Author: Linus Månsson

When you have a limb amputated, a new life awaits you. The adjustment period can be quite challenging to get through. With proper self-care and plenty of support from family and friends, however, you can certainly rise above the predicament.

Following your operation, your recovery should not be too much of a struggle. In order to enjoy a smooth transition period until the time you start using your prosthetic, you need to be wary of your post-operative tasks as part of your new daily routine. This includes caring for your post-op wounds. Following the directions given by your medical or prosthetic professional is extremely important. This is to ensure successful definitive closure of your wounds as a way to full recovery.

That being said, here is what you need to know about taking care of your post-operative amputation wounds:

 

Taking Care of Amputation Wounds

Now that we’ve established the need to take care of your amputation wounds after the surgery, let’s get into the specifics. The following are the essential steps to caring for your amputation wounds:

 

• Changing your wound’s dressings should be done on the regular. Do this especially when the dressings become soiled, show leakage, begin to come undone, or get dislodged. Make sure that you wash your hands with soap or sanitize them before you come in contact with your wounds. With clean hands, you can go ahead and properly wrap your wound with soft compression dressings.

 

• Any pins or devices used to maintain bone alignment or fracture healing should be sterilized during the cleaning process. As you prepare for the closure of any residual wound and the introduction of prosthetics, you will need to change your wound-care routine slightly. Your gauze dressings will have to be changed no less than twice every day. The adhesive strips will eventually fall off naturally. Use compression dressings to aid the healing of the wound. These need to be reapplied throughout the day to maintain compression.

 

• Finally, prepare the area of prosthetics. When doing so, caring for your skin is crucial. Wash it daily with soap and water. Dry it completely before applying bandages. Make sure it doesn’t become sweaty as this might lead to a skin infection. Always examine your skin for possible redness, ulceration, tearing, or other signs. You want to avoid any potentially serious issues at all costs.

 

Tips for Wound Care

Taking care of your post-operative wounds is no easy task. However, if you have given it much thought and properly studied the protocols in doing so, it won’t be too much of a hassle. Eventually, it will become a routine that you can simply execute on a regular basis. That being said, here are some tips that might come in handy regarding wound care:

• Notify your doctor of any ingrown hairs as these may affect infect the area of a wound
• Avoid shaving near the wound.
• Refrain from using any lotions or creams on your wound, unless prescribed by your doctor.
• Use a prescription sunscreen when exposed to sunlight.
• Be careful with hot water, as your limb may be sensitive to changes in temperature.
• When traveling, pack plenty of extra bandages, clothing, and wipes.
• Don’t shy away from pain management – medications are prescribed for a reason. That being said, do not overuse them.
• Enhance the careful care of your wounds with a healthy diet, vitamins, and supplements to facilitate the healing process.

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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1,500 babies with upper limb reductions and 750 with lower limb reductions are born in the United States every year. This implies that approximately 4 out every 10,000 babies are born with such defects. The question is, what difference does it make for physically challenged children who are growing up with congenital limb difference or without limbs at all?

There is no doubt that such children have to overcome a set of unique challenges that those with normal physical development will never need to. And as parents, it’s important to provide the needed support in helping these kids rise above such predicaments. Laying the groundwork for confidence is essential in helping your kids navigate their interactions with others and reinforcing their self-esteem.

However, here’s a fascinating fact: A recent study shows that children with upper limb difference actually have better emotional health and sense of emotional balance. This was presumed to be because they have to deal with more judgments than other children. They learn to take criticism and deal with it. They also become better communicators.

In spite of this seemingly positive response of physically challenged children, there is a number of those who have gone or are going astray. Parents must be wary of how to deal with their children. A steady emotional development approach should be in place. Here’s a simple emotional development guide for physically challenged kids, particularly for those with upper and lower limb reductions:

 

Encourage your child to communicate about small things and big things

It’s crucial for parents to maintain an open door policy with their kids. They should encourage their children to communicate about their whereabouts and daily interactions. This will help you determine if your little has encountered challenging situations that they need help processing. It’s important that you know if your child has been teased bullied so that you can observe how they respond to such a situation.

