Upper leg prostheses

There are several specialised centres and companies in Belgium and the Netherlands that manufacture and customise prostheses to patients' needs. Spronken Orthopaedics, the Amputee Care Center and Quality Production are among the leading and most innovative prosthesis makers in the BeNeLux. These companies are recognised suppliers to hospitals and all insurances and mutualities in both countries. They are reliable and have years of experience in making artificial limbs. 
The Amputee Care Center has a large independent - non-branded - prosthesis centre in Genk (Belgium), with its own orthopaedic workshop and performance analysis Lab. 

An MCK prosthesis soon allows you to move in a controlled and more natural way. It also provides more stability. The advantages of an MCK prosthesis include:

• Automatic adaptation to your walking speed and terrain.
• Improved balance and stability.
• Less energy consumption during walking.
• Less mental fatigue because you have to think less about how to move your knee.  
• A more natural walking pattern

Which type or brand of MCK or MPK (Micro Processor Controlled Knee) is most suitable is very personal and depends on the needs and activities of the prosthetic wearer. We will help you choose the most suitable prosthetic knee, with the application and with the administration for reimbursement or reimbursement.

The C-Leg, Rheo, Quattro, Genium, Kenevo, Orion and Allux are several brands of microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (MPKs) that use sensor technology.

Each prosthetic knee has its own specific features and benefits, tailored to different needs, from everyday mobility to high-performance applications. At the Amputee Care Center, you can try them out before making a final decision. 

Direct fitting is a method in which a prosthesis is directly fitted and adjusted on the same day, without the traditional waiting period for a custom-made socket. This process uses innovative techniques to achieve an accurate fit of the socket and ensure rapid mobility.

Benefits of Direct Fitting innovation:

• Quick fitting - Your prosthetic socket is fitted directly to the stump and often worn within hours.
• Innovative socket - This revolutionary type of socket is much smaller and lighter than previously made sockets. After an adjustment period, upper leg prosthesis wearers notice much greater comfort when standing, walking and sitting.
• Less waiting time - No weeks of production time for a final socket. This technology allows us to make prostheses within one day. So you don't have to wait endlessly for your new prosthesis!
• Instant feedback - The user can immediately indicate if adjustments are needed.

At Amputee Care Center, we make every effort to deliver your leg prosthesis (artificial leg) as quickly as possible, without long waiting times. Thanks to our innovative techniques, such as 3D printing and direct fitting, some prostheses can even be fitted and produced within one day.

Do you recognise yourself in this? Then a transfer prosthesis is ideal for you.

• You are recovering after an amputation or you are not very active.
• You don't walk much - Perfect if you don't need to walk long distances every day.
• You're mainly in a wheelchair - Your prosthesis supports you for short movements.
• You don't want modern knee systems, but choose simple functional and comfortable movement.
• You choose safe and stable - Fewer moving parts in a leg prosthesis reduce the risk of falling.

Make an appointment at the Amputee Care Center so that you are well informed and prepared for your new prosthesis.  

Yes you can! With the right upper leg prosthesis, you can play sports. We recommend that you choose a sports prosthesis specifically designed for the sport you like to play. This is not only more comfortable while playing sports, but also safer. At the Amputee Care Center, you will discuss your needs and sporting goals during a (free) introductory consultation and get a tailor-made quote. We will also look at possible reimbursements together. 

Yes, a medically necessary basic upper leg prosthesis is fully reimbursed or covered by the health insurance in Belgium (RIZIV). Do you want a more advanced leg prosthesis or a sports prosthesis? Then a co-payment often applies. The Amputee Care Center (by Spronken) has been an official partner of all mutual health organisations in Belgium for more than 60 years. The prosthetists at the ACC team are happy to advise and help you apply for the right reimbursements.

