Immediate Post-Operative Prosthesis (IPOP) Instructions.

May 11, 2022 by 2 Comments

Instructions for fitting of Ipop:

  1. Top left square: Patient has already been measured for the proper size of Limbguard by a professional orthotist. Apply device over surgical dressing and/or prosthetic sock.
  2. Roll sock on patient, pull sock up as stretching it out. Make sure there are no wrinkles or extra material at the distal end of the limb. Place limb inside of the outer thermoplastic shell. Make sure the blue foam is at the distal end to provide cushioning.
  3. Top right square: Attach the long, narrower neoprene cover to the top Velcro hook area, as illustrated above. Only slight tension, to patient tolerance.
  4. Bottom left square: Un-attach the white foam from the larger neoprene cover. Place the white floating shell foam over the knee and distal end. The anterior shell should encompass the knee. When looking at the foam, the flexed knee shaped area goes towards the top. Place the larger neoprene cover over the Velcro hook area as illustrated in the image.
  5. Patient’s limb is protected. The goals of the device is to keep the knee extended, to prevent knee flexion contractures and to protect the residual limb incase of a fall.
  6. If given a belt, attach the “Y” shaped strap upside down, attaching the “V” section to the Velcro hook of the top long narrower neoprene section. Adjust the strap to the length needed with the provided double sided Velcro hook. loop it through the belt to suspend the IPOP and prevent it from falling. See images below.

If any questions please feel free to contact our office. We would love to be able to help you.

Filed under Below Knee, Lower Extremity Prosthetics, Prosthetics Tagged with , , , , , ,

MARTIN BIONICS: SOCKETLESS SOCKET

January 26, 2022 by 10 Comments

Innovative Prosthetic Solutions, Inc is a proud partner of Martin Bionics’ Clinical Network Practitioners.

The unique conformability of the Socket-less Socket™ technology has changed comfort and quality of life for those who use this type of prosthesis. Hot sweaty enclosed sockets are things of the past. The unique open socket designs help keep the limb cool, which eliminates sweating issues for a lot of users. This type of socket also helps with tendon impingement due to its flexibility; it bends and conforms with the patient. We believe the socket should conform to your every move. Sitting with a prosthetic is now so comfortable you’ll forget you are wearing it.

For more information please follow the link below to Martin Bionic’s main website

https://martinbionics.com/

Martin Bionics AK (Above Knee) Socketless Socket

ICON BK STYLE SOCKETLESS SOCKET BY MARTIN BIONICS

Below Knee BK Socketless Socket
Hammock Style BK ICON Martin Bionic’s Socketless Socket

ICON BK-HYBRID STYLE SOCKETLESS SOCKET BY MARTIN BIONICS

ICON BK HYBRID SOCKETLESS SOCKET

Filed under Above Knee, Below Knee, Lower Extremity Prosthetics, Prosthetics Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Common Skin Issues & Solutions: Amputee Edition

October 28, 2021 by 1 Comment

Disclaimer: Please spot check or check with your physician prior to using these products. These are only recommendations and possible solutions. Try at your own risk.

1.Dry, flaky skin

Possible Cause(s): Dry skin could be caused by the weather, an irritating product or fabric, or possibly your daily routine (especially if that routine includes very hot showers).

Possible Solution(s): To relieve itchy, dry skin, add a skin-nourishing moisturizer to your daily skin care routine. A thick, creamy formula will soften the skin, keeping it from cracking and drying out again. We suggest you check out VitalFitSR, their product is formulated with amputees in mind. In the mean time you could wear a “liner liner” which is a thin one ply cotton stocking over the area and under the liner to protect your skin.

Link provided below:
https://vitalfitsr.com/

2. Skin irritation on the thigh

Possible Cause(s): The top edge of the gel liner and/or sleeve is pulling on the skin of your thigh. Your skin could also be sensitive to the material of the liner.

Possible Solution(s): Apply a thin layer of vaseline or anti-itch cream over the area of your thigh where the irritation is occuring. Roll your prosthetic liner and suspension sleeve on instead of pulling them on.

