Prosthetics
Have a question about prosthetics? Below you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about limb deficiency and prosthetics from patients and parents, answered by our skilled clinicians. If you have a question not answered here, feel free to call customer service at 800.262.2235 or email them at customerservice@bostonoandp.com.
What is the treatment process like for a prosthetic?
The treatment process typically begins with a consultation with one of our Certified Prosthetists. At this visit, we will review the patient’s history, goals and an overview of what to expect. The process continues with a formal evaluation, including measurements and casting. We will see you back for 1-2 “check socket” fits, where we test the prosthesis to make sure it is comfortable and functional. Our next step is the final fitting- the day you can take your prosthesis home! Routine follow ups will be scheduled and are important to make sure everything is working appropriately.
Will my child need physical therapy when they get a prosthetist?
Physical Therapy is an essential step for a new prosthetic user. Your child’s PT will provide support and strategy for the patient to learn how to safely and comfortably walk (and run, jump, skip and play!) The Prosthetist and PT typically work closely to ensure we are working to meet you and your family’s goals.
How do I get a prosthesis for my child?
A prescription is required to begin the process of getting a prosthesis. This typically would come from their Orthopedist or Physician that is working with your child’s amputation. Once you have this document, we can begin the process of evaluating for a prosthesis. Before we make the final prosthesis, we will check for insurance coverage and discuss any out of pocket cost.
How long will my child’s prosthesis last? When will they need a new prosthesis?
This is dependent on many things. How long the prosthesis will last depends on how quickly the child grows. In certain situations, the prosthesis can be adjusted to accommodate growth but this would be determined by your Prosthetist. If you notice that the prosthesis is difficult or tight to put on or have any skin irritations, these can be signs it is becoming outgrown. We will have regularly scheduled follow ups to monitor the fit of the prosthesis. At any time, questions can always be relayed to your Prosthetist in between visits.
What should we bring to our prosthetic appointment?
It is vital that the patient comes to the appointment, along with their prosthesis and any supplies they are using for their prosthetic care.
For lower limb prosthetic care, ensure that you have the shoes that you are wearing with your prosthesis. It is also beneficial to bring a pair of comfortable shorts to see the prosthesis on.
For upper limb prosthetic care, please be sure to bring a snug-fitting shirt, and/or undergarments you are comfortable in for the visit. If there are specific tasks or activities you or your child struggle with, please bring examples or a list of those activities.
Can my child take off their prosthesis throughout the day?
Yes, the prosthesis can come on and off as needed. Some goals of the prosthesis are to make the patient’s daily activities safer, easier, and more functional for them. If there are any activities where it is preferable to not use it, that is fine! It is also encouraged to take the prosthesis off throughout the day to give the leg and skin breaks, and to dry off the limb if it gets sweaty.
Does my child any limitations in activity with a prosthesis?
There are no activity limitations with a prosthesis! Your child has the potential to do everything that can be done by those who do not wear a prosthesis but may need to go about certain activities differently. Your prosthetist, physical therapist, doctor and others involved in your prosthetic care can work with you to find the best ways to reach your activity potential.
Please note, if your doctor or physical therapist has given specific activity restrictions based on the healing/rehabilitation process, you should follow those restrictions.
Can my child wear their prosthesis without shoes?
It is not recommended to use the prosthesis without shoes. The prosthesis is set up with the shoes provided at the appointment, so the alignment will not be the same without the same shoes.
My child is experiencing bullying in school- any suggestions?
Education is key!
Teach your child how to answer questions from other students and be an advocate for themselves. Courage and confidence can go a long way in helping them to help others understand their situation. If needed, get the teacher involved! They should be an advocate for your child during school hours when family members are not present. Encourage the teacher to create a positive environment that ensures normalcy. The last thing we want is for your child to feel separated in any way because of their prosthesis. Involving the students in a lesson in prosthetics can be a fun way to encourage understanding and acceptance.
Are there support groups available for my child and family?
Yes! There are many support groups for prosthetic patients and their families.
https://www.amputee-coalition.org/ The amputee coalition is a great place to start as they strive to support, educate, and advocate for people impacted by limb loss and limb difference.
https://adventureamputeecamp.org/ The mission of the Adventure Amputee Camp is to encourage children with amputations or limb differences to stretch their potential and imagination, and explore all that is possible.
https://jordanthomasfoundation.org/ The Jordan Thomas Foundation returns children and adolescents to a life without physical limitation by providing quality prostheses until adulthood, serving as a caring resource for the child and family living with limb differences and tirelessly advocating for insurance fairness.
https://www.limbsforlife.org/about Limbs for Life Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to providing fully-functional prosthetic care for individuals who cannot otherwise afford it and raising awareness of the challenges facing amputees.
https://helpinghandsgroup.org/ The philosophy of Helping Hands Foundation is to provide parent-to-parent support and information for children with upper limb amputations or anomalies.
What if I move? Who will we see?
We will do our best to set you up with an experienced certified prosthetic clinician close to your new location as we have clinics and partners throughout the US. If you are moving to an area that does not have a Boston O&P location, we can help refer you to another certified clinician who is in your local area.
Can my child go swimming? Or to a water park with the prosthesis?
It is almost always recommended that your child remove their prosthesis to go in the water. However, there are specific types of prostheses and certain parts that are water resistant or waterproof. Always ask your certified treating prosthetist about your child’s individual prosthesis for specific instructions on what to do in or around water. However, the general rule of thumb is that the prosthesis should be rinsed with fresh water after being in the ocean or a pool. Salt water and chlorinated water can be damaging to prosthetic parts and even make the prosthesis unsafe if not treated properly.
What should I do with the old prosthesis?
All of your child’s prostheses are yours to keep! We recommend you keep your child’s old prosthesis at least until they have broken into their new prosthesis.
There are many organizations that will take donations of gently used parts. Used parts cannot legally be used in the United States but are often utilized during prosthetic mission trips to third world countries. If you feel inclined to donate your child’s prosthesis, talk to your prosthetist and see the resources below:
How will I know when the prosthesis is not fitting anymore?
You will have regular follow up appointments with your prosthetist to ensure the prosthesis continues to fit and function appropriately. However, if you or your child have concerns about the fit, always call or email your prosthetist. Some indicators that a prosthesis is no longer fitting include:
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Prosthesis feels too tight or too loose
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Prosthesis feels too short
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Lasting redness or irritation on the residual limb
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Pain in residual limb