First and foremost: An amputation is a profound life change, but it marks the beginning of a new chapter. There are many ways to exchange ideas with others affected, whether via social media, in support groups, or through contact with “Peers” (affected persons counseling other affected persons). Orthopedic technicians, medical staff, and physiotherapy professionals are there to support you in mastering this new situation.
From our experience, we know that everyone deals with such challenges differently. Acceptance of the new situation has a significant influence on the further course and the shaping of everyday life, supported by modern prosthetic possibilities.
A prosthesis works through the person who wears it. Before we begin with a fitting, we get to know you to form a detailed picture of your situation.
Is your amputation recent—or perhaps still upcoming? Have you been wearing prostheses for a long time? Do you need extensive advice—or do you already have clear ideas? What are your personal goals, what is your living environment like, and what are your daily requirements?
Once we understand who you are and where you want your journey to go, we work on a concept for a prosthesis that fits you and your personal capabilities.
Before starting a prosthetic fitting, we conduct discussions and examinations to get a picture of the condition of the person to be treated.
First, a profile is created that depicts the current personal situation. This profile includes, among other things, the following information:
Based on this profile assessment, classification into one of five mobility grades takes place. These grades describe the activities that the user could potentially perform. This classification helps define the treatment goal: a prosthesis designed to support these specific activities.
The mobility grades also serve as important guidance for selecting components, defining therapy goals, and classification by funding bodies.
Our task is to select the appropriate prosthetic components in consultation with you and combine them into a functional fitting that corresponds to your situation.
Are you facing an amputation due to health reasons?
If possible, use the time beforehand to inform yourself comprehensively. Medical and psychological staff, but especially we as orthopedic technicians, can help discuss some of the worries and fears regarding the “after.”
We are happy to answer your questions about prosthetic care in a personal consultation. Being well-informed can help you look to the future with more confidence.
An amputation often represents a profound change in your previous lifestyle. It is necessary to adapt to many changes and accept new challenges. However, with professional support and the necessary patience, it is possible to successfully overcome these hurdles.
On the road back to your usual independence, you generally go through the following phases:
You are not discharged from the hospital immediately after the procedure. Under medical supervision, the initial focus is on wound healing and early mobilization. For the time being, aids such as crutches or a wheelchair are used for locomotion.
As soon as healing permits, a “post-op liner” is often fitted to the residual limb. This serves to compress and shape the limb and also helps reduce swelling caused by the surgery.
Towards the end of the hospital stay or shortly after discharge, care begins with a first interim prosthesis. During this phase, both the residual limb and the affected person’s activity level change.
Therefore, a provisional, adjustable socket made of moldable material is chosen. This allows for a more flexible reaction to changes. During this time, requirements and preferences for the later, long-term definitive prosthesis can already be identified. The duration of the interim fitting varies individually, often lasting about six months.
Rehabilitation (rehab) usually begins shortly after the amputation and includes measures such as physiotherapy and lymphatic drainage. In rehab, amputees learn how to handle their new situation and the interim prosthesis, if already available. Diverse therapy offers help to become mobile again and fit for everyday life and work.
Once the general condition has stabilized, the fabrication of a permanently usable prosthesis is planned. Various components are tried on, combined, tested, and selected until the fitting, individually assembled for the person, matches their current status.
Later, check-up and maintenance appointments are necessary, as prostheses are also subject to wear and tear. At these appointments, we ensure that the prosthesis remains functional. As mentioned earlier, the residual limb changes over time. Therefore, we additionally perform a visual inspection to detect these changes early and react to them in good time.
Do you have any unanswered questions, or would you like an assessment of your current fitting situation? No matter whether you are about to receive your first prosthesis or already have many years of experience as a user—we take the time to discuss your concerns in detail.
You are welcome to schedule an appointment for a personal consultation at our facility, or contact us in advance by phone. Together, we will clarify what concrete possibilities modern orthopedic technology offers for your individual needs.
