Above The Knee Prosthetic Legs
At Evolve Prosthetics & Orthotics, we know there is a lot to consider when deciding on an above-the-knee prosthesis. This type of limb replacement is generally harder to use and may require a longer rehabilitation period than other leg prostheses. We are here to help you navigate the decision-making process and do all we can to help you regain mobility and live your best life.
Benefits Of Using The Prosthesis
If you find that you are a suitable candidate for the prosthesis, but you are not yet sure that this is indeed the right choice for you, consider some of the benefits of using a prosthetic device: In many cases, a prosthetic limb will give you more ability to train and involve in physical activities than other options.
Upward movements help the bloodstream and the digestive system, and studies have shown that amputations who regularly exercise enjoy higher self-confidence and a better general health sense than stationary patients.
The prosthesis gives you increased functional independence. In other words, you may be able to perform many of the activities that you used to do before the loss of the limb, without relying on the assistance of others.
Even aspects that are perceived as marginal, such as independent walking to the bathroom, or independent clothing, are perceived as significant victories.
Leg Amputated people who use prostheses and wheelchairs simultaneously report that they feel less of the stigma of the disabled, wearing a prosthesis.
That is, most amputees who are healthy enough, have access to the prosthesis, use the prosthesis or at least try to use it, are getting great benefits.
Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
An above-knee amputation is associated with enormous morbidity unlike a below-knee amputation, fitting a prosthesis for an above-knee stump is difficult. In fact, most patients cannot adapt to an above-knee prosthesis and eventually succumb to a wheelchair to get around. This leads to other complications like pressure sores, inability to perform daily living activities, and depression. When possible, clinicians need to avoid an above-knee amputation because of the high morbidity if the procedure is elective, presurgical education of the patient is important. Both the pre and postoperative management of an above-knee amputation is best managed by an interprofessional team because there are functional and physical issues that need to be dealt with.
An interprofessional approach is essential in caring for patients who have undergone an amputation. Aside from the physician performing the procedure, specialists in other fields of medicine can play a role in improving a patient’s outcome. Internal medicine physicians can control and treat comorbid conditions, which may otherwise slow a patient’s progress. Nurses are essential to monitoring vital signs, assisting the patient with daily activities, and delivering medication. The wound care nurse is vital to ensure that the stump is healing unless the wound has healed, a prosthesis cannot be fitted.
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The Problem: Pain Along The Inner Brim Of An Above Knee Prosthetic Socket
Possible Cause: Sudden weight gain, especially around the holidays, can create whats called an adductor roll. This extra skin roll sits on top of the inner brim and creates discomfort with every step when its compressed.
Possible Solutions: Try a different technique to apply your prosthesis. Many people have successfully coaxed their adductor rolls inside their sockets using a nylon slip-on aid. Others have used a nylon slip-on aid along with anti-chafing lotion or using a specialized sheath like GlideWear or AK Brim Sheath along the top of your socket. However, if your weight gain is 30lbs or more, a new socket may be warranted. Keep in mind that if adductor rolls are left untreated they may become a permanent fixture on your limb and very difficult for your Prosthetist to reduce with a new socket.
Why Should You Prefer Luxmed Who Are We
Luxmed is a clinically approved professional prosthetics provider headquartered in Istanbul in the year. With the experience of almost a decade, Luxmed is one of the top prosthetic providers in Turkey. Our team is highly skilled and each individual is trained in Germany. Our professionals are fluent in Arabic, English and Russian.
We are best at what we do and we provide our clients with constant rehabilitation and support throughout their journey with Luxmed.
To know more visit our website or to speak with an expert regarding your requirements, give us a call at +905373498403.
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Above Knee Prosthetic Leg
An above knee prosthetic leg is custom made for a person who has had an above knee amputation. The prosthesis consists of a custom made socket, liner, knee, pylon, and foot so that the patient can walk easily.
Sometimes the above knee prosthetic leg may consist of a sleeve or other harness, depending on the suspension system used for that patient according to the need.
How Does An Above
There are different parts of an above-knee prosthesis â a socket, knee joint, ankle joint, and foot components. As we mentioned above, youâll first receive a temporary prosthesis while your residual limb heals, shrinks, and changes shape over a few months of healing. Your prosthesis will be modified to fit your residual limb.
Here is additional information on how the parts of a prosthesis work together:
- The prosthetic leg is made from durable yet lightweight materials. The leg may or may not include functional knee and ankle joints depending on where the amputation occurs.
- The socket is made from an exact mold of your residual limb and itâs designed to fit snugly. The socket helps to attach the prosthetic to your body.
- The suspension system, or how the prosthesis stays attached to the limb, could include sleeve suction, distal locking, or vacuum suspension.
