London Prosthetics Centre eliminates three of the main myths on prosthetics to ensure patients are getting the most out of their prosthetic care and are able to back to their daily activities. MYTH 1: Relying solely on prosthetic technology guarantees successful clinical outcomes BUSTED: Prosthetic technology has evolved rapidly over the last decade. Microprocessor knees, ankles and multi-articulating hands have improved dramatically in the pursuit of restoring lost function as a result of life-changing amputations. In addition, socket technologies to optimise stability, suspension and comfort now provide multiple options for prosthetists when designing and fabricating prostheses. Careful consideration of these advanced prosthetic technologies is critical in helping patients achieve their goals. However, Prosthetic technology cannot enhance mobility and functional outcomes alone. Restoring high-level mobility and upper limb function requires significant input from multiple rehabilitative therapies. Intensive physical therapy aimed at strengthening, conditioning and gait re-education is essential to enhance mobility with a prosthesis. In the case of upper limb prescription, user training in real-life situations aids independence and the ability to carry out activities of daily living. Achieving successful clinical outcomes for patients after limb loss requires a holistic approach with close collaboration between the patient, prosthetist and rehabilitation therapist. MYTH 2: Amputees only need one limb for everything BUSTED: Despite advancing technology, it is rare that one prosthesis can meet the ever-changing needs of most amputees on a day-to-day basis. Today’s prosthetic component range allows for accurate prescription of an ‘everyday prosthesis’ for most patients, enabling daily participation in the home, work and social environments. However, the components of an everyday prosthesis are unlikely to support the amputee optimally during high impact activities, such as weightlifting, swimming or running activities, as they are designed to function under ‘normal’ human gait conditions. For a higher activity function, a specific component may be required to enhance the patient’s ability to participate or compete in a sport or activity. Space permitting, recent innovations in quick-change adaptors can enable simple interchange of prosthetic components by the patient as required. An example of this may be changing the foot on an everyday prosthesis to a waterproof beach activity foot, or a foot more suited to all terrain hiking or jogging. This provides ultimate convenience for the patient and can potentially enable a range of feet to be kept and utilised within the same socket. When is it not appropriate to integrate quick change adaptors into the prosthetic design, then additional prostheses are required to facilitate the activity. A detailed assessment and an understanding of the patient’s capabilities and lifestyle will enable the prosthetist to determine which prosthetic components are most suited to the activities that the patient would like to participate in. MYTH 3: There are limited functional solutions for partial hand and digit loss BUSTED: Recent innovations in prosthetic solutions for digit and partial hand amputations have enabled a range of options for functional restorations of individual fingers, multiple fingers and thumb in upper limb prosthetics. Historically, for fingers, thumb and partial hand loss, bespoke gauntlet-type prostheses with an incorporated palm terminal device adaptor were used to enable interchange of terminal devices for specific tasks. Opposition plates were also commonly used to try and make use of any prehensive forces available within the residual limb structure. Latest innovations, such as PIP and MCP joint drivers by Naked Prosthetics, can restore individual digit flexion in addition to multiple digit flexion to enable functional grasp restoration in most cases. The likes of Point Design digits can provide multiple digits and a thumb that grip and lock around an object, which is particularly useful for holding an object in position whilst using the opposing hand to manipulate the object. Due to the bespoke nature of digit and partial hand prosthetic design, a combination of drivers and grip lock digits can be used, depending on the functional needs of the patient. Electrically controlled Ossur i-digits can provide powered digit function for multiple fingers and are becoming increasingly more robust, providing a high functioning solution where applicable. Most recently, the mechanically controlled 3D printed Hero arm gauntlet has become an innovative option for the partial hand patient group. A combination of function and restoring the cosmetic appearance has also emerged, with the Point Endo. A device that can be covered with a High Definition Silicone cover, manufactured and designed by our highly skilled silicone technicians on-site at the London Prosthetics Centre. This combination is a great attribute to the industry. Alternatively, a passive High Definition Silicone digit or partial hand could also be considered. About the London Prosthetics Centre LPC are leading experts in cutting edge upper and lower limb prosthetics, including custom silicone cosmesis products. Their 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. LPC comments “since our conception in 2008, the London Prosthetics Centre has been dedicated to providing the very best in prosthetic intervention, placing the client at the heart of everything we do. We provide compassionate, inclusive, and personalised care to empower individuals to achieve their goals. Through seamless collaboration with our multidisciplinary team and trusted partners, we deliver the highest standard of care, utilising the latest technology to ensure optimal outcomes.” If you have any questions regarding amputation and/or prosthetics, then please get in touch at claimsadvice@boyesturner.com.
