MYTH 2: One limb for life
The residual limb changes constantly in an amputee’s life, some of these factors include growth, ageing, muscle atrophy, weight addition or loss e.g. from teenager to adulthood to elderly. Therefore a prosthesis must be constantly adapted or changed to ensure comfort and mobility is achieved on a daily basis.
Even the most expensive prosthetic limbs are built to withstand only three to six years of mechanical wear and tear, meaning they will need to be replaced many times over the course of a lifetime, and they're not a one-time cost.
The prosthetist works in close partnership with the patient to establish the right prosthetic for them and their lifestyle. Sport, day to day walking or waterproof prosthetic legs are required for most amputees to complement their activity and mobility levels.
MYTH 3: Amputees only see their prosthetist at the fitting
An amputee will need to visit their prosthetist for the rest of their lives. From the first consultation, they will be required to visit the prosthetist once a month to ensure the comfort of the new socket and learn to adjust to the limb properly. Thereafter, it may be once every 6 months to ensure the prosthesis is in good working order and most importantly as their lifestyle changes so does the residual limb, so does the socket.
An important part of an amputee’s care is rehabilitation, this can range from psychological counselling if needed, occupational therapy to physiotherapy. Rehabilitation is vital for the amputee to learn to cope with the changes in their life, be it from a psychological aspect to learning how to walk with their new limb and to prevent additional muscular damage for overcompensation.
There is no definitive timescale for rehabilitation, this depends entirely on the level of amputation and how soon they can learn to become mobile. With the right support and care, the client will be equipped with the tools they need to continue living life to the full.
We hope this article has helped to clear up some of the myths surrounding prosthetics and given you some fresh new insight.
About the London Prosthetic Centre
LPC are leading experts in cutting edge upper and lower limb prosthetics, including custom silicone cosmesis products.
Our ultimate purpose is to create the turning points that enhance the lives of our patients – helping them to take back control of their world and achieve new and amazing things with their new custom-made prosthetics.
The team is led by Director/ Consultant Prosthetist, Abdo Haidar who specialises in upper and lower limb prosthetics, with over 20 years of NHS and private experience. A member of The Expert Witness Institute and has prepared many expert witness reports following amputations.
If you have any questions regarding prosthetics then please get in touch at claimsadvice@boyesturner.com.