To keep an open line of communication, avoid asking open-ended questions such as ‘did you have a good day?’ Instead, ask specific questions such as how their day went, who they met, and what had happened during different parts of the day.

From there, you will be able to determine whether there are concerning issues that your child has been struggling with – teasing and bullying, for instance. From there, you can indirectly ask what emotional impact it has and see how your child manages to cope. Then, you can acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings, assisting them through the situation and ensuring that they come out stronger than ever.

This approach will help your child maintain a sense of emotional balance. He or she will be more understanding and mature when having to deal with such situations. At the same time, he or she will be able to defend himself, overcome challenges, and deal with them victoriously.

 

Teach your child to control their emotional responses

It’s important as well that you teach your child to manage their emotional responses with people when confronted with seemingly unfavourable situations.

People will inevitably have opinions that they voice. Children, as young as they are, might have the tendency to judge, tease, and even bully a physically challenged child.  While we cannot control the way that people see and deal with us, we have a say in how we respond to them. An old adage says, “do not get upset with people or situations; both are powerless without your reaction.”

Of course, this is not easy at all. The usual response is to fight back either verbally or physically. There will be an outburst of anger. Given that, your role as a parent is to teach your child to have a deeper understanding of people and take them as they are. Teach your child to breathe and even brush off feelings when confronted with a difficult situation. Let him or her take some time to understand the situation and accept their condition. By doing so, he or she can simply laugh at the situation and let it go.

 

Help your child build good interpersonal relationships

Finally, building good interpersonal relationships is essential to your child’s growth and translates into him or her becoming a better adult.

This all begins with confidence. You need to boost your child’s self-esteem. The first thing you can do is help them accept his or her differences. Then, it’s just a matter of letting them discover what they are capable of doing. Encourage your child to join art classes, or even learn music or dance, depending on what interest they have and what hidden talents can be unleashed.

With confidence and good self-esteem, your child will not shy away from people. He or she will learn to mingle with people, despite physical differences. He or she will learn to establish rapport with strangers and acquaintances. In time, he or she will learn to build good interpersonal relationships with people. This way, your child will be able to gain friends and live life just as any other kid does.

Learn more about our prosthesis solutions on our product page. Feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

 

Whether you were born without limbs or lost them in an accident, you still have to go on with your life. It is understandable for you to feel discouraged because you will never be able to live the kind of life that other four-limbed people are able to. It is ok to feel the pain of this reality.

There’s no doubt that it takes time to get over the fact that you are missing a part of your body that other people have. However, you cannot let yourself drown in grief forever. Turn that anger and confusing emotion into your motivation to live your life at its fullest potential. Accept the fact that your arms or legs are never going to grow back and find a solution for it. Many amputees can live without obstructions when they move forward with their lives.

If you still want to have four limbs again, however, you may choose to get prosthetic devices. Prosthetic limbs not only allow you to walk and grab things, but they can also improve your quality of life. If you are an amputee who has yet to invest in a prosthetic limb, here are a few reasons why you should get a device:

 

It gives you a new lease on life

If you’ve recently lost a limb due to an accident or illness, chances are that your perspective on life veers to the negative. Perhaps you have quite a few questions running through your mind – why did things have to turn out this way? Why did it have to be you anyway? Most of the amputees who get prosthetic devices find themselves with a new lease on life. They can get rid of the negative mentality and see life in a more meaningful way. Although having a prosthesis is undoubtedly not the same as having real arms and legs, you need to stop sweating about small things and focus on the bigger picture. You’re still alive! Now, live the life you have to the fullest.

 

It allows you to perform a greater range of activities

Without your limbs, you may not be able to do some of the activities that you used to do. If you are passionate about skiing or bicycling, don’t give up on your hobbies just yet. Prosthetic devices give you an opportunity to go back to those things, allowing you to enjoy your passions once again. Keep in mind that you might not be able to perform extreme movements. However, you can still enjoy many other activities with your prosthetic limbs to fulfil your needs.

