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What is amputation?

An amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, such as an arm, leg, foot, hand, toe or finger. This will drastically change your life, but it does not have to limit you. At the Amputee Care Center (ACC), we are happy to work with you to find ways to stay active with a prosthesis after an amputation. We focus on what is possible, because that is often more than you think.

Book an introductory meeting

Book an introductory meeting with a delicious cup of coffee!

Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888.

We are at your service.

The medical definition of an amputation

An amputation is the surgical removal of (part of) a limb. This can have various causes, such as chronic infections, serious traumatic injuries, congenital abnormalities and chronic pain. 

Leg amputation

Leg amputations include hip, thigh, lower leg, foot and toe amputations. At ACC, we work with various experts for these different levels of lower limb amputation. Each type of leg amputation requires a specialised approach.
Read more about the levels of amputation in leg amputation here

Arm amputation

Arm amputations include shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, hand and finger amputations. These different levels of amputation of the upper limb present unique challenges and needs. That is why we work with prosthetists who specialise in one or more specific levels of amputation.
Read more about the levels of amputation in arm amputations here.

Amputation at birth

A congenital amputation is a rare congenital abnormality in which a baby is born missing part of an arm, hand, leg or foot, or with an abnormally shaped limb. This limb development abnormality is caused by a developmental disorder or constriction by so-called “amniotic bands”. Prostheses for congenital amputation, medical supervision and early therapy help to improve the development and quality of life of children.

The impact of an amputation

The real issue often revolves around what comes after the operation or birth: rehabilitation, prostheses and finding a higher quality of life. Our prostheses or artificial limbs are therefore not emergency solutions, but high-tech instruments that give you strength, mobility and independence. 

An amputation goes beyond the physical loss of a body part. It affects your identity, your self-image and your daily functioning. That is why at ACC we focus on holistic total care:

  • Medical: the best prostheses and innovative technologies.
  • Physical: rehabilitation support and digital biomechanical analyses.
  • Mental: psychological counselling and contact with fellow patients.
  • Social: support with work, sports and daily functioning.

Our starting point: only when you have been helped in all these areas can we speak of a successful process.

From amputation to reintegration

Our goal is clear: you should be able to return to a life in which you feel independent and can do what you want to do. That is why we place a strong emphasis on reintegration:

  • Sport: from recreational to professional, we provide the right prosthesis.
  • Work: ergonomic adjustments and advice so that you can continue your career.
  • Leisure: walking, gardening, cycling or travelling? There is always a solution.

How we support you with your amputation

An amputation takes place in hospital, but you can come to us even before the amputation takes place. At Amputee Care Center by Spronken, we have more than 60 years of experience in preparing people for this life-changing event. 

This is how we can help you before the amputation:

  • Explanation of the prosthesis process.
  • Information about the different prostheses and which options are available to you.
  • Psychological support to deal with the uncertainty, fear and emotions associated with the procedure.
  • Coordination with your healthcare providers, such as your general practitioner, surgeon and rehabilitation team, to ensure that your prosthesis care fits in perfectly with your treatment plan.

This means we are already by your side during the preparation phase. After the amputation, we will help you with, among other things:

  • Stump care and compression therapy in the hospital.
  • Measuring and customising your first prosthesis.
  • Building mobility and balance with training and walking therapy.
  • Ergonomic advice for performing daily activities independently.
  • Psychological counselling and coaching for coping and mental resilience

Our care does not stop there. We continue to think along with you, make adjustments and provide support for as long as necessary. This includes annual check-ups and maintenance of your prosthesis, advice on new situations in your life (such as new life goals, returning to work or changing mobility) and support with sports, hobbies or other physical activities.

A prosthesis tailored to your body and goals

The prostheses we make at Amputee Care Center are custom-made. This means that they are tailored entirely to your body and goals. Do you need a high-tech bionic prosthesis with maximum functionality, or would a cosmetic prosthesis be more suitable for your activity level?

Would you like to work with us to find the best solution for your situation? Schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting. We will take the time to listen to your story, answer all your questions and give you insight into the possibilities. This is completely free of charge and there is no obligation.

Book an introductory meeting

Book an introductory meeting with a delicious cup of coffee!

Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888.

We are at your service.

Why early support is important during amputation

Would you like to enter the amputation process with more confidence and clarity? Then contact us before the amputation. This gives us the opportunity to work with you, your GP, surgeon, rehabilitation team and other healthcare providers to create a tailor-made plan. 

Our team includes prosthetists, physiotherapists, kinesitherapists and psychologists. By involving them early on in your amputation process, recovery is often faster, better and more mentally stable. You will also be optimally prepared for the operation and receive personal support from the outset.

Why choose the Amputee Care Center?