Yes, a basic upper leg prosthesis is covered by the basic health insurance in the Netherlands if you have a medical indication (MI) for it. For a sports prosthesis or advanced prosthesis, however, you often have to pay a co-payment. Amputee Care Center (by Spronken) has been a recognised prosthesis partner of all health insurers in the Netherlands for more than 60 years. We can completely take care of applying for the right reimbursements for you. So you are relieved and can simply enjoy your new prosthesis without any administrative hassle!

Regular maintenance is crucial for the life and comfort of your prosthesis. We recommend that you have your prosthesis serviced and checked annually, in addition to cleaning it regularly. Annual maintenance is usually free at Amputee Care Center! By having your prosthesis serviced annually, you also guarantee certain parts of the prosthesis.

For the repair of your leg prosthesis, you can contact your own orthopaedic instrument maker or the specialised Amputee Care Center prosthesis center, even if your prosthesis was not fitted there. The Amputee Care Center, at the border triangle (Belgium-Dutch-Germany), offers emergency repairs and maintenance services to ensure that your leg prosthesis regains function quickly. In case of damage or wear, contact us immediately to avoid inconvenience and further problems.

For the renewal of your leg prosthesis (having a new prosthesis measured), first get an assessment from your own orthopaedic instrument maker or opt for a (free) second opinion at a specialised prosthetic centre before making a decision. After all, you want to be well informed about all options. At the (brand-independent) Amputee Care Center by Spronken, every prosthesis user can have a low-threshold consultation. Next, you usually need a prescription from your doctor and approval from your health insurer or health insurance company. After fitting, testing and adjustment, you will receive your new prosthesis.  

The best knee depends on your personal preference and your activities. The difference between a mechanical knee and an MCK (Microprocessor Controlled Knee) or MPK (Microprocessor Prosthetic Knee) is in the technology and functionality. An MPK offers more features, control and comfort, while a mechanical knee is simpler and more robust.

• Mechanical knee: A mechanical knee prosthesis works with a fixed articulation point and offers the necessary stability but less flexibility. A simple prosthetic knee without electronics offers stability with a mechanical locking mechanism and hydraulic damping. Suitable for prosthetic wearers with low-to-moderate activity levels who walk only on flat terrain.
• MCK/MPK (Microprocessor knee): an MCK electronic knee dynamically adapts to movement and terrain. This makes walking with the prosthesis feel more natural and also safer. An electronically controlled knee has built-in sensors and a microprocessor that makes real-time adjustments for a natural and stable walking experience. Ideal if you are a more active prosthesis wearer. You then opt for variable terrains and increased safety against trips and falls.

The Amputee Care Center offers a wide range of liners, ostomy stockings or socks. The best choice depends on your comfort requirements and fixation needs. Liners are available in standard sizes, but can also be custom-made for you. Liners for leg prostheses are available in silicone, gel (TPE) and polyurethane. They can be attached with a pin, vacuum system or without locking. The best or correct choice depends on your stump condition, activity level and personal preference for optimal comfort and fixation.

You can adjust your leg prosthesis yourself by making minor adjustments, such as tightening or loosening the liner, adjusting the socket thickness or checking the vacuum closure. For larger adjustments, such as the prosthesis position, socket fit or knee resistance, it is important to contact us to avoid injury or discomfort and ensure the parts are guaranteed. Get advice from an Amputee Care Center specialist. We also offer remote support, even via tele-meeting.

The lifespan of an upper leg prosthesis depends on its use and maintenance. With correct use and maintenance, a completely new upper leg prosthesis will last on average three to five years before it is really necessary to replace certain parts. Moving parts in particular are subject to wear and tear.

Is the initial phase, wearing a prosthesis may cause some discomfort, but prolonged pain is not normal. It may indicate an incorrect fit or pressure points that need to be adjusted. Do you experience regular pain when wearing your upper leg prosthesis? If so, contact us. We will be happy to help you find a solution.

Osseointegration is a surgical technique in which an implant is placed directly into the bone. This attaches the prosthesis directly to the body. This can provide more stability and a more natural feel. However, not everyone is eligible for this. For more information on this, please refer to our page on osseointegration.