Why an amputation?

The decision to perform an amputation is always made by a doctor or surgeon, based on your medical situation. Factors such as poor blood circulation, serious infection risks, chronic pain or a significantly reduced quality of life play a central role in this decision.

The chosen level of amputation determines your future mobility and prosthesis comfort. It is always tailored to your personal situation and goals. At ACC, we are happy to discuss all prosthesis options with you after amputation, even before the operation takes place. This way, you are better prepared for the next step in your journey.

Even before the operation, you will be informed about which prosthetic solution is most suitable for you. This is done in consultation with specialised orthopaedic technologists, prosthetists and orthopaedic technicians, such as those at Amputee Care Center or Spronken Orthopedie.

The main causes of amputation in Belgium and the Netherlands, for which we design and manufacture custom prostheses at the Amputee Care Center, are:

• Poorly healing wounds in diabetes or vascular disease
• Serious trauma (traffic or work accidents)
• Tumours (such as bone cancer)
• Congenital abnormalities
• Chronic pain or loss of function

Amputee Care Center does not make this decision and does not perform operations. The decision to undergo an amputation is made by a surgeon. However, we can provide guidance before the amputation, so that you have a better understanding of what to expect and what prosthetic options are available to you after the procedure. We work together with hospitals, doctors and therapists. If you and your doctor wish, we can also visit you in hospital to provide information and support in stump compression care.

Early guidance helps you to be better prepared, both mentally and practically. You will gain insight into prosthetic options, recovery processes and what remains possible. This allows you to go into the operation with more confidence and less uncertainty. In addition, we have found that recovery after your operation is often faster and more comfortable.

This is often possible as early as seven weeks after the amputation. Amputee Care Center closely monitors your progress and guides you step by step towards your first prosthesis. We deliver quickly! As soon as the stump (remaining limb) has healed, you will receive your first temporary or transfer prosthesis. A first prosthesis is often temporary and mainly intended to help you learn to cope with a prosthesis or to make it easier to go to the toilet. A permanent prosthesis often follows later, after weeks or months of evaluation. Proper evaluation is important. This way, we know which technical prosthesis solution suits you best.

The Amputee Care Center is a market leader in the design and manufacture of high-tech technical prostheses. We distinguish ourselves through, among other things: fast delivery and excellent service before and after, as well as early, holistic and long-term support.

At Amputee Care Center, we offer complete prosthetic care under one roof: from preparation before the amputation to the design and manufacture of a perfectly fitting technical prosthesis. We provide lifelong support.

You can also contact the Amputee Care Center. We regularly help people who have previously been treated elsewhere and are still looking for a better prosthesis. Discover new possibilities! You can contact us for a second opinion free of charge and without obligation.

At the Amputee Care Center, we aim for maximum reimbursement or refund. A prosthesis is usually fully reimbursed by Belgian health insurance funds. This is often also the case with Dutch health insurers, but this depends on your policy. 

Amputee Care Center is a recognised partner of all Belgian health insurance funds and most Dutch health insurers. We help you with the paperwork, applications and contact with the health insurance fund or insurer. We ensure maximum reimbursement so that you can focus on your recovery without financial worries.

A planned amputation is often a decision made during a medical process, in which doctors work with you to conclude that amputation is the best or only solution. You are given time to prepare yourself mentally and practically. That is why we strongly recommend that you contact the Amputee Care Center in advance in the case of a planned amputation. This allows us to provide you with optimal support before, during and after the process.

An unplanned amputation usually occurs after a serious trauma, such as a traffic accident or acute infection, and cannot be postponed. In that case, the adjustment afterwards is often more difficult. We also recommend that you contact us as soon as possible so that we can provide you with the best possible support.

Yes. A partial amputation involves the loss of one or more toes, fingers or part of your foot or hand. A complete amputation means the loss of a larger part of the limb, such as a lower leg or entire arm. Both situations can have a major impact on your daily functioning. At ACC, we support people with every type of amputation level and always provide a personalised solution.

• More about arm amputation levels
• More about leg amputation levels

Doubt is perfectly normal. It is a big decision and it is important that you understand all the possible options. ACC does not perform amputations itself and does not make this decision for you. That always remains a medical decision for your doctor.

However, you can come to us for honest explanations about the impact and what a prosthesis could mean for you after your operation.