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How long does a prosthesis last?

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A prosthesis can help you improve your quality of life as an amputee. At the Amputee Care Center (ACC), we focus on custom-made prostheses and innovative technologies. For example, we design arm or leg prostheses that are not only functional but also durable. However, how long a prosthesis lasts depends on several factors. The prosthetists at Amputee Care Center will tell you more about what to expect.

Are you looking for a second opinion for your denture or want to have your denture serviced, repaired or request a new one? Then request a free, no-obligation consultation.

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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.

How long does an arm prosthesis last?

An arm prosthesis partially or fully replaces the function of an arm, hand or fingers. Arm prostheses generally last 3 to 5 years before they are worn out, but need maintenance or check-ups at least once a year.
The renewal period for arm prostheses for children is usually shorter than for adults, usually between 1 and 2 years, depending on the child's age and growth.

In Belgium, the rules for reimbursement, maintenance and replacement of arm prostheses are somewhat similar to those in the Netherlands. Annual maintenance is usually at no cost to the prosthesis wearer.

How long is the arm prosthesis warranty?

When buying a prosthesis, it is wise to clearly go through the warranty terms with your supplier and consider any extended warranties, depending on your use and the prosthesis.

An arm, hand or finger prosthesis from our prosthesis centre is checked annually free of charge. Annual check-ups are important for the warranty on vital parts. Bionic arm prostheses are more sensitive to wear and tear and sometimes require more fine-tuning to keep functioning optimally. Technological components, such as motors and sensors, are heavily stressed in daily use, requiring more maintenance. The manufacturer's warranty on parts is usually 2 years, while the warranty on socket fit is 6 months.

At the Amputee Care Center, we use advanced technologies, such as 3D printed parts. This makes your arm prosthesis light and durable, but also fits your body and activities perfectly. This has a positive effect on the comfort of your prosthesis and its lifespan.

At the ACC, we offer free annual maintenance of your prosthesis, even if your prosthesis was not made by us. We therefore strongly recommend taking advantage of this to keep your prosthesis comfortable and functioning properly. We will inspect and analyse the wear of the components of your prosthesis and adjust it for optimal use and a comfortable fit.

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How long does a leg prosthesis last?

Leg prostheses are heavily loaded on a daily basis as they bear body weight. Also, the lifespan of a leg prosthesis is on average 3 to 5 years and 1 to 2 years for children. Of course, the lifespan depends on how actively you use your prosthesis. The high impact of sports like basketball or running can significantly shorten the lifespan.

A leg prosthesis must fit very precisely to provide optimal function and comfort. At Amputee Care Center, a leg prosthesis is therefore fitted with precision, ensuring the best possible fit to the stump, thereby reducing stress. The better the prosthesis fits, the smaller the wear and tear.

We often use direct socket fitting, which allows the prosthetic socket to be made in one day. This significantly reduces the waiting time and is therefore very popular with our international clientele.

Annual leg prosthesis maintenance is essential to optimise the adjustment and fit of the leg socket as the stump changes and to detect any wear in time. The (free) annual maintenance is therefore an important part of our total care. This keeps your leg prosthesis functioning properly and resolves any problems early on.

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How long does a child's prosthesis last?

Children are still growing, of course. It is therefore important to realise that a children's prosthesis will therefore need to be adjusted or even replaced more often. On average, a child's prosthesis lasts 12 to 18 months before a new one is needed, as the body changes. It is crucial that a child's prosthesis continues to fit properly to be maximally functional and remain comfortable. It is also important to avoid skin irritation and pressure sores from a prosthetic socket that is too small.

At Amputee Care Center, we customise children's prostheses, taking into account the child's growth. We keep in close contact with the child. Most children visit the prosthetist every 3 - 6 months, depending on their age and growth. In our experience, children's prostheses also help develop motor skills and overall independence. So a perfectly fitting children's prosthesis is crucial for the child's development and quality of life. Especially children we would like to see walking out again with a big smile!

Maintenance and repairs are also very important for children's prostheses. We ensure that the prosthesis is properly adjusted and adapted to changing needs. It is important that both the child himself and the parents can give as much information as possible to the prosthetist, so that the prosthetics team can make the optimal children's prosthesis. Regular adjustment of a child's prosthesis prevents the prosthesis from becoming uncomfortable or malfunctioning.

Sports prostheses a case in point

Sports prostheses are specially designed for hobby sportsmen and professional athletes. A sports prosthesis is exposed to high loads. These prostheses are designed to withstand extreme conditions. Think of shock and impact during sports like running, cycling, athletics, contact sports like football, basketball, handball, etc. The average sports prosthesis lasts 1 to 3 years on average. Annual maintenance is a must. Our prosthetists work closely with athletes and provide maintenance and support throughout the year, depending on the type of sport and intensity.

Sports prosthesis maintenance

At Amputee Care Center, we help athletes of all levels. From someone who ‘just’ enjoys playing football to professional athletes competing in the Paralympics. We design prostheses in our prosthetics centre using the latest technologies and materials. This ensures that the prostheses are light yet robust, ideal for sports.

The prosthetists at the ACC will tailor your sports prosthesis to your needs and activities. Free annual sports prosthesis maintenance is essential to ensure that your sports prosthesis continues to perform optimally. This will keep you capable of reaching new sporting goals again and again!