Link provided below:
Amazon.com: StingEze Original Insect Bite Itch Relief Dauber, 0.5 Ounce, Black (3310) : Liberty Mountain Sports: Health & Household

3. Skin irritation on your knee cap

Possible Cause(s):  The  prosthetic liner and/or BK sleeve is pulled too taut over your knee. Or, if redness is occurring along the bottom third of your knee cap, it could be caused by volume loss in your limb. 


Possible Solution(s): Use an anti-chafing cream or hypoallergenic silicone lubricant oil along your knee cap to help your prosthetic liner or below-the-knee sleeve glide on easily.

Excessive redness along the bottom third of your knee cap is typically the result of insufficient prosthetic socks.  To manage fluctuations in limb volume, start with a one ply or filler sock and continue adding ply until your prosthetic socket fit is comfortably snug and your knee cap is sitting in the proper location above the MTP bar. If the top of your prosthesis feels snug but the distal end is loose, you may want to consider using a half sock to accommodate volume loss along the bottom half of your prosthetic socket.

4. Excessive sweating

Possible Cause(s): Amputees have smaller overall skin surface area, which affects the body’s ability to cool itself, therefore you sweat more in response to physical exertion. Additionally, your limb is under layers of materials, like prosthetic liners, and prosthetic socks, which don’t let cool air reach the skin underneath.

Possible Solution(s): While you can’t totally eliminate perspiration, you can invest in a good antiperspirant and sweat control textiles, like a prosthetic sheath to wick away moisture. Socks with silver are said to be antimicrobial, that might help wick away moisture and prevent excessive bacteria buildup. If these remedies don’t work, you can consider medical options like Botox injections administered by your Physician. Always check in with your physician prior to doing any sort of medical treatment.

5. A skin rash that prickles (heat rash)

Possible Cause(s): Heat rash is caused by sweat trapped in your pores and disrupting the body’s regular cooling off activity. A rash tends to appear where skin rubs against skin, such as in skin groin and behind the knees.

Possible Solution(s): The best treatment is to dry off, cool off, and avoid friction on the skin by wearing loose, light weight clothing and using an anti-chafing prosthetic product. 

6. Contact Dermatitis (red skin, skin bumps, blisters, scales, crusts, or sores)

Possible Cause(s):  Contact Dermatitis is a skin rash often caused by an allergic reaction. It may also be brought on by contact with a substance (detergent, skin care product) or material that irritates the skin. Left untreated, dermatitis could lead to chronic inflammation, cellular damage, or cancer. 

Possible Solution(s): Cleanse first, then apply anti-itch lotion, barrier cream, and/or topical steroids to soothe the skin. Helpful products like hydrocortisone and zinc oxide can be bought over-the-counter (OTC).

If some component of your prosthesis or skin care routine is causing the allergic reaction, you should stop the material or the product as soon as possible. Figure out what’s causing the reaction through process of elimination. Once you know the source of the irritation and remove it, the problem will most likely go away.

The issue can also arise due to lack of hygiene, always remember to wash your liners everyday with a mild soap, you could use Dawn dishwashing soap. And wash your liners and suspension sleeves at least once a week with a water and rubbing alcohol mixture.

7. Small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles (folliculitis)  

Possible Cause(s): Shaving your residual limb or wearing a prosthesis that rubs the skin can irritate the hair follicles, which can lead to folliculitis. Hair follicles are also irritated by sweat buildup. Damaged hair follicles are more susceptible to bacteria, yeast, and other fungi, and so more likely to become infected. 

Possible Solution(s): Products called drawing salves, such as ichthammol, can help draw out infection and other objects, including ingrown hairs, from the skin. It’s also a good idea to let the hair on your limb grow, rather than shaving it. Using a mild cleanser with salicylic acid might help reduce the issue.

8. Pain, swelling, or leaking along the suture line

Possible Cause(s): Following an amputation, remnants of an absorbable suture that didn’t completely dissolve can cause pain, swelling, redness, oozing, separation of the wound, and fever. 

Possible Solution(s): A physician can have the remaining suture removed.

9. Cysts (small bumps or nodules)

Possible Cause(s): After you’ve worn your prosthetic limb for months or even years, you may notice small bumps or nodules that go away once you’ve removed the prosthesis. But don’t be fooled by this disappearing act — the underlying problem remains, and the constant rubbing caused by the prosthesis can make the problem worse. Cysts will become larger and more numerous if left untreated. Cysts are a common problem for above-knee amputees (often on the inside of the leg, along the edge of the prosthesis), although below-knee amputees may discover them as well. 

