PROSTHETIC FITTING, REPAIR & REPLACEMENT

THE BENEFITS OF VISITING WITH ONE OF OUR CLINICIANS AT POI

Your comfort is all that matters. Our goal is to ensure that your prosthesis is comfortable. You will have the opportunity to spend one on one time with a highly trained practitioner in prosthetics. Our clinicians are licensed through The American Board of Certification (ABC). Our collection of experience will allow us to meet your prosthetic needs, which will lead to a positive outcome.  We won’t try to hustle you in and hustle you out. Getting the right fit takes feedback and fine tuning. We listen. We have all of the tools necessary to make the required adjustments in any of our three locations – Rock Hill, Lancaster, or Pineville.

Here is the typical tune up visit progression at POI.

1. Kelvin, Dara, or Brad will ask you to describe how the prosthesis is fitting and if you have any concerns or issues that you are already aware of with the device. During your initial evaluation, there are two questions to be answered:
   1. How’s the fit of your prosthesis?
   2. How’s the function of your Prosthesis?

Answering these two questions will lead your clinician in the proper direction to alleviate and fixed any noticeable issues.

2. They will watch you walk or have you demonstrate the use of your device under normal conditions.
3. During the inspection of the your prosthesis the following areas will be closely inspected: They will inspect the prosthesis device looking for any of the following concerns:
   1. Socket -Socket Issues – Your serves as a major component. With an ill-fitting socket you will not be able to wear your prosthesis. The socket is critical for the proper function of the prosthesis. We will inspect for the following conditions:
      1. Cracks
      2. Delamination
      3. Poor suspension Issues such as wear on the locking pin, which leads to unwanted disengagement of the locking mechanism. Failure to achieve suspension due to vacuum failure or valve malfunction.
   2. Liner Issues – The primary job of the liner is providing a needed barrier between your skin and the prosthetic socket. It also serves as an inner face to help with suspension of your prosthesis. The liner is important for your comfort. It is also helpful in preventing unnecessary skin issues such as sores or increased sensitivity due to improper fit. Liners usually consist of 3 main ingredients: Silicone, uethane, or a mineral oil-based polymer. Liners are made of urethane or silicone for comfort but the compliance makes them a wear item.
      1. 1. We inspect for holes around the patella or distal end of the tibia.
         2. We inspect for ripping or tearing of the liner.
         3. We inspect to determine if the liner is too big causing fit and comfort issues.
   3. Prosthetic Socks – Socks help to manage the fit of the socket. You will have days when your residual limb will fluctuate in volume, and achieving the right sock ply fit is of high importance. The right sock ply fit ensures that residual limb is situated in the socket properly. Below are examples of a properly fitting socket and an improperly fitting socket.
      1. Sometimes the residual limb will swell or shrink causing the fit to loosen or tighten. Prosthetic socks are a main tool for managing the balance of the fit. The socks are a critical barrier protecting patients from sores and infections.
         1. We inspect for thinning, fraying, or holes.

When is time for a replacement?

• Research shows that your residual limb will take about 12-18 months to fully mature after your amputation. During this time, you may require a prosthetic socket replacement. Each patient’s residual limb is different. Anatomical and physiological changes can’t be predicted for everyone, which is another reason to have a follow up appt. at least every 3 months to ensure your socket is functioning properly. Prosthetic Sockets are typically replaced every 3-5 years depending on usage and residual limb changes
• Prosthetic Liners are typically replaced every 6-12 months. The Medicare guidelines allow for replacement every six months if needed.
• Prosthetic Socks are typically replaced every 6 months. The Medicare guidelines allow for replacement every six months if needed.
• Prosthetic Feet are typically replaced every 3 to 5 years depending on patient functional (activity) changes, weight changes, and ADL’s (activities of daily living). Feet typically come with a 3-year warranty.

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