When do you need a prosthesis?
The main purpose of a prosthesis is to take over the function of the amputated limb. When you need a prosthesis depends on your personal needs. In our experience at Amputee Care Center, a number of factors are important here:
- Type of amputation: The location and extent of the amputation play a big role in choosing a prosthesis. For example, in a lower leg amputation or an upper leg amputation, a leg prosthesis is essential for mobility. In an arm amputation, hand amputation or finger amputation, a prosthesis can help with daily tasks and independence.
- Personal goals: What would you like to achieve after limb amputation? Do you want to be able to walk or play sports again, or is a prosthesis even essential to be able to do your job again? At Amputee Care Center, we discuss your goals and determine the type of prosthesis based on your wishes.
- Medical condition: Whether a particular prosthesis is suitable for you also depends on your overall health and medical condition. Diabetes or cardiovascular disease, for example, can be very decisive in this respect.
- Age and physical activity: If you are relatively young or physically very active, the need for an advanced prosthesis, an electronic knee or bionic prosthesis is often greater than if you are older or do not use the limb as intensively.
How do I prepare for a prosthesis?
Preparing for a prosthesis starts before the amputation itself. At Amputee Care Center, we offer special (free) pre-amputation consultations for this, the pre-operative introductory meeting. Meet our team before surgery! Together, we discuss your medical history, lifestyle and your goals to create a personalised plan for you. We will also help you treat your stump immediately after surgery for optimal results and choose a prosthesis that suits you. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
Request a pre-operative introductory consultation.
How do I prepare my child to wear a prosthesis?
Will your child need a prosthesis? It is smart to get your child used to the idea by showing books or videos that explain prosthetics in a child-friendly way. Also, come visit the Amputee Care Center to learn about prosthetic options. We involve your child in the process of designing, choosing and fitting the prosthesis. This way, your child can look forward to a beautiful prosthetic design and feel involved. Encourage your child to express feelings and concerns. Also offer emotional support by practising with the prosthesis together, with our team. We are happy to assist parents with questions and concerns, seven days a week.
What are the benefits of a prosthesis?
A well-fitting prosthesis significantly improves your quality of life. For example, a prosthesis offers you the following benefits:
- Mobility: You can walk, run or even play sports again with a leg prosthesis, making you more independent again.
- Independence: With a hand or arm prosthesis, you can perform everyday tasks better. Think about eating, dressing and working, with less or no dependence on others.
- Psychological well-being: Having certain functionalities restored gives you a more positive self-image and reduces negative feelings that can sometimes accompany amputations.
- Social well-being: Being able to actively participate in social activities and work again also restores your social life.
Being able to be proud of your prosthesis
At Amputee Care Center, we like to make heroes out of prosthesis wearers, especially in young people and children. We emphasise that they are unique and help them be proud of their prosthesis. We involve them in designing a personal and attractive prosthesis. We like to introduce our ambassadors, positive role models, and stories of others with prostheses to provide inspiration. We encourage prosthesis wearers to learn new skills and celebrate their successes together.