Possible Solutions(s): Cysts should always be treated by a doctor before they become infected and cause further damage. It’s very important for you to contact your Prosthetist to address your socket fit.

Not sure if any of these is your issue, or your problem persists after treating it at home? Consult your Certified Prosthetist to see whether the problem can be addressed with minor prosthetic adjustments, or whether it’s time to see a physician. 

Filed under Above Knee, Below Knee, Lower Extremity Prosthetics, Prosthetics Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Partial Hand Prosthesis

October 21, 2021 by 1 Comment

Jason’s dream was to return to flying his plane. He was born with a congenital limb difference, he gave up due to it being difficult flying with just his right hand. We helped make his dream come true and he is so ecstatic to be able to return to soaring in the blue sky!

El sueño de Jason era volver a volar su avión. Nació con una diferencia congénita en una extremidad, se rindió debido a que le costaba volar solo con la mano derecha. Ayudamos a hacer realidad su sueño y está tan extasiado de poder volver a elevarse en el cielo azul.

Filed under Partial Hand, Upper Extremity Prosthetics Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Things to Remember: Prosthetic Usage

May 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment

We understand that a lot of the information provided at delivery can be overwhelming. We have provided you with a quick guide as a kind reminder of things to look out for, and what to do with your prosthesis. This has been tailored to our patients but we do hope it can help you too. If you need further assistance please reach out to our office.

Filed under Lower Extremity Prosthetics, Prosthetics Tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

What to expect: Post-Amputation Surgery.

May 18, 2021 by 1 Comment

What should you expect after an amputation?

After the amputation your residual limb will be bandaged with dressing and possibly an Immediate Post-operative Prosthesis (Check out our post about the IPOP https://www.ipsprosthetics.com/immediate-post-operative-prosthesis-ipop-instructions/). Your doctor’s main goal here is to quickly heal the surgical site and to prepare your residual limb for your future prosthesis.

The focus during the initial period after the operation is on three goals: You should have little to no pain, your residual limb should be able to bear weight, and you should be able to move your residual limb optimally in all directions. It is imperative to try and keep your knee or your hip joint as extended as possible to prevent joint contractures. A contracture is a condition of shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity of joints.

In order for all of this to succeed, it is important for you to have your doctor, nurse, prosthetist or physical therapist show you a few important things right after the operation. This includes correct positioning in bed so that the muscles and the joint adjacent to the residual limb don’t retract or become stiff, as well as regular exercise. This will allow you to be fit more quickly and easily with a prosthesis so that you can remain mobile and active. Everyone is different, healing rates for everyone are different.

Wound healing of the residual limb

When you wake up from the anesthesia, your leg will have likely been treated with simple bandages or a plaster cast with a small drainage tube leading out of it. This tube was laid into the wound during the operation so that wound seepage and blood can flow out of the wound, and will be removed from the wound during the healing process. Sometimes an Immediate Post-Operative Prosthesis (IPOP) is added to protect the residual limb and to keep the knee as straight as possible to get ready for prosthetic care.

In most cases the amputation wound closes and forms a scar within the first three to four weeks. But even if the scar looks like it has healed well from the outside and only the color of the scar tissue is changing slightly, complete healing of the scar will take significantly longer.

During this period compression therapy and skin care creams are enormously important in helping the scar tissue remain soft and pliable—while simultaneously developing the ability to bear weight so that it’s possible to wear the prosthesis.

Compression therapy

With the aid of pressure applied to the residual limb over a large surface area, swelling (edema) of the residual limb can be reduced and the residual limb can be formed for the future prosthetic fitting. This compression of the residual limb contributes to being able to do your prosthetic fitting as soon as possible and to making it easier to adjust your prosthesis. In addition, compression aids circulation in the residual limb. This reduces the amount of pain and results in improved healing of the scar.

Various techniques are used for compression therapy: The residual limb may be wrapped with an elastic bandage, or compression socks or a prefabricated silicone liner may be worn. This will be determined by the medical staff.

