Information for New Amputees Common causes for limb amputation:
Insufficient or poor circulation
Infections or
gangrene
Trauma/Accidents
Cancer
Congenital (birth
defects)
What To Expect… The following is only a rough guide for recovery,
assuming average healing time. An individual's progress can vary
significantly. Day One An ace wrap or other type of compressive dressing
is commonly applied. Or Immediately, a rigid dressing or prosthesis
is applied in surgery. Week
One
PSRD (Polyethylene Semi-Rigid Removable
Dressing) is made.
A removable "Crash Helmet" to protect
the limb from injury.
Cornell O&P takes great pride in
providing this unique protective procedure.
We find the following risks for falling which result in injury are often underestimated
•
Even young otherwise healthy individuals can
easily loose balance on one leg.
•
Most amputees are older
•
Poor circulation also affects balance
•
Typically new amputees are weakened after
surgery
•
Pain medications, unfamiliar surroundings,
people and procedures affect balance and judgment.
•
Nervousness or anxiety can affect concentration.
Four to Six Weeks Usually, sutures or staples are removed.
A temporary prosthesis is designed to be worn while the residual
limb continues to change in size and shape. Changes are often significant
and affect the fit of the prosthesis greatly, requiring a new socket
after a few months. The muscles in the residual limb will atrophy
(become smaller). The preparatory prosthesis has the following characteristics:
•
Usually worn for a few months, until
"stump" or residulal limb size is stable
•
Is simple in design
•
Is relatively inexpensive
•
Is adjustable
•
Can be manufactured quickly.
•
Can often be used as a spare prosthesis
after the next prosthesis is provided.
•
The definitive prosthesis can also
be provided at this time if either the residual limb is not
expected to change significantly or it is clinically advantageous
to begin with definitive componentry.
Four to Six Months
Residual limb has matured and is
relatively stable in size and shape. (Though slower changes
can continue.)
Experience with the preparatory
prosthesis serves as a yardstick to measure the user's needs
and abilities and helps determine the design of the definitive
prosthesis.
The first definitive prosthesis
or socket change is provided.
•
The definitive prosthesis is designed to best
meet the individual's needs.
•
Clinical decisions are made to determine the
most appropriate components such as feet, ankles, knees, hands,
elbows, etc.
•
Clinical decisions are made to determine the
socket design.
•
Decisions are made as to the appearance of the prosthesis.
Some prefer life-like appearance while
others prefer mechanical or artistic appearances.
Prostheses
are replaced for various reasons and at various times.
•
Continued changes in the residual limb are
the most common cause.
Continued changes require modifications
to the socket.
Eventually the socket modifications
become less effective, requiring replacement of the socket
or entire prosthesis.
•
Wear and tear of the prosthesis.
•
Changes in the amputee's abilities can require
a different prosthesis.
•
Prostheses can last 1 to 15 years or more,
but an average usable lifetime for a mature residual limb
is about 3 years.