 

It increases your mobility

The purpose of having prosthetic arms and legs is to make it easier to move around. People who lost their legs, in particular, have to struggle quite a bit when it comes to mobility. Fortunately, once you get a prosthetic device, you will be able to move your body more and live normally again.

 

It boosts your self-image

Some patients are insecure about their self-image due to missing their arms and legs. They might feel like an alien because they look different from the others. If you want to gain back the self-confidence and boost your self-image, getting prostheses is the best option. Nowadays, nobody is going to look at amputees with prosthetic limbs like aliens anymore.

Many patients are proud of their device and even show them off to the others. You may also get your prosthetic limbs customised with designs of your choice. Now that you have better self-image toward yourself, you will see an increase in your quality of life.

Learn more about our prosthesis solutions on our product page. Feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

When you lose a limb, it isn’t uncommon to have a difficult time adjusting to normal life again. A lot of amputees feel as if all hope is lost and the idea of enjoying physical activities again seems impossible. However, regardless of common belief, people who have lost a limb or more than one can still engage in various activities and sports – extreme ones included!

There are several ways that amputees who love skiing and mountain activities can find a way to enjoy the mountains just as much as anyone else can. This article will address some of the ways that amputees can ski as well as engage in other mountain activities.

Depending on the level of amputation and condition of an amputee, the extent to what can be achieved will vary. One can ski using one ski and outriggers for balance or opt to ski in a sit-ski instead. Other things that can help amputees ski include the use of a prosthesis, an orthosis, or both. Here are the basic details about the two:

Prosthesis:
A prosthesis is an artificial device that can be used to replace a missing body part. It can serve both a functional and a cosmetic purpose. With a well-adjusted prosthesis, your body can maintain balance, thus preventing strain on other anatomical structures. If a prosthesis is to be used for skiing, it is crucial for the device to be designed or adjusted specifically for the sport. Keep in mind that it can be quite a challenge for amputees – particularly children – who are still adapting to their prosthesis to work with special skiing prosthesis. That being said, it is more than possible and the use of skiing prostheses should not be discouraged.

Orthosis:
An orthosis is an apparatus that, in many ways, can help to support a part of the body. It can compensate for a missing limb, stabilize joints, and substitute for missing muscular activity. Again, an orthosis should be specially designed for skiing for it to function well. Moreover, it is very important that each amputee’s situation is carefully assessed before they are cleared to ski with an orthosis.

Final Notes
In the end, it all comes down to your unique condition when choosing the right method. It is important to remember that it can take some time to get used to the new device, especially when you are engaging in these kinds of extreme sports. You will have to experiment with different methods and ways to ski before you find one that is the most suitable one for your condition. With that said, it is always a great idea to find an instructor to guide you through the process and help you figure out the best way for you.

Moreover, you can seek advice from fellow amputees who are going through the same experience as well. Their input on skiing methods and equipment will be invaluable, and more importantly, you will realize that you are not going through this alone. Again, you have to understand that everyone has a varying degree of amputation. This means that what works for other amputees may not necessarily be the best thing for you. Still, it is helpful to know that you have options as well as opportunities to find out which option is the best for your case.

Learn more about our prosthesis solutions on our product page. Feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

There’s no doubt about it – being an amputee is hard. Loving a limb can affect your quality of life significantly and even prevent you from engaging in the activities you love. Driving, for one, is a necessary part of life for many of us.

When that ability to commute independently is stripped away, individuals often feel helpless and that they don’t have much control over their own lives. Fortunately, there are adjustments one can make to a car to allow amputees to drive. In this article, we will discuss the specifics of modified vehicles for amputees and how you can make these adjustments on your own.

How a Vehicle Can be Modified for an Amputee

For an individual with both legs amputated, a modified car would have an option to control the accelerator, brakes, and clutch with your hands instead of your feet. An amputee who only has a left leg may shift the pedals to the left side to allow them to control the car, even without the help of their right.

An amputee with only their right arm may be allowed to shift the hand brake to the right side of the seat instead of it being in the middle. The opposite is true for the countries that drive on the opposite side of the road. Additionally, light controls may be moved to where the driver is most comfortable with.