Bandaging

Compression bandages are applied using a special wrapping technique after the wound bandage or residual limb cast is removed. During the first few days and weeks after the operation, your residual limb will be bandaged by your therapist or by the nursing staff. This somewhat elaborate compression involving elastic bandages can be customized to your individual residual limb amputation level.

The bandage will be removed frequently in order to make sure the residual limb was not wrapped too tightly or too loosely. The caregiver will also check to see how the residual limb is healing, whether the edema is getting better, and how the scar is healing. After sufficient healing, the compression bandage may only be worn for several hours at a time.

Later on, your caregivers can show you how to apply the compression bandage yourself. Make sure you have the wrapping process explained to you in detail in order to avoid mistakes which could lead to renewed swelling of the residual limb, or to irritation or injury made by folds in the bandage or wrapping that’s too tight. To avoid injurying your sensitive residual limb, use tape on the bandages instead of metal clips.

It is also important that you clean the bandages thoroughly. Since the bandages absorb sweat, they should be washed daily with a mild detergent or a mild soap. Remove the majority of the water by rolling them up gently in a towel, then lay them out flat to dry. Do not hang the bandages up to dry, as this can affect their elasticity.

You have to wear your compression bandages until your residual limb is fully healed. As soon as everything has healed, you can try sleeping through a night without wearing the bandage, but only after consultation with your doctor, prosthetist, or physical therapist. However, if you experience a lot of swelling in the residual limb the next morning, you should continue with the compression therapy.

Residual limb compression socks

Compression socks can also be used instead of bandages. The socks are also elastic and available in various sizes. Custom sizes can also be made if the standard sizes do not fit you. Like elastic bandages, the socks must be washed daily and laid out to dry so that they do not lose their elasticity.

The advantage of residual limb socks is that they are easy to put on and take off. You can use suspenders attached to a hip belt to hold the socks up. Or you can use a pelvic band which is fastened permanently to the sock. The compression sock is usually fit by your prosthetist. If you need one, please give us a call, we would love to help you.

Silicone liners

In addition to elastic bandages and residual limb socks, silicone liners offer a further method for achieving compression. Similar to residual limb socks, silicone liners are available in standard sizes as well as customized fabrications. The liner exerts even pressure on your residual limb and forms it properly. In addition, the flexible, skin-friendly silicone can help make the scar soft and pliable.

To put the liner on, it is best to first turn it inside out and then roll it evenly onto your residual limb. Don’t pull it up like a sock, and take special care to ensure that no folds or air pockets form. Make sure the distal end is completely rolled inside out and pressed against your distal end to ensure no air is in the liner.

Clean your liner daily with a skin-friendly, unscented soap and warm water. If you sweat a lot, you should clean it several times a day and possibly use a disinfectant. Have your prosthetist explain the care of your liner in detail and follow directions in your user’s manual. Typically you receive two liners, that is so you can use one and wash one. They should be interchanged every day.

Caring for the residual limb

Although the nursing staff and the doctors were initially cleaning the wound and changing the bandages, now that you are in the rehabilitation phase you will be caring for your residual limb and your sound leg yourself.

How to properly care for your residual limb

Your therapist or prosthetist will show you how to properly care for your residual limb. In order to prevent the skin from becoming rough and scaly, wash the residual limb with warm water and a mild soap every morning and evening. Then dry the skin thoroughly or carefully dab it dry and put cream on it. For suggestions of lotions to buy please give our office a call, we can give you a list of products to try that are specifically formulated with amputees in mind.

If folds of skin or retracted scars, also known as invaginations, have formed on the residual limb, they must receive particularly care in order to prevent infections. Have your rehabilitation team advise you in this regard. In addition, look out for injuries, pressure sores, and blisters while you care for your residual limb. These must receive medical treatment. A mirror can help you look at the back of your residual limb. Regular massaging and careful stretching of the scar is another important component of residual limb care.

Also note that putting the prosthesis on in the morning right after you wash is often more difficult than usual, since warm water causes the skin on the residual limb to swell. Food intake and weather can also affect the size of limb, which could make it difficult to don the prosthesis.

