Prosthetics
Prosthetics is the artificial replacement of one or more
upper or lower limbs lost through birth, accident or disease. Here at Children's
Memorial Hospital we can provide state-of-the-art prosthetic care and management
using all of the currently available technologies in fabrication and
components. In addition, we combine this service with our other team members
including orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, occupational and physical therapy
and social work to provide you or your child with the best possible functional
outcome.
Prosthetic evaluation:
Any prosthetic lower or upper limb evaluation involves
a number of stages. These stages will enable us to design and
provide the most appropriate prosthetic device.
- Shorts are recommended for lower limb evaluation.
- Short
sleeve shirts or tank tops for upper limbs
evaluation.
*
If you or your child uses adaptive equipment (e.g. crutches, walker, or
wheelchair) for mobility, please bring it with you for the
evaluation.
Things you and your child should know before your evaluation:
- Typically evaluations last between 1 to 2 hours.
- All procedures are non-invasive and should be
pain-free.
- You
or your child will need to sit or stand still while being measured or
casted.
The prosthetic evaluation normally includes:
- A discussion of your or your child's needs/concerns,
physician's orders, and physical or occupational therapist's recommendations.
- Joint range-of-motion measurements.
- Manual muscle testing.
- Measurements
and/or cast of limb(s).
When will the device ready and what is involved?
- A check prosthesis will be fit in 2 to 3 weeks following
the prosthetic evaluation.
- Check prostheses enable the prosthetist to evaluate
its fit and function and to determine if further check prostheses are required
before the prosthesis is completed.
- Once the check prosthesis is finalized then the completed prosthesis
will be ready for pickup in 3 to 4 weeks.
- Pickup
of the prosthesis involves fitting the device, making minor adjustments and
providing education concerning is use and care.
Follow-ups:
- Plan to have a
follow-up visit every 3 to 6 months, or as indicated by your clinician.