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Maltings
Mobility Centre
Wearing a Prosthesis
An information guide for patients
following leg amputation.
In partnership with:
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
Safe & Effective
|
Kind & Caring
|
Exceeding Expectation
Planned review date, November 2015
Mi 131007 12.12.12

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Summary of Contents for NHS Maltings

  • Page 1 Wearing a Prosthesis An information guide for patients following leg amputation. In partnership with: The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Safe & Effective Kind & Caring Exceeding Expectation Planned review date, November 2015...
  • Page 3 Maltings Mobility Centre Wearing a Prosthesis An information guide for patients following leg amputation. In partnership with: The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust...
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Wearing a Prosthesis An Information Guide for Lower Limb Amputees Contents Page Introduction Glossary What is a prosthesis? Parts of a prosthesis Standard features of a below knee prosthesis Standard features of an above knee prosthesis Measuring you for a prosthesis Fitting your prosthesis Delivery appointment Prosthetic training...
  • Page 6: Introduction

    Introduction This booklet is aimed at guiding you through the process of prosthetic rehabilitation. We hope that it enables you to understand what will happen during this time. However, if you are unsure about anything do not hesitate to ask one of the staff.
  • Page 7: What Is A Prosthesis

    What is a prosthesis? This is the formal name for an artificial limb (in this case leg). The prosthesis only fits the person it is made for. There are various types of prostheses available. Prostheses vary in: • The way they look •...
  • Page 8: Parts Of A Prosthesis

    Parts of a prosthesis The next two pages give an idea of the standard parts that go into the making of a prosthesis. To make the diagrams clear, they are shown without the cosmesis, and suspension. The diagrams are to give you an idea of what the parts are. Please do not think that all prostheses are exactly the same as the diagrams - there are many prosthetic manufacturers and each make various types of prostheses.
  • Page 9: Standard Features Of A Below Knee Prosthesis

    Standard Features of a Below Knee Standard Features of an Above Standard Features of a Below Prosthesis Knee Prosthesis Knee Prosthesis Socket Liner This is the part of the prosthesis, which This is a removable inner socket made your residual limb fits into. It can be of a flexible material.
  • Page 10: Standard Features Of An Above Knee Prosthesis

    Standard Features of an Above Knee Prosthesis...
  • Page 11: Measuring You For A Prosthesis

    Measuring you for a prosthesis When it has been decided that you are ready for your prosthesis the Prosthetist will record the shape of your residual limb by one of the following: • Plaster casting • Tape measurements • Computer measurements •...
  • Page 12: Delivery Appointment

    The prosthesis may be left uncovered for use in the physiotherapy gym. This enables any adjustments to be made as your residual limb settles down and as you become used to the prosthesis. Delivery Appointment The cosmetic covering is applied at this time unless you prefer to use it without any covering.
  • Page 13: Getting On With Your Life

    Getting on with your life The assistance of an Occupational Therapist (OT) may be helpful as they can advise you on ways you can help maintain your independence. The OT can assess and refer for home adaptations and equipment which may help you with your personal and domestic activities of daily living, leisure activities, returning to work or driving etc.
  • Page 14: Socks

    Once these wear out, replacement socks can be obtained through your local amputee clinic or by phoning the Prosthetic Rehabilitation Services Centre (Maltings Mobility Centre) directly. Suspension Sleeves Your suspension sleeve should be cleansed regularly in accordance with manufacturers’...
  • Page 15: Walking Aids

    Important things to remember are: • Always wear clean socks daily • When washing your socks, follow the manufacturer’s instructions • Always give your socks enough time to dry • Never darn or patch your socks • If you find that you are wearing more socks than usual, please contact the Prosthetic Service for advice •...
  • Page 16: Reviews

    Reviews After taking delivery of the prosthesis, various clinic appointments will be arranged, so that the Prosthetic Rehabilitation Team may check your progress and the fit of your prosthesis. As you become a more confident prosthetic user you will not need such regular appointments, but you will be able to request them as required.
  • Page 17 • Footwear Do not change the heel height of your shoes without consulting your Prosthetist; as this may change the way the prosthesis feels when you walk – making you feel unbalanced • Maintenance and repairs Your prosthesis is a mechanical device and will require maintenance at the Prosthetic Clinic.
  • Page 18: Care Of Your Prosthesis

    Care of your residual limb • General hygiene Wash your residual limb every evening using a non- perfumed soap and warm water. Rinse it well and pat it • Regular inspection Examine your residual limb every day for signs of redness, rubbed or sore areas, blisters or other skin problems.
  • Page 19: Care Of Your Remaining Limb

    Care of your remaining limb Having had an amputation, you must take care of your remaining limb. This is particularly important if your amputation was as a result of poor circulation or diabetes. • Smoking If you are still smoking then this will increase the likelihood of further disease in your remaining limb.
  • Page 20 • Skin Care Consult your GP about the most appropriate product for any skin problems. If your skin sensation is poor, then avoid excessive heat such as an unwrapped hot water bottle or sitting in front of the fire. Always check the temperature of the bath water with your hand or elbow before you get into a bath •...
  • Page 21: Going On Holiday

    Going on holiday The Prosthetic Services throughout the UK have an agreement to allow emergency treatment for amputees away from their home. Please contact your main Prosthetic Centre for further information.
  • Page 22: Falls

    Falls: Preventing falls. Avoid: • Bad footwear e.g. old slippers, worn down shoes • Long trailing nightdresses and dressing gowns • Trailing telephone cables and electrical cords • Poor lighting • Floor obstacles, including rugs • Wet slippery surfaces • Bending down to pick things off the floor – use a long handled reacher Check: •...
  • Page 23: How To Get Up From The Floor

    If you think the prosthesis may have been damaged in the fall or it was the prosthesis that caused the fall, please call the Maltings Mobility Centre for an urgent appointment so that it can be checked.

Table of Contents