During the rehabilitation process, youâll begin to learn to function first with a wheelchair and walking assistance devices such as crutches or a walker. Before you learn how to walk with an above-knee prosthetic, youâll work closely with your physical therapist to learn the necessary skills to use your prosthetic limb in addition to learning how to care for it. This includes skin checks, hygiene, contracture prevention, exercise, and positioning.
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Standard Features Of An Above Knee Prosthesis
Socket This is the part of the artificial limb that your stump fits into. It can be made of thermoplastic, metal or laminated material.
Knee Joint There are various types of knee joint. Some are designed to swing others are designed to stay in a locked position for walking but can be unlocked for sitting. Note: Prosthetic knee-joints are only used when your amputation is at a level through the natural knee-joint or higher up the leg.
Shin Tube This lies between the prosthetic knee joint and the prosthetic foot. It is made of strong lightweight material such as carbon fibre, aluminium or titanium.
Prosthetic Foot & Ankle There are many different types of feet and ankles available. Your individual needs will influence the choice made.
Cosmesis/Cover This a cosmetic cover that gives shape and appearance to the limb. Most artificial limbs are covered with a continuous foam tube that is shaped to match your remaining limb as closely as possible. It may then be covered with stockings.
Suspension This holds the artificial limb on to your stump. The type of suspension you need will be assessed when you are ready for your measurements to be taken.
Average Cost Of Prosthetic Leg
The price of prosthetic legs ranges from $5,000 up to $120,000 depending on the materials and technologies used that were based on the how much of the amputees leg has been left, the age, the kind of activities he or she does, among others. Therefore, the cost is not always the determinant as to whether the prosthetics are medically appropriate or not.
And unlike orthotics that can be available over-the counter, these prosthetics are custom-made to perfectly fit the size, length and the body weight of the amputees for better movement and to be able to continue living like normal people does.
Prosthetics can also be moved or mind-controlled or computerized. They can be made of different materials like aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, plastics, or carbon composites depending on the preference of the amputee or his or her needs.
For the basic types like the mechanical and pneumatic prosthetics, the cost ranges from $5,000 to $40,000. The mechanical prosthetics provide constant friction and the pneumatic limb prosthetics are the ones operated by air or gas under pressure.
High-end prosthetic leg cost ranges between $40,000 and $60,000 like the C-leg which is considered the closest thing to a human leg.
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The Most Advanced Prosthetic Sockets Knees And Feet Fit By Leading Above Knee Prosthetic Experts
It may seem obvious, but the simplest prosthetic solutions are often the best. Our experience in above knee socket technology has proven this over and over. Certain systems often offer marginal benefits, but if they are difficult to work with to the point of being a burden, then they are rarely worth it.
MCOP has worked closely with industry leaders like OSSUR and other manufacturers to refine the simplest suspension systems for above knee amputees, meeting your needs with a simple, elegant solution.
What Are The Negative Effects Of Prosthetics
It can be physically and mentally challenging to adjust to a prosthetic leg. Here are some common obstacles:
- Excessive sweating may affect how the prosthesis fits, resulting in skin issues
- Changing residual limb shape that often occurs in the first year after amputation
- Residual limb weakness makes it difficult to use the prosthesis for a long period of time
- Phantom limb pain
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How To Play Sports With A Prosthetic Leg
Different sports have unique requirements. There are many popular sports for those who have a prosthetic leg including cycling and swimming. These are popular as they are non-weight-bearing sports. Other people with a prosthetic leg may be able to walk, run, dance, or even garden or practice yoga. Think outside of the standard sports and consider trying something you havenât tried before.
New Carbon Frame Design
In order to withstand the varied demands of everyday life, the frame is made of carbon an especially strong, high-grade and lightweight material. The frame houses and protects the electronics, the hydraulic unit and the battery.
Thanks to its new design, the C-Leg has a lower system height and therefore a larger fitting spectrum.
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The Key To The Success Of The Prosthesis
Ideally, you will work with the same prosthetic specialist for the long-term, so your mutual relationship should be carried out comfortably with the best level of communication.
While your prosthesis specialist needs to know how to listen and communicate well, remember that effective communication is two-sided.
Fill out your part by providing detailed information that the expert needs to work with you successfully.Establishing a long lasting relationship between you is key to successful use of the prosthesis.
Does It Hurt To Walk On Prosthetic Leg
The feeling of walking with a prosthetic is very difficult to describe its like trying to describe how it feels to taste ice cream to someone without a tongue. Its really difficult to use at first and feels like walking on a boot with an extremely thick sole, with tight laces that go all the way up to your knee.
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Assembling A Prosthesis: Its Not That Simple
If your doctor decides that you are a suitable prosthesis candidate, your first thought is not necessarily related to your preference for a prosthesis, wheelchair, walker or crutches, or if you even want to use a prosthesis.
