Prosthetic Questions

 When will I receive my prosthetic limb?
Many things must happen prior to receiving your prosthetic device. 1) An initial evaluation with a JP&O Prosthetist, 2) measuring the size of your residual limb, 3) casting your residual limb, 4) a test fitting is performed.

Which of my healthcare providers help with attaining my prosthesis?
Your surgeon, physical therapist, and PCP may all play a role in ensuring you receive your prosthesis.

How often can I get a new foot/knee/hand?
How often you receive a new device depends on medical necessity. Examples include: significant weight change, functional level increases, and common wear and tear.

How often can I get a new socket?
A socket replacement is needed when modifications and adjustments of your current socket has been exhausted but continues to cause problems or limits your ability to use the prosthesis. Sock-ply management, socket modifications, and other troubleshooting will be explored prior to replacing the socket.

Can I get a realistic looking prosthesis that is similar to my sound limb?
While there are cosmetic alternatives and even devices that share a similar shape to your sound limb, it is very difficult to duplicate the appearance of your other limb. Protective covers from companies like Alleles Design Studio are typically covered by insurance providers and come in various skin tones.

How do I shower with a prosthetic?
Some prosthetic devices are water safe but you must still take off the prosthesis in order to properly clean your residual limb. Using a shower chair is usually the safest and most effective method to maintaining proper hygiene of your limb.

Does my insurance pay for any of the prosthetic?
Yes, most insurances pay for a large portion of your prosthetic device and supplies. A quick phone call with our insurance specialist can help you understand your coverage and provide financial planning. Call your local clinic or call our main line at 1-800-232-6436.

Do I get to choose which prosthetic knee/foot/hand that I wear? 
You and your prosthetist should discuss any devices that you like or want. These types of conversations will help your prosthetist provide you with the most appropriate prosthetic device based on your functional ability, lifestyle, and goals.

Does wearing a prosthetic leg hurt?
Yes and no. Wearing a prosthetic leg can hurt at times but for different reasons. Some prosthetic users feel pain only when there is a poor fitting issue. In most cases of pain, quick adjustments can help solve the issue if it is due to minor changes in the limb. There is never a charge for an office visit to adjust your prosthesis. Initially after amputation, the limb tends to have high sensitivity to pressure that diminishes with wear, and most patients can build up to full time wear over time.

What are the different ways that a prosthetic limb attaches to my residual limb?
Shuttle lock (aka Locking pin), lanyard, sleeve, vacuum, joint and corset.

How many appointments does it take to be fit for a prosthesis?
Typically 3-5 appointments.

What is osseointergration? Do I qualify?
Osseointegration is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a metal implant into the bone of a residual limb, which then attaches directly to a prosthesis, eliminating socket-related issues.

Do I have to make an appointment if I’m having issues or do you offer walk-in service?
Appointments are recommended but same-day-service is available as an option when necessary.

Will I still need my wheelchair/walker/cane after I start using my prosthesis?
Yes. Your assistive device will still be needed for times when you aren’t using your prosthesis or if your prosthesis is causing issues and you are unable to wear it.

Will I have the same prosthetist/clinician throughout my prosthetic care?
This is a choice that all of our patients have. Patients may choose to work with any of our available clinicians and are encouraged to search for optimal communication between them and their prosthetist.

Does JP&O make referrals for physical therapy and mental health counseling after my amputation?
No, JP&O recommends you speak with your doctor or primary care provider.

Why does a prosthesis cost so much?
Manufacturing and fitting prosthetic devices require a team of people, parts, skills, and labor to ensure the best outcome.

Do I need physical therapy to learn to use my prosthesis?
Learning to walk with the assistance of a prosthesis is a challenging task. Physical therapy will help to develop both your mind and body for this task. A physical therapist will work on strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and gait mechanics to help you reach your highest level of physical function and independence. Their goal is to get you back to participating in the tasks you feel are most important. A physical therapist can also answer questions you might have, such as, maintaining proper socket fit and wear schedules. They are someone to assist you in education, accountability, and encouragement. With various therapy environments available such as inpatient, outpatient and home health, we heavily encourage you to take full advantage of physical therapy in the environment that best suits your personal needs.

How long after amputation will it be before I can get a prosthesis?
In order to bear weight through an amputated limb, the limb must first heal so that the skin can tolerate this stress. For an individual without any compromise to their healing, this would be approximately twelve weeks after amputation. However, other issues that slow the healing process, such as decreased blood flow and diabetes, frequently slow this process and can extend this period of time. Ultimately your surgeon or other doctor overseeing your amputation will have to deem that you are well healed and ready to begin the process of obtaining and utilizing a prosthesis. 

How long will it be before I can walk once I obtain a prosthesis?
Everyone who undergoes an amputation has this question but there is a different answer for every individual. There are many variables that go into answering this question. Such as, the level of amputation and the level of physical function prior to amputation. Generally speaking the higher on the limb the amputation and the more strength that needs to be gained, the longer it takes to walk. An individual with a lower level of amputation, such as below the knee and adequate strength, may be able to do some light walking the day they obtained their prosthesis. However, an individual with a higher level amputation, such as above the knee and a lower level of strength, may take weeks or even months before they can walk without someone assisting them.  

How long can I stay in my prosthesis?
For most individuals, their goal will be to put on their prosthesis when they get up in the morning and take off their prosthesis before bed at night. This is a good goal, but one that will take time to achieve. Initially a progression of time spent in your prosthesis with be necessary. At first you will want to frequently stop, take off the prosthesis, and check your skin. Any red areas should return to normal color within 10-20 minutes. If excess redness remains beyond this time frame, you should contact your prosthetist immediately. As time goes on, you can wear your prosthesis a little longer each day until you reach your goal. Be sure to always listen to your body along the way. If you become sore, you will want to reduce your current wear time until you are no longer sore and then you may continue progressing wear time incrementally.

What do I do if I develop a wound?
Wounds are not something that should be taken lightly. Poor management of a wound could result in infection and further amputation of the limb. If you develop a wound, you should notify your prosthetist immediately and try to stay out of your prosthesis as much as possible. Bandages can increase pressure over the wound and actually make the issue worse. Be sure to keep the wound clean and contact a doctor immediately if there is any increasing amounts of drainage, thickening or discoloring of drainage, as this maybe a sign of infection. For wounds taking longer than normal to heal, you should see your doctor.