Some people prefer to use their feet to control their lights and windows while others may prefer to add a switch to the steering wheel. If the driver has no arms, however, they may be able to drive with a joystick modification that allows them to steer the car using the side-to-side shifting of the stick. The door may be adjusted to ensure that the driver can get out of the car quickly if necessary. For example, if the driver doesn’t have a right arm, the door hinge may be moved to the gearbox area instead. Lastly, additional features may be added, such as a steering nob, rotating seat, or even a permanent socket to place your amputated limb in which can act as the hand on the steering wheel. If you need to be in a wheelchair at all times, you can even remove the driver’s seat completely and replace it with a wheelchair holder!

The Costs of the Operation Can Vary

If you are looking to purchase a vehicle as an amputee driver, you have to be certain that the car model is able to be modified and adjusted to meet your needs. Additionally, it is imperative that you work with a professional mechanic shop that is licensed to carry out the operation. Many people expect the process to cost a considerable amount of money. However, this does not always have to be the case, as it will depend on how many adjustments the shop has to make. If the project requires a complete overhaul of the gearbox, the steering wheel, and the foot pedals, the cost may be extremely high. On the other hand, if you only need a few minor modifications done, the costs are often quite manageable.

Additional Recommendations

Drivers with a weakened or missing leg may benefit more from using a vehicle with an automatic transmission system, as that will reduce the workload that the leg has to endure. Excluding the clutch from the equation will allow the driver to drive comfortably for long hours. You should keep in mind that it is crucial to consider your condition when adapting a car, as it will have a significant effect on your safety and comfort while you drive. It’s best to consult a professional to understand the extent of legal boundaries when it comes to the adjustments. This ensures that you avoid breaking the law unintentionally.

Learn more about our prosthesis solutions on our product page. Feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

If you have a friend or family member with an amputated limb, you might be curious as to how a prosthetic limb can stay attached to the wearer’s stump. Perhaps you’ve even asked. The answer is simple: a suspension system. When the prosthetic socket is created, there are two factors that they have to consider: the shape and construction of the socket as well as the system that secures the prosthetic to the limb. There is no one suspension system that can work for every prosthetic. Rather, the prosthetist will determine the system that will work best for each patient’s individual situation. Here are three types of suspension systems that they may consider:

 

Anatomic suspension

The anatomic suspension system is used on the Patellar tendon-bearing socket. This method works with the help of anatomic structures to keep the prosthetics on. It is commonly used by amputees who have below-knee or knee disarticulation limbs. The below-knee prosthetic suspension, or Supracondylar suspension, has widened medial and lateral socket walls. It can fit snugly above and against the medial condyle. Other anatomic suspensions often use congenital protuberances when the residual limb is fully healed and will not be undergoing any more changes.

 

Strap, belt, and hinge suspensions

Strap, belt, and hinge suspensions can be considered old school systems. These suspensions are used when an anatomical suspension is not a possibility. The strap suspension comes with a waist belt. When the amputee puts it on, they can adjust the prosthetic easily. This is why a strap suspension is recommended for those who have had an amputation surgery due to the residual limb volume changes. For those with below-knee amputations, a suprapatellar cuff is an excellent choice because it surrounds the thigh and connects to the socket with straps.

This cuff is often used with a waist belt, but some patients can wear the cuff without the belt. In some cases, patients will be prescribed a thigh corset with metal side joints when their residual limb cannot take the weight-bearing load. Although a Silesian belt utilizes suction, there are other suspensions for those who can’t use it such as an elastic suspension belt as well as a hip joint and pelvic belt.

 

Upper-limb suspension

When it comes to suspension for upper-extremity prostheses, many methods can be used including suction, close fit around anatomy, liner, harness suspensions, and a combination of these. Harness suspension systems can be put on and taken off without any struggles. The downside, however, is that it can create a major restriction on an amputee’s range of motion. Many people also report experiencing discomfort due to the rubbing of the straps. Pure suction is a great suspension method since it does not need a harness for body control.