Before discussing these questions, honestly examine the vital aspects of your life. Think about your values and the quality of your life. Consider your lifestyle, resources, and rehabilitation goals. Sometimes, editing this list of points will help you make the decision.
Next, explore the full range of motion or the options of the available aids for the type of amputation that you had. Consult your medical staff, do research on the web, and consult other amputees.Keep in mind that some amputees do not use prosthetics at all, and some use them partially.
The questions that you need to ask yourself include the aspects that will help you achieve your goals and allow you to live the life you seek for yourself.
Is there a ramp leading to your home balcony? Do you need a device that will help you return to your workplace or take care of your children? Do you want to move into a custom wheelchair? Is there an elevator instead of stairs to enter the house? Do you intend to drive a car or ride a motorcycle?
Do I want to be able to walk again?
Another One Visit Prosthetic Solution For Above Knee Amputees
Especially for above knee amputees with a lower activity level, we have Connect TF. Connect TF is an adjustable socket and can be re-adjusted throughout your life. It is a custom fitted socket, which can be adjusted in height, angle and circumference, so it will always fit the shape of your leg. It also conveniently means that you wont need a completely new socket every time you experience a physical change, like muscle gain or loss.
This socket has rigid but flexible shells and with the easy handle, you can put on your prosthesis, or remove it, while you are seated.
You can use the Connect TF socket in combination with a liner with a locking system. This ensures you that there is a safe connection, and it can be built with almost all common components.
Would you like to learn more about how it works in practise? In the video below we show you how it works and what the benefits are for you.
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Different Types Of Prosthetic Legs
If the budget is not a problem you can purchase special prosthetics that allow you to perform any action, including competing in Olympic levels both on the ground and in the pool.
For other people, it is possible to settle for a simpler solution that includes prosthetic legs that are designed for a small burden as in the case of pensioners whose activity is minimal.
The prostheses can be installed from different parts of the body and in different lengths, which means that a prosthesis can be placed under the knee, above or through the knee, as well as prosthesis under the pelvis, through the pelvis and the prosthesis of the foot.
The larger prosthetics consist of a number of replaceable parts according to the changing needs of the customer.
A prosthetic leg, or prosthesis, is a mechanical accessory that serves as a substitute for an organ that is missing in a person and partially or fully fulfills the role of the organ.
The prosthesis can be a cosmetic and aesthetic accessory that hides the fact that a limb is missing or as a technology that helps perform the functions of the amputee limb .
Prosthetics are used by humans since ancient times. And as technology improves, so does the effectiveness of prosthetic limbs. Today, prostheses are found able to work in a way that almost perfectly resembles the real limb.
Benefits Of Adopting A Prosthetic Leg Above
Despite the challenges of getting fitted for and adjusting to an above-the-knee prosthetic, this is the only option for individuals who have undergone an above-the-knee amputation and want to regain some of their mobility. The learning curve involved with this prosthetic can also lead to the following benefits:
- Regained mobility. Users may be able to walk more easily with a crutch or cane. In some cases, the above-the-knee prosthetic may allow for movement without any additional aids.
- Improved health through the back, hip, and leg. A prosthetic leg enables better weight distribution and balance, which can improve the health of your body over time and help you avoid back hip or other issues.
- Greater independence. A prosthetic leg makes you less reliant on crutches, canes, and/or the help of others when moving around on your own.
- Better stability when standing. If you are bumped or step onto a slippery surface, a prosthetic leg can improve your stability and keep you upright.
- Improved confidence or comfort in social situations. If you are someone who has experienced social anxiety or other mental health issues resulting from a loss of mobility, a prosthetic can alleviate those personal struggles.
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Why Do Amputees Live Shorter Lives
Patients with renal disease, increased age and peripheral arterial disease have exhibited overall higher mortality rates after amputation, demonstrating that patients health status heavily influences their outcome. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in these individuals.
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Bilateral Above Knee Treatment
At Dream Team Prosthetics, we have developed a customized treatment protocol that has proven to be very effective for individuals with bilateral above knee limb loss. We treat bilateral above knee patients that travel to us from all across the United States and from around the world. We are proud to offer our annual Bilateral Life Camp event to any individual with bilateral lower extremity limb loss that is interested in maximizing their function and mobility!
Our team has literally fit hundreds of bilateral above knee amputees that are now thriving in their daily life with their prosthetic devices. Many of our bilateral above knee patients have shared their stories with us about how they were treated with “traditional methods” causing them to struggle to regain their mobility. This creates much frustration and disappointment that ultimately can result with full-time wheelchair use. Many bilateral above knee amputees are interested in being fully functional with prosthetics, but unfortunately, most have had an unsatisfactory first experience and did not know what was possible with being a full-time prosthetic user.
We created a specific website to provide resources and information for individuals with bilateral above knee limb loss. Please visit TeamBilateral.com for more information.
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