Caring for the sound leg

After the amputation, when the residual limb is not yet able to bear a lot of weight, it’s common to put more weight—and stress—on the sound leg. Work with your care team to find the best ways to keep you sound side healthy.

Filed under Above Knee, Below Knee, Hip Disarticulation, Knee Disarticulation, Lower Extremity Prosthetics Tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

What to Expect: Amputation Surgery.

May 4, 2021 by Leave a Comment

The following article offers a wealth of information concerning what to expect before, during, and after amputation surgery.

The most important goal of your entire treatment—from the operation to rehabilitation, to the fitting of your prosthesis—is to restore your mobility.

Your therapy team, which includes your doctors, therapists, prosthetists—and of course, you and your loved ones—will help you achieve the most independence possible, so that you can lead an active and mobile life. On average, this rehabilitation process takes between two to six months, although this can be affected by various factors, including your level of motivation and how well your prosthesis fits.

Whether you’ve known about your amputation surgery for a while, or just found out, remember that you’re not alone. Your treatment team is there to support you, answer questions—and find the best solutions for you.

Initial examinations

If you are to undergo planned amputation surgery, you will be examined in detail several times before the surgery. Your doctors will explain what will happen both during and after the operation. Of course, if you’ve had a traumatic accident, your conversations will occur after the surgery.

During these discussions, you have the opportunity to ask any questions which are important to you. It’s a good idea to take notes of what you want to ask the doctor before the discussions so that you don’t forget anything.

Psychological support

An amputation is a big change in your life and it may be helpful to get psychological counseling. Counseling can help you work through any issues or fears you may have.

Talking to other amputees

We also recommend that you talk with peers who have also undergone amputation surgery. It is good to hear how others deal with the situation, and in many cases they’ll also be able to share tips on everything from using your prosthesis to getting the right fit. Talk to your therapy team about how best to get in contact with peer support groups.

What does ‘amputation’ mean, and why is it done?

Amputation is described as the separation of a bone in healthy tissue or the removal of a limb at a joint (exarticulation).

Amputation surgery may be necessary if an injured or diseased limb is not expected to heal and if the patient’s life is endangered as a result. Possible causes include circulation issues, infections, accidents, cancer, or a congenital malformation of the limb. In these cases, it is usually known well in advance that an amputation will become necessary. In contrast, sometimes it is necessary to amputate unexpectedly, for example due to a severe injury after an accident.

What does ‘amputation level’ mean?

The term amputation level is used to describe the location at which the body part is amputated.

The amputation level is determined by the doctor before the operation and is based on the reason for the amputation. For planned interventions, a prosthetist is normally consulted as well in order to clarify which amputation level is suitable for subsequent fitting of the prosthesis.

Foot amputation

Over twelve different amputation levels are common in the foot area. They range from a toe amputation to a metatarsal amputation or amputations in the tarsal area.

When there is less need for—or difficulty in fitting—a prosthesis that offers increased function, Cosmetic silicone prostheses are sometimes used.

Transtibial amputation

For transtibial (also known as ‘Below the Knee’ or ‘BK’) amputations, the amputation occurs through the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg.

The transtibial prosthesis consists of a socket, which contains the residual limb (the amputated limb, colloquially referred to as the ‘stump’), a prosthetic foot as well as adapters and connecting elements. Information on these products is available here. A prosthesis can be disguised with a cosmetic cover so that it is hardly noticeable visually.

Knee disarticulation

In knee disarticulation surgery the knee joint is separated and the lower leg is removed. The entire thigh is retained in the process.

The prosthesis consists of a socket, which contains the residual limb (the amputated limb, colloquially referred to as the ‘stump’), a prosthetic knee joint, and a prosthetic foot, as well as adapters and connecting elements. Information on these products is available here. A prosthesis can be disguised with a cosmetic cover so that it is hardly noticeable visually.

Transfemoral amputation

In a transfemoral amputation (also known as ‘Above the Knee’, or ‘AK’), the amputation occurs through the femur, or thigh bone, of the upper leg, so that the knee is no longer present.

The prosthesis consists of a socket, which contains the residual limb (the amputated limb, colloquially referred to as the ‘stump’), a prosthetic knee joint, and a prosthetic foot, as well as adapters and connecting elements. Information on these products is available here. A prosthesis can be disguised with a cosmetic cover so that it is hardly noticeable visually.