Gel liner is very functional for above-elbow and below-elbow systems. It is suitable for amputees who are highly active. For patients with short-to-medium transhumeral and transradial limbs, a pin and shuttle lock would be sufficient. This option is light, and the patient does not have to deal with a suspension sleeve with this option. In contrast, for long transradial and wrist disarticulation limbs, a lanyard system may be a better option. This works by connecting the liner to the socket with the help of a strap, ensuring that the prosthetic stays on without problems.

Learn more about our prosthesis solutions on our product page. Feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

When it was discovered in the 1950s that human bone was capable of being integrated with titanium, the finding made the biggest impact on the dental industry. In 1995, however, doctors began to use this technology on leg amputees. During surgery, titanium could be implanted into the bone of a patient’s leg, directly connecting the prostheses. This eliminated the need for socket prostheses, which have been known to cause irritation, swelling, and inflammation caused by friction. The implant technology made it easier for amputees to travel for longer distances without discomfort. Osseointegration is a safe technique that allows amputees to increase their mobility and live a higher quality of life after the recovery period.

The osseointegration process

Patients will need to consult their osseointegration outpatients’ clinic about a time and date for their assessment as well as schedule a meeting with a psychologist and a specialist. You will also be asked to fill out a questionnaire. Once your evaluation is finished, all examinations, as well as additional checks, will need to be carried out to completion, and you will need to have paid for at least half of the procedure so that your surgery can be scheduled. If you are flying for this procedure, you will want to book your flight and accommodation as soon as you get your surgery date. You will want to book your stay for about 4 to 6 weeks, which is how long it may take to get all the procedures and care done that you need. When you return to your home country, you will be able to get check-ups via telephone, Facetime, or Skype. Any follow-up x-rays and other images can be done right in a facility in your home country and added to your online patient file in order for your specialists to assess your case anywhere in the world.

The actual surgery

The day before the surgery, you will need to report to the hospital in order to get another medical checkup and clear up any other existing questions you might still be having. When the surgery happens the next day, the surgeon will be integrating the implant into your bone by making an incision to your where the pin will come out in order to connect it to the prostheses. Post-surgery will involve visits twice a day for about 3 to 5 days in a nursing ward. Images of the stump will also be taken after surgery.

Going through rehabilitation

After going through the nursing period, the patient will have to move to a hotel where they will get daily rehabilitation, which involves a physiotherapist twice a week for 2 hours. In this time, you will be strengthening muscles needed in order to get used to the new prosthetic. After rehabilitation is finished, the prosthesis will be adjusted and gait training will begin. This will also be supervised by a psychologist if needed. After gentle rehabilitation and rebuilding of the bone, muscle, and strength in the stump, in the span of a couple of years, amputees should be able to engage in more intensive activities, if they please. That being said, there are some activities that are discouraged due to the increased risk of a bone fracture.

Requirements for osseointegration

Although the applications of osseointegration are still in development, you may want to find out if you are even eligible to get the procedure done. Amputees must be physically mature and must fall under the selection criteria. Typically, this just requires a physically and mentally healthy person without diabetes or a circulatory system disease. Patients who undergo this surgery must stop smoking for 3 months prior to the surgery and will be disallowed to smoke immediately after the treatment as well.

Learn more about our prosthesis solutions on our product page. Feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

 

 

The word “Osseointegration” is made up of the Greek word “osteon,” meaning bone, and integration, which has to do with how the process of osseointegration goes. It is an alternative method which involves joining a prosthetic limb to an amputee’s body. There are two stages to this surgical procedure.

The first stage involves a titanium implant called a fixture to be inserted into the morrow of the residual limb’s bone. Over time, the fixture will become integrated with the bone. This may take up to half a year, but once the fixture has become part of the bone, an abutment, which is a titanium extension will be attached to that fixture and will then be brought out through the skin and soft tissues.

The prosthesis will then be able to attach right to the abutment. Both stages of this surgery will require a strict rehabilitation program in order to ensure a successful outcome. This whole process will allow for the gradual progression of weight on the prosthesis in order for amputees to get used to the integration of the prosthetic implant itself. This will prevent fracture or other excessive forces on the implant in the case of falling.

