Fabrication of lower limb prosthesis
Lower limb amputation
The cause of lower limb amputation may include diabetic foot, peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), trauma, tumor, infection, etc. the primary cause of trans-tibial/trans-femoral amputation are diabetic foot and PAOD which may easily occurred by the elderly. A many of the foregoing patients are combined with cardiovascular dysfunction, which would lead to a longer prosthesis rehabilitation process. However, a larger number of trans-tibial amputee could have satisfactory ambulation ability with their prosthesis, and the trans-femoral amputees could also achieve their live independence. Tumor is the major cause of teenage amputation, which would result in high-level amputation (hip disarticulation, hemi-pelvectomy). Nevertheless, the young patients could still have a good prognosis of prosthesis rehabilitation due to less complication.
What is a lower limb prosthesis?
Nowadays, lower limb prosthesis has been modularized. The module components of prosthesis encompass artificial foot, artificial knee, artificial hip joint and socket. Custom-made Socket is the most important part of prosthesis, which needs multiple modifications due to the shape change of patients’ stump. According to patients’ expected function, body weight and future life style, our medical team would suggest the most suitable sets of prosthesis for fulfilling patients’ needs. Sometimes, high –level function patients would choose different kinds of module components for accomplishing various activities.
The process of lower limb prosthesis Fabrication
Before fabrication of prosthesis, amputees must use elastic bandage to shape their stump and reduce edema of residual limb. Custom-made socket will be fabricated when the stump condition is stable. Then, the suitable module prosthesis components would be assembled for lower limb prosthesis. There are several steps for prosthesis training course. Firstly, patients (sometimes the care giver) will be taught the method of wearing prosthesis. Then, the ways of standing, weight shifting and ambulation will be instructed by the therapists. The prosthesis would be adjusted by patients’ static alignment, dynamic alignment and training performance whenever necessary. According to patients’ performance, a variety of training course and assistive devices would be provided by the therapists. Finally, we will teach patients how to clean and maintain the prosthesis and then the follow-up plan will be made for regularly prosthesis check.
Why is it done?
Lower limb prosthesis may enable the user to function as well or nearly as well as before the amputation. Thus, patients could improve their independence of life and self-worth.
Risks & complications
The prosthesis users may occur wound of stump skin and fall down during walking. The incidence of above-mentioned situation could be decreased by prosthesis alignment adjustment and vigorous prosthesis rehabilitation.
How much will it cost?
A prosthesis can range widely in price, depending on your amputation level and the type of device you are looking for. The definitive prosthesis will be fabricated when the medical team and a patient have a good communication and reach an agreement.
For estimated medical costs, please contact International Medical Services Center.