Hip disarticulation

During a hip disarticulation, the amputation is performed in the hip joint area. With this amputation the pelvis will be used to control the prosthesis later on.

The prosthesis consists of a socket, which contains the pelvic area, a prosthetic hip joint, a prosthetic knee joint, and a prosthetic foot, as well as adapters and connecting elements. Information on these products is available here. A prosthesis can be disguised with a cosmetic cover so that it is hardly noticeable visually.

Hemipelvectomy

In a hemipelvectomy, the entire leg, and part of the pelvis up to the sacrum are amputated. With this amputation the pelvis will be used to control the prosthesis later on.

The prosthesis consists of a specialized socket, which contains the remaining pelvic area, a prosthetic hip joint, a prosthetic knee joint, and a prosthetic foot, as well as adapters and connecting elements. Information on these products is available here. A prosthesis can be disguised with a cosmetic cover so that it is hardly noticeable visually.

After Amputation

Immediately after the operation, the focus will be on your recovery and the healing of your residual limb. Both are important so that you can start rehabilitation soon and be fitted with a prosthesis.

Filed under Lower Extremity Prosthetics, Uncategorized Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Traveling with a Prosthesis 101

August 26, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Traveling with a prosthesis? Tips and Tricks to make sure your trip goes smooth sailing or flying!

Not knowing what to expect when traveling with a prosthetic device can be a frightening. Do not fear, here are some things to keep in mind when traveling.

Going on a trip can be exciting, especially when you are going to a new destination or visiting friends and family. However, it is also notorious for being a tedious affair, especially for those that wear a prosthesis. But the thought of preparing everything you need to ensure a hassle-free trip does not have to put a damper on your travel spirits. So, we’ve put together this handy travel guide for you to ensure smooth sailing.

Prior to scheduling your itinerary

Keep in mind your travel connections:
Some airports are larger than others, trams might need to be taken, stairs, and a lot of walking. Ensuring a proper layover and keeping in mind the airport you will be making a connection in will allow you to have a stress-free journey to your destination.

For example, bilateral above-knee amputees, expend a lot of energy just walking, and airports can be very exhausting. They are even exhausting for able-bodied individuals.  So, as you travel, you might want to keep a running list of the best and the worst airports in which to connect, and if you, unfortunately, have to stop at one of the bad ones, ensure you have enough of a layover to get where you need to go without having to rush.

Contact TSA Cares

Hopefully, you’re reading this at least a few days before your flight because it is recommended to get in touch with TSA Cares at least 72 hours in prior to departure. TSA Cares is the TSA’s dedicated helpline that assists travelers with medical conditions. If you are traveling with a prosthetic arm or leg, they will provide you with guidance on what you can expect during the TSA’s screening process. They will also be able to assist you with any questions or concerns you might have with a representative

If the representative deems it necessary, they will refer you to a passenger support specialist, who is trained to help individuals with specific needs. They can also assist you throughout the safety screening process to ensure that someone can take care of your needs.

If you want to request for a passenger support specialist, call TSA Cares at 855-2227 and 787-2227. They are open on Mondays through Fridays, from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). Meanwhile, on weekends and holidays, you can speak to a representative or a specialist from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM.

Be sure to notify the TSA officer that you have a prosthetic device before screening begins. You have the option to remove your prosthetic and have the device x-ray screened. If you’d prefer to not mention your prosthetic verbally, the TSA provides a notification card which you can print out on the TSA’s website and hand it to the agent. Should you wish for a private screening, remember that you can request for it.

You can find that notification card here:

https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/disability_notification_card_508.pdf

If you opt for a private screening, remember that you can ask to be accompanied by an assistant, friend, or family member who can assist you, but only after they have been successfully screened themselves. If you are not comfortable with a private screening, you have the right to refuse it, but you will still need to complete a security screening to proceed beyond the security checkpoint.

Regardless of the chosen screening method, your prosthesis will always need to undergo additional screening. The TSA officer may ask to see and touch your prosthesis but will not request or require you to remove it.

Pro tip:
Expect that you might set off security monitors, and wear comfortable, loose clothing and slip-on shoes so it’s easy to show your devices when requested. Also, get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, it’s better to get to your gate with extra time than to miss your flight due to security delays.