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The importance of maintenance for the life of your denture

Pay attention to the warranty! A well-maintained prosthesis will last significantly longer. Without regular maintenance, even the most advanced prosthesis can experience wear, discomfort or limitations. Also, the warranty on certain (expensive) parts of your prosthesis will be voided if you neglect annual maintenance. Therefore, at Amputee Care Center, we offer free annual maintenance for all dentures, regardless of whether they were made with us or elsewhere.

During a maintenance service, we do a comprehensive inspection and analysis of your arm or leg prosthesis, check wear and tear, and adjust your prosthesis where necessary. This way, we detect problems early and make sure the prosthesis remains comfortable and functions properly. Regular maintenance also protects you from other complications such as skin irritation, infections or discomfort caused by a prosthesis that no longer fits quite right.

Guaranteed denture parts

Having your prosthesis properly maintained and repaired on time is not only important for extending the lifespan and the warranty guarantee on prosthetic parts, but it also ensures that your quality of life is maintained or even improved. An ill-fitting prosthesis can cause pain, discomfort and reduced mobility. Daily activities can be limited as a result. At ACC, we understand how important a prosthesis is for you and supports you in everything you do. We therefore always offer you the highest quality prosthetic maintenance, completely free of charge.

Choosing a prosthetist

Choosing the right prosthetist for you is very important. A first prosthesis should not only be comfortable, but also durable and functional. At Amputee Care Center, part of Spronken Orthopaedics Group, we have more than 60 years of experience in designing and making custom-made prostheses of the highest quality.

The experts at Amputee Care Center work closely with you to ensure that a prosthesis fits your life and needs perfectly. Each prosthesis is custom-made in our own lab. New techniques such as 3D printing help make your prosthesis even better and more beautiful. The result is a prosthesis that lasts for years, but also improves your quality of life.

We also place great value on the relationship between the prosthetic wearer and the prosthetist. Good communication and cooperation are essential for a successful prosthesis. We strive for long-term relationships with our prosthetists. At ACC, we support you from birth or from your amputation (and usually for life) with aftercare and maintenance.

Want to know more about the possibilities of a prosthesis after an amputation and choosing the best prosthetist? Then request a free introductory consultation or a second opinion consultation.

Free annual maintenance of your prosthesis at ACC

A prosthesis will last a long time if it is properly maintained. At ACC, we therefore offer free annual denture maintenance, even if your denture was not made by us. This way, we aim to provide you with optimal comfort and avoid costly repairs or replacement in the long run.

Choose the Amputee Care Center, where high-quality total care, innovation and maintenance come together to ensure your prosthesis functions and feels its best, year after year.

contact us

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.

Maintenance and repair prosthesis mutualities in Belgium

In Belgium, the mutual societies for arm and leg prostheses apply the following repair & renewal periods:

Arm prostheses:

Renewal: Both passive and active arm prostheses (mechanical or myo-electronic) have a renewal period of 5 years, unless there is a valid medical reason to replace earlier.

Maintenance and repair: Components such as prosthetic sleeves or suspension bandages can be renewed after 1 year if necessary, depending on wear and tear or body modifications.

Leg prostheses:

  • Renewal: For functional leg prostheses, such as those for persons with limited or active gait functions, the renewal period is usually 3 to 5 years, depending on the level of use. For example:
    • For a very active walker, the renewal period is 3 years.
    • For people with limited gait function, the term may be 4 to 5 years.
    • Cosmetic prostheses can be replaced every 10 years.
  • Maintenance and repair: Annual maintenance is usually free of charge for the prosthetic wearer. In addition, certain components, such as liners (the inner lining of the prosthesis) and stump stockings, are often renewed annually. 

We recommend discussing the need and frequency of replacement with your prosthetist, as it depends on your personal situation and the condition of the prosthesis. 

Want to know more about the possibilities of repairing and renewing your prosthesis? Then request a free introductory consultation or a second opinion consultation.

Maintenance and repair of prostheses health insurance in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the recovery , repair and renewal periods for arm and leg prostheses depend on several factors :

In the Netherlands, the renewal period for prostheses (such as arm and leg prostheses) is usually not strictly defined in a certain number of years. It depends on factors such as the condition of the prosthesis, wear and tear, and changes to the stump. In general, prostheses can be replaced every 3-5 years, depending on the type of prosthesis and use. The intensity of use, wear and tear, and any changes to the body play an important role :  

  • Leg prosthesis request: Requesting a new leg prosthesis or replacing a leg prosthesis is usually necessary when there is irreparable wear and tear or when there are changes in the stump that affect the fit. Active users, such as young people or athletes, wear out their prostheses faster than older, less active users. There is usually no fixed deadline, but a replacement can be requested when needed.
  • Requesting an arm prosthesis: Even for a new arm prosthesis, a replacement may be necessary in case of wear and tear or changes to the stump. However, changes to the prosthesis, such as adjusting the stump socket or switching to an entirely new type of prosthesis, require approval.

In both cases, health insurers are often reluctant to provide replacement prostheses, but maintenance and repairs can be done without request. A quotation by the Amputee Care Centre or Spronken Orthopaedics Netherlands is sufficient.

Asking is free

For more details and to discuss your personal situation, we recommend you contact us. We are recognised supplier of the Dutch health insurers and Belgian mutual insurance companies. This means that we are also happy to help you with administrative applications and their processing.

contact us

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.