We are not a traditional orthopaedic centre. Yes, we make high-quality prostheses using innovative techniques such as 3D printing. But we also look at you as an individual: your lifestyle, wishes, dreams, concerns and, above all, your possibilities. We also offer brand-independent care, so that we can advise you 100% objectively on which prosthesis suits you best. 

When you choose us, we assign you to a single prosthetist. This means you will have a familiar face from the preparation stage right through to aftercare. ACC also has a team of specialist doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists at your service. We believe in comprehensive care and everything is done in-house, which guarantees speed, consistency and quality. 

Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting

We understand that facing an amputation can be overwhelming. At Amputee Care Center, we offer you the opportunity to ask questions and share your concerns in a relaxed setting. During the pre-operative introductory meeting, we take the time to:

  • Discuss your situation and medical history
  • Explain the various prosthesis options
  • Show you how our multidisciplinary team can support you: from medical and physical guidance to mental care
  • Outline a plan together, so that you can look to the future with more confidence and clarity

This meeting is without obligation and free of charge. You are under no obligation, but you will gain immediate insight into what is possible for you.

Frequently asked questions about amputation

What types of amputations are there?

A distinction is made between arm and leg amputations, with different levels within each category: from finger and toe amputation to hip or shoulder amputation. Each level has its own challenges and requires a specific approach. At ACC, we have the right specialist prosthetist for every level of amputation.

What is the difference between a planned amputation and an emergency amputation?

A planned amputation often takes place after a lengthy medical preparation and in consultation with various specialists. This gives you more time to prepare and start planning for the prosthesis and rehabilitation process. An emergency amputation, on the other hand, is immediately necessary, for example after a serious accident or in the case of a life-threatening infection. In both situations, ACC is ready to support you as quickly as possible and provide the right care.

How will an amputation affect my daily life?

An amputation changes how you move and function, but with the right prosthesis and guidance, you can maintain or resume many of your daily activities. At Amputee Care Center, we are happy to help you figure this out. 

When should I contact ACC (before or after my amputation)?

It is best to do this before the amputation. This allows us to work with you and your doctors to create a customised plan so that you are fully prepared for the operation. Our experience shows that people who involve us in the preparation process enter the amputation process with greater confidence and clarity.

How long will it take before I receive my first prosthesis?

This can often be done in the first few weeks after the operation, provided you contact us before the amputation. We will then take care of the administrative procedures in advance and ensure that everything is ready in time to start the prosthesis process. It is also important that your stump has healed first. How long this takes varies from person to person.

Will my prosthesis be reimbursed?

In Belgium, the basic prosthesis is fully reimbursed by the health insurance fund if there is a medical indication. In the Netherlands, this is usually also covered by basic insurance, depending on your health insurer. For advanced prostheses, we will work with you to explore the options for reimbursement or additional payment. At Amputee Care Center, we take care of everything for you in this process, so you don't have to worry about it.

Do you also help with the mental aspect of an amputation?

Yes, in addition to medical and physical guidance, we have psychologists and experts in our team. This means that, if desired, we can also support you in terms of processing and mental resilience. Our prosthesis coaching helps people learn how to use an arm or leg prosthesis and how to make the most of it in everyday life. 

Do you offer support for parents of children with amputations?

Yes, parents of children with congenital amputations often need extra support and reassurance. Guidance focuses on explaining the amputation, any surgery to optimise the amputation level for prosthesis use, the use of a prosthesis and practical tips for daily care. In addition, psychosocial support helps with dealing with emotions and questions.  We see that this is particularly important for parents of young children. We provide guidance to parents from the pregnancy onwards.

Can I also come to you if my amputation took place years ago?

Absolutely. We not only support new patients, but also people who want to upgrade their existing prosthesis to a more modern or better-fitting solution. Do you already have a prosthesis, but are you curious about the possibilities or are you not completely satisfied? You can always contact us for a free, no-obligation second opinion.

What is the advantage of a consultation at ACC compared to a regular hospital?

A hospital focuses primarily on the operation itself. At ACC, you receive holistic total care: we guide you from preparation to long-term prosthetic care. Everything under one roof. As specialists in the field of prosthetics, our prosthetic centre often offers many more options than a standard hospital solution.

Can I play sports or even compete at a high level after an amputation?

Yes, absolutely. With the right prosthesis and guidance, there are many sports options. From recreational walking to competitive running or even high-level sports. ACC has extensive experience with sports prostheses and will help you find the solution that suits your ambitions and physical capabilities. You can read more about this on our page about sports prostheses.

Are there special prostheses for children or young people?

Yes, children and young people have specific needs because their bodies are still growing and changing. At ACC, we offer prostheses that grow with them and are tailored to their age and activities. We also pay extra attention to guidance, so that children develop well both physically and mentally with their prosthesis.

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