenges, qualifying you for different components of your prosthetic. The main way to calculate your K level is through the Amputee Mobility Predictor (AMP). We do this at both our inpatient and outpatient settings, Sheltering Arms Institute and Sheltering Arms Outpatient Physical Rehabilitation Centers.
To learn more about the Amputee Mobility Predictor, please visit the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACRM) website.
A lower limb prosthetic is composed of 4 main components which include:
The socket component is created when the prosthetist takes a cast of your residual limb, usually 4 months after your amputation when the residual limb has had time to heal. It is positioned between the residual limb and the actual prosthesis.
They are customized and fitted for comfort based on the structure of the residual limb. These are used for both above-the-knee amputation (AKA) [image A] and below-the-knee amputation (BKA) [image B].
There are different knee joint components based on your K level.
The pylon is the component that provides the connection between the residual limb (leg stump) and the prosthetic foot. For AKA, it is between the knee joint and the foot, and for BKA, it is between the socket and the foot. It allows for shock absorption and helps for building the length of the leg.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Prosthetic Foot Manufacturers.
There are different foot components based on your K level. This is appropriate for both above the knee and below the knee amputations.
Prosthetic socks come in different thicknesses (1-ply to 5-ply), with 1-ply being the thinnest and 5-ply the thickest. It is used to help accommodate for the shrinking of the residual limb and the ply in the morning may differ from the ply used in the evening due to swelling.
They are worn between the socket and the gel liner on the residual limb. The ply count can go above 5-ply but if you are starting to need 10-ply or above, it may be a sign that you should visit your prosthetist to be fitted for a new socket.
There are many reasons why your amputated limb may be swelling. One of the major causes of swelling in your residual limb is taking in too much salt. A simple change in your diet can help here. If needed, contact a dietician to help you create a meal plan that is right for you.
Another common reason for swelling to occur is not wearing a shrinker sock at night. A shrinker helps make sure your residual limb stays a nice consistent shape and size.
A more serious reason swelling could occur is an infection. If you get a cut or your incision opens up and becomes infected, swelling will be apparent.
There are also certain medical conditions like heart or kidney disease, impaired circulation, and uncontrolled diabetes that could be a cause of the swelling. Make an appointment with your doctor if your swelling does not go down.
When you do not wear enough ply socks, the prosthetic may move around too much. This can cause the foot to turn in or out and could cause a fall. You may also feel tightness at the bottom from dropping too deep into the socket.
Others have expressed the feeling of the prosthesis being too short and, in some instances, skin breakdown occurs at the bottom of the residual limb from friction and rubbing.
Below is a list of different scenarios and reasons that may indicate the need to replace your prosthesis.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit prosthetic ankle joint.