What the first 12 weeks may look like
Post-Op Surgery
- Healing of the residual limb
- Meet your prosthetist
- Pre-prosthetic treatment
Evaluation
- Consultation with your prosthetist
- Receive Rx for a prosthesis
- Measurement/casting
Fitting & Delivery
- Test fitting of prosthesis
- Fine-tuning fit, alignment, and gait
- Delivery of prosthesis and supplies
Healing and preparing the residual limb
Immediately following your amputation, these will be the steps taken prior to fitting your prosthesis. Our main priority during this time will be healing and protecting the amputation site.
Wound Healing
Complete closure of the suture site.
Pain Management
Phantom pain is nerve pain common post-amputation. Consult your physician if it occurs or worsens.
Limb Reshaping
Fit with shrinkers to reduce edema and achieve proper shape for prosthetic fitting.
- Wear 23 hours/day if tolerated, only taking off for bathing and bandage changes.
- Wash after every use.
- Shrinkers may stretch over time and require a smaller size as limb volume decreases. Contact your prosthetist if this occurs.
Removal of Sutures / Staples
Usually several weeks after amputation. The surgeon will release you for prosthetic treatment.
PT / OT for Strength & Mobility
Ask your physician for therapy or exercise recommendations.
Desensitization of the Residual Limb
- Light rubbing/tapping of the residual limb to prepare for prosthesis.
- Ask your prosthetist for exercises to improve tolerance.
What to expect during the fabrication and fitting process
Once the amputation site is healed and the sutures are removed, it is time to begin the fabrication and fitting process for your prosthesis. These are the upcoming appointments you can expect:
Evaluation
- Fill out required documentation.
- Discuss your activities of daily living, occupation, and prosthetic goals.
- Formulate a plan of care for the prosthesis including design and function specific to the patient’s needs and functional ambulation (K) level.
- Fit with shrinkers if not already done.
Measurement / Casting
- Done once the limb is completely healed and in an appropriate size and shape.
- Captures the shape and size of the residual limb to help ensure a good fit.
Diagnostic Fitting
- Fabricate and fit a temporary diagnostic socket to ensure proper fit.
- Adjustments are performed to improve the initial fit.
Dynamic Alignment
- Fine-tune the alignment of the prosthesis to improve gait mechanics.
- Further optimize fit and function.
Delivery
- Delivery of the finished definitive prosthesis.
- Education on wear and care of the prosthesis and supplies.
Follow-Ups
- Improve fit and/or function of the prosthesis.
- Receive new supplies.
Understanding K-Levels
K-Levels dictate the type of componentry chosen for your prosthesis. Your referring physician will need to document this in your medical records when prescribing the prosthesis. It is not uncommon for new amputees to start at a lower K-Level before progressing to higher levels with prosthetic intervention and rehab therapy.
Bed-bound; prosthesis not medically necessary.
Limited Ambulator; able to transfer and walk on level surfaces at one speed.
Home-Ambulator; able to walk on uneven surfaces and small barriers.
Unlimited Community Ambulator; able to vary speed on all surfaces.
Unlimited; typical demands of a child, active adult, or athlete.
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