Prior to date of departure
First and foremost, it is important to check your prosthesis thoroughly to make sure it is in good shape. If you will be out of town for a couple of days or a few weeks it is imperative to make sure there are no cracks, leaks, etc. This is so that you have enough time to schedule an appointment with your prosthetist to make adjustments and repairs before you leave on business, vacation, or any scheduled trip.

Miscellaneous, yet important, things to keep in mind when travelling

Be mindful of hygiene. Travel exposes you to more people and places than your everyday life. Make sure you bring whatever you need in order to keep your prosthesis and your skin clean and disinfected.

If you think you might need it (ask your prosthetist), bring spare parts with you, especially because medical devices travel for free. If an airline ever wants to charge extra for a bag that contains prosthetic parts or supplies, just let them know that the bag contains medical devices; the bag should go free of charge. Do note that this only applies to bags that contain only medical devices, but some airlines are stricter than others on this rule.

Extra Things You Might Want to Pack:

– Extra prosthetic socks

– Extra socket liner

– Duct and filament tape to repair strap or buckle breaks

– Antibacterial cream for abrasions from overuse

– Spare suction valve

– Plastic bags to protect your prosthesis if you wear it around water or sand

– Phone numbers of certified prosthetists and prosthetic facilities in the area in which you are vacationing (just in case).

Here is a link to a handy prosthetic bag:

https://amputeestore.com/products/amputee-essentials-prosthetic-leg-bag

While traveling with a prosthesis may seem like a recipe for airport security disaster, it is not always the case. If you have done your research and you took the necessary steps to prepare for it, the odds are most likely in your favor.

If you have any tricks you would like for us to add to this post, please let us know in the comments! Any other questions? Please contact our office 949-699-0600.

Filed under Lower Extremity Prosthetics, Prosthetics, Upper Extremity Prosthetics Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

What are K-Levels?

August 12, 2020 by 4 Comments

K-levels are a rating system used by Medicare to indicate an amputee’s rehabilitation potential. The system is a rating from 0 through 4 and it indicates a person’s potential to use a prosthetic device. K-level designation is important because it is one of the determining factors in the decision of componentry that can be chosen by the prosthetist for the prosthetic device.

There are a total of 5 levels (K-levels 0-4), and Medicare defines them as follows:

K-0
The patient does not have the ability or potential to ambulate or transfer safely with or without assistance and a prosthesis does not enhance their quality of life or mobility.
K-1
The patient has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence or speed. This is typical of a household ambulator or a person who only walks in their own home.
K-2
The patient has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low-level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs or uneven surfaces. This is typical of the limited community ambulator.
K-3
The patient has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence or multiple speeds. A person at level 3 is typically a community ambulator who also has the ability to traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic or exercise activity that demands prosthetic use beyond simple locomotion.
K-4
The patient has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress or energy levels. This is typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult or athlete.

How are K-levels determined?

K-levels are determined by the clinician (prosthetist, therapist or physician), using one of the following commonly used outcome measures.
Amputee Mobility Predictor (AMP)
Patient Assessment Validation Evaluation Test (PAVET)
Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ)
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
Timed Walk Tests
Distance Walk Tests

Interested in knowing your K-level or your loved one’s potential K-level? We’re here to help you reach your fullest potential. Please contact our office for an evaluation or if you have any questions!

Filed under Lower Extremity Prosthetics, Prosthetics Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BK (Below Knee Prosthesis)

April 6, 2011 by 3 Comments

Every prosthetic device is custom designed and tailored to each individual. We take pride in using light-weight cutting-edge materials and our own innovative designs in order to provide an optimal fit to every individual patient. 

Below Knee carbon prosthesis with Revo window system and inner liner
Below Knee carbon prosthesis with Revo system and black inner liner.
J.W. with running prosthesis, everyday prosthesis & water leg.
D.T. using Martin Bionics socket-less socket.
Posterior view of BK Socket-less socket
J.C. excited about his new prosthesis.
Below Knee carbon pin system prosthesis

Filed under Below Knee, Lower Extremity Prosthetics, Prosthetics Tagged with , , , , , , ,