 

Advantages that Come with Osseointegration

Osseointegration means that there is no socket. Therefore, there is also no sweating or other irritations to the skin that might come with the socket. A socket will often also cause pain, pressure, and discomfort as well.  The prosthesis will be easier to slip in and out of, will have great suspension, and will not restrict hip movement while allowing comfortable sitting positioning. Overall, osseointegration will feel a lot more natural and will allow you to increase your muscle mass. However, there are some drawbacks of osseointegration as well.

Throughout the process, there is a long rehabilitation process that may take a little longer than a year and a half to complete. With these procedures, there is also a risk of infection, fractures, loosening of the implant, and poor cosmesis because of the permanent abutment. An amputee will need daily care to take care of the abutment skin area and may not be involved in high-impact activities like running, jumping or swimming.

 

Deciding Whether or not It’s Right For You

When this technology was originally invented, it was recommended for transfemoral patients who had issues using the conventional socket prosthesis. Whether their complications were due to allergies, obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, hip contractures or excess weight, this approach may work even better. Upper limb amputees can also benefit from this technology.

If any of these things apply to you or you are just not into the idea of a traditional socket prosthetic, try and ask your doctor if osseointegration is the right procedure for you. Remember to take into account how much time it will take to complete the whole process and what the repercussions are with this surgical procedure. It may or may not work for your situation, so you want to make sure you know what goes into the whole thing in order to better gauge whether or not it is for you.

Learn more about our prosthesis solutions on our product page. Feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

The loss of a limb is devastating, as it means that you won’t be able to enjoy some of the things that you used to be able to before. Yet, it doesn’t have to mean that you have to give up on the things that you love, whether it’s simple activities like cooking or something as daring as a winter sport. For many winter sports lovers, these activities are more than hobbies; they are a way for you to experience the excitement and the rush of adrenaline as you appreciate being alive. No matter what your concerned mother tells you, we’re here to tell you that you can continue to enjoy winter sports as an amputee. Interested? Keep reading to find out more!

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A PROSTHESIS AND ORTHESIS

Prosthesis

A prosthesis is designed to replace a missing limb in your body such as an arm or a leg. They are designed to offer symmetry and support to your body just as your natural limbs do, which means that they have to be meticulously measured and tailored to your body. Although children are likely to learn how to ski with a prosthesis a lot faster and with more proficiency than adults will be able to, the issue is that since they are still growing, the prosthesis will have to be remade often and their equipment adjusted accordingly. This can be quite costly, but it’s still a viable option if you have the funds to do it.

Orthosis

Ortheses are crafted splints that are designed to help with the mobility and functionality of your joints and muscles. The main purposes of an orthosis are to stabilize your joints, compensate for inadequate body parts, and substitute the functions of weak or missing muscles. You will typically be able to ski with most types of orthoses without any issues.

HOW TO CONTINUE TO PLAY WINTER SPORTS AS AN AMPUTEE

Skiing or snowboarding with a prosthetic limb is obviously a lot different than doing so with your natural arms or legs. For your own safety, you must make sure that you have gone through the proper physiotherapy and rehabilitation and that you have become acclimated to the sensation of using a prosthesis. Additionally, you will need to receive additional training on skiing and snowboarding to make sure that you know all the safety measures and how to control your limbs for the activity.

The next thing you have to consider is the type of equipment you’re using, as each of them has a different level of manoeuvrability and ease of control. Some amputees find it easier to use an adaptive ski such as a mono-ski or a dual-ski rather than a standard one. You will have to test out different equipment to see which one has the best fit for your preferences.

DOUBLE AMPUTEE SKIING

Despite having lost more than one limb, whether it be both arms, both legs, or one or more of each, you should still be able to enjoy skiing as everybody else can. Young amputees have a better chance of performing at a higher level than those who learn to ski later in their lives. Additionally, the amputation condition will affect the way you have to ski, as some may have been able to use only one ski pad while an amputee who has lost both legs may have to use a sit-ski instead.

Learn more about our prosthesis solutions on our product page. Feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can help!