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.
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!
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit prosthetic tools.
'A functional prosthetic arm helps those who have undergone an arm amputation live a full and happy life. They are designed to mimic the functionality and appearance of a real arm. If you've recently had an arm amputation or will have one soon and need upper limb prosthetics, we recommend reading this helpful amputee arm guide by the PrimeCare Orthotics & Prosthetics healthcare professionals.
People who have suffered from upper limb loss or limb differences have a wide variety of residual limb levels, ranging from partial finger amputations to shoulder amputations. Some individuals may even have lost more than one limb.
Amputation of the upper extremity is a major surgical procedure. The degree of amputation typically depends on the condition and severity of the injury.
This type of amputation is usually the result of a traumatic incident, such as a severe laceration, crushing injury, thermal burn, or due to cancer or a vascular anomaly. The surgeon will remove only as much of the finger or thumb as is necessary to ensure adequate healing and minimize the risk of infection. Sometimes, the remaining portion of the finger may still help grasp objects and perform daily activities.
Metacarpal/transmetacarpal amputation is a last resort when other treatments and surgeries have been unsuccessful in alleviating pain and restoring hand function. This surgical procedure removes the metacarpal, the long bones in the hand that connect with the wrist bones, and sometimes also includes the removal of the muscles, nerves, and tendons located around the affected area.
Wrist disarticulation amputation ' also referred to as below-elbow amputation ' involves the removal of three bones in the forearm: the radius, ulna, and humerus, as well as all the soft tissue and tendons connected to them. However, the muscles, ligaments, and skin above the amputation point usually stay intact. Wearing a device with a prosthetic hand will offer more control over the remaining limb and an increased range of motion.
Transradial amputations are among the most common upper limb amputations whereby the hand, wrist, and/or forearm are removed to treat severe injury or vascular problems, often followed by wearing a below-elbow prosthesis. The surgeon carefully removes the affected tissue during the procedure while preserving as much of the surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels as possible.
A surgical procedure that completely removes the humerus bone from the radius and ulna (forearm) bones. As a result of elbow disarticulation, the patient loses most of the movement of the arm, but some elbow motion is still possible. Upper limb prostheses can restore arm and hand function after the procedure.
A transhumeral amputation is the amputation of the arm at or above the elbow joint. This procedure involves the removal of the entire arm, including the humerus bone, and is typically undertaken in cases of severe trauma or due to medical conditions. It is the most common type of upper-limb amputation. The remaining stump is fitted with a transhumeral prosthesis to retain some arm function.
Also known as an above-shoulder amputation, shoulder disarticulation amputation removes a person's entire upper arm from the shoulder joint. This procedure is usually the most extensive amputation surgery in a person's upper body. It is uncommon and only recommended for limb-threatening illnesses, malignant tumors, infections, or irreparable trauma.
Forequarter amputation is an intracapsular thoracic amputation where the entire arm, shoulder, scapula, and clavicle are removed. This form of amputation requires a prosthetic system with several components, such as a socket for the scapula and clavicle, a prosthetic shoulder joint, a prosthetic elbow joint, a socket at the wrist, and a terminal device (hand). A wide range of full-arm prosthetics is available, including passive and body-powered to myoelectric, hybrid, and activity-specific systems.
After surgery, the amount of inpatient care required to rehabilitate from an amputation varies from person to person. People usually stay one to two weeks in a hospital before beginning outpatient rehabilitation.
Inpatient care provides patients and families access to a team of experts who help answer any questions during this transition. Outpatient rehabilitation is comparable to inpatient care, though individuals usually visit their doctors weekly and complete exercises at home between physical therapy sessions.
Rehabilitation is vital for amputees because it helps them to adjust to a new way of life, regain strength and mobility, and develop independence. Physical therapy helps build muscle, gain strength, and improve the movement of the remaining limbs.
Occupational therapy teaches amputees how to use prosthetic devices, adjust to a new lifestyle, and improve self-care and communication skills. Lastly, psychological therapy provides tools to cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of amputation, such as anxiety, mood fluctuations, and changes in body image.
A prosthetic arm is an artificial limb to replace an arm or hand lost due to injury, disease, or disability. It is made of a combination of components, including artificial joints and motors, to enable the user to control the arm's movements in a way that mimics natural movement.
Some prosthetic arms have sensors and/or electrodes which allow the user to receive feedback from the artificial limb. These devices are capable of highly sophisticated movements and provide sensory feedback to the user. Arm prosthetics are used for activities such as typing, cooking, and even playing sports and musical instruments.
The components of a prosthesis arm work together to give the patient the necessary functions. These components include:
Several arm prosthesis options are available to meet a patient's specific needs. These range from purely cosmetic to mechanical prosthetics and are classified according to the function they provide. Examples of these include:
These prosthetics serve a purely aesthetic purpose, allowing amputees to enjoy their body's restored symmetry and a more natural appearance. Generally comprised of lightweight prosthetic arm materials and simple maintenance, these prostheses replicate arms and hands with remarkable realism. An amputee typically covers the cosmetic prosthetic with a sleeve for optimal effect so that just the aesthetic portion of the device is visible.
Body-powered prostheses use a system of cables that connect the artificial limbs to another part of the body, typically the opposite shoulder. By moving this shoulder, the individual can actively manipulate the prosthetic by opening and closing a jaw or pincher feature at the end. In terms of cost, these prosthetics are the most economical option, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a functional prosthetic on a budget.
Myoelectric-driven prostheses are the most sophisticated and costly type of prosthetic. They are driven by electrical signals produced by the muscles that remain in the limb when flexed or relaxed. These signals are translated by electrodes placed in the body and then forwarded to the prosthesis to move it as desired. This technique formed the foundation for the invention of the bionic arm.
Hybrid prostheses integrate body-powered and electrically powered components to provide a better functional outcome than single-component prostheses. This is especially beneficial for individuals with high levels of limb loss who need more than one movable prosthetic part.
Activity-specific prostheses help individuals complete work, sports, hobbies, and other activities that their residual limb, passive body-powered or electrically powered prostheses, cannot do. We specialize in constructing devices explicitly tailored to the needs of those individuals, enabling them to participate in activities they otherwise may not have been able to.
The specific cost of a prosthetic arm depends on the complexity of your desired system and how much your insurance will cover. Generally, you can expect to pay around $5,000 for a cosmetic prosthetic without insurance.
If you have a functional prosthetic with a hook, you'll likely pay around $10,000 without insurance. You may spend anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 for the latest myoelectric arm technology.
At PrimeCare Orthotics & Prosthetics, we provide our patients with many resources to help them decide which prosthetic is right based on cost.
While there are many different benefits to having a prosthetic arm, you must take the time to understand whether or not you are ready to take on the responsibility and effort it takes to not only get one but to use it and care for it properly.
Additionally, suitable candidates must be in good physical health.
If you're considering getting a prosthetic arm, consider these questions to help you make your decision:
Unsure if you're a suitable candidate? Our professionals are always available to discuss your concerns and answer your questions about prosthetic devices.
While cutting some corners and purchasing a pre-made prosthetic arm is possible, the outcome isn't always ideal. One of the most critical steps in using a prosthetic arm successfully is ensuring it fits perfectly onto your body.
How well the prosthetic fits is essential to helping you achieve your mobility goals. Although it will take longer at the beginning of the fitting process, it will pay off in the long run as you'll have a prosthetic designed for you.
Nothing is more important than working individually with our upper limb amputees and getting to know their unique conditions. PrimeCare Orthotics & Prosthetics is always here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you live a life you may not think was possible. If you're ready to take the next steps toward a new prosthetic arm, please get in touch with our team today!
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