Lower Limb Prosthesis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Lower limb prosthesis is an artificial (man-made) device to replace all or a part of the lower limb. It may be used when all or part of your leg was, or needs to be amputated (removed). A leg may be amputated at the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, or foot. A lower limb prosthesis has different parts depending on how much of your limb remains. It is fit to match your height, weight, and type or level of activity.
  
  
• All types of lower limb prosthesis include a foot and socket. The socket is the portion of the prosthesis that connects to the stump. The stump is the end part of your lower limb. A pylon is a tube connecting the socket to the foot. A pylon may be used to transfer body weight from the socket to the foot. Wearing a prosthesis may make it possible for you to do activities that you had been doing before the amputation. The prosthesis may be used for daily activities, such as walking, or may be made especially for use during sports.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.

Follow-up visit information: Your caregivers may want to see you every week. This is to check the fit of your prosthesis. They will also check how well you walk and balance with or without using the device. As you learn how to use your prosthesis, they may want to see you every month. Over time, you may only need to see a caregiver every six months or every year. Write down any questions you may have about your prosthesis or condition. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Skin care:

• Check your stump every day for redness, blisters, soreness, or swelling. If you see any of these changes, call your caregiver right away. Do not use your prosthesis until your see your caregiver. Stop using the prosthesis if it causes pain, and tell your caregiver.
  
  
• Have regular check-ups with your caregivers. This way, they can see how well you are doing while wearing and using your prosthesis. This also helps them check for normal wear of the prosthesis.

Prosthesis care:

• Clean the inside of the socket every day. You may use a damp soapy cloth to remove sweat and dirt, then a clean damp cloth to remove the soap. Dry the socket very well with a dry cloth.
  
  
• Wear your prosthesis as often and for the amount of time advised by your caregiver. You may need to wear your prosthesis all the time during the first few months after you get it.
  
  
• Your prosthesis may need to be adjusted several times before it fits well. Tell your caregiver if you have problems with how it fits. Never try to fix or adjust your prosthesis on your own.

For more information:

• American Physical Therapy Association
  1111 North Fairfax Street
  Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 1-800-999-2782
  Web Address: http://www.apta.org
  

• The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA)
  900 E. Hill Ave, Ste 285
  Knoxville,, TN 37915
  Phone: 1-888-267-5669
  Web Address: www.amputee-coalition.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have problems using your prosthesis, such as moving, walking, or running.
  
  
• You have trouble placing or removing your prosthesis.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your lower limb prosthesis, condition, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have pain or swelling around your stump, especially after using your prosthesis.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your prosthesis gets damaged or becomes soaked with blood.
  
  
• Your skin on the stump turns blue or white or it feels cold, numb, or tingly.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page