LOWER LIMB / Leg prosthesis for adults & children
ADVANCED ABOVE & BELOW KNEE PROSTHETIC SOLUTIONS DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE COMFORT AND FUNCTION FOR EACH PATIENT.
Our approach to patient care is one of collaboration and application. We work with the patient and the doctor to ensure the desired outcome is clearly defined. We will select prosthetic components (ankles or knees) that ensure alignment with the positive outcome the team has defined. The mission is patient comfort. The only way to achieve the mission is to provide custom prosthetic solutions for the individual patient versus a one size fits all approach. Our focus is on YOU!
LOWER LIMB PROSTHETIC SOLUTIONS THROUGHOUT CHARLOTTE, ROCK HILL & LANCASTER
ABOVE-KNEE PROSTHETICS
BELOW-KNEE PROSTHETICS
MICROPROCESSOR PROSTHETICS
HIP, KNEE & ANKLE DISARTICULATION
PARTIAL FOOT AMPUTATION CARE
PROSTHETIC FEET
PROSTHETIC LINERS
SOLUTIONS
MICROPROCESSOR PROSTHETICS
Technology continues to advance to the point where some of the prosthetic knee and ankle joints include microprocessors. Thanks to sensors in the prosthesis, these devices can adjust the actions of the knee, ankle, or foot in real time. In some cases, this may cause the hydraulic fluid to flow with more resistance to allow for an increase of speed and in other situations it may detect the user has stumbled and will go into a stumble recovery mode.
PARTIAL FOOT AMPUTATION CARE
Partial foot amputations are the most common of lower extremity amputation. Treatment depends on the level of the amputation and the underlying cause. This can be something as simple as a toe filler or as complex as a high definition silicone restoration.
This is very common. About 80% of these patients have diabetes.
PROSTHETIC FEET
Over the past 30 years, there have been huge advances in the materials and designs of prosthetic feet with the introduction of composite materials such as carbon fiber. There is a large range of prosthetic feet designs and material. Each patient’s individual needs and capabilities need to be considered to decide on the best design for them.
Options include SACH (solid ankle cushion heel), Dynamic, Single Axis, Multi-Axial, energy storing and microprocessor-controlled feet.
HIP, KNEE & ANKLE DISARTICULATION
Disarticulation is the separation of two bones at their joint, either traumatically by way of injury or by a surgeon during arthroplasty or amputation.
This amputation technique is not a common as trans-tibial or trans-femoral. Outcomes for ankle and knee disarticulations should be equal to TT and TF respectively. There can be some component option challenges due to the length of the residual limb but a weight bearing distal end may outweigh these challenges. Outcomes for hip disarticulations and hemipelvectomies depend on many factors. It is recognized as being more difficult to walk with such a high amputation as the prosthesis has to replace the hip, knee and ankle functions.
PROSTHETIC LINERS
There is a wide range of prosthetic liner suppliers, materials and designs in the market.
Skin integrity is how we choose what type of liner to use on your limb. Skin integrity essentially means we select the liner type based on your skin sensitivity or tendency to become chaffed or raw.
Liners are available in a range of materials and designs. Locking liners with a distal attachment that can be used with a pin or strap to suspend the prosthesis. Cushion liners that protect or cushion the skin. Liners can be made from numerous materials – silicone, TPE and Urethane are among the most common.
Understanding a patient’s level of activity is another key criterion for selecting the appropriate prosthetic liner. The question is…How much will the patient be using their prosthesis? We also want to know the patient’s regular activities (walking, sports, etc.) so we can choose the right prosthetic liner accordingly.
SOCKET TYPES
Locking Liner Solutions
Locking liners are a popular way to suspend the prosthesis. This is achieved with a locking liner with a pin that locks into a lock mechanism in the socket. The pin engages with the lock mechanism and only releases when the release button is pressed. The liners also have the added benefit of improving comfort in the prosthesis also.
Most popular thanks to the ease of putting it on. It doesn’t always lead to the best outcome because suspension can be poor and connecting it to the actual limb is more difficult.
PASSIVE VACUUM & SUCTION SOCKET SOLUTIONS
In some situations, a vacuum socket may be used. This allows the prosthesis to suspend by negative pressure, using either a sealing sleeve or sealing ring with a one-way valve. This is a very effective method of suspending the prosthesis.
ELEVATED VACUUM SYSTEMS
The Elevated Vacuum System is similar to a suction socket system with the addition of a vacuum generating component to increase the level of vacuum in the prosthetic socket. Some use the movements of the foot to generate this vacuum and others use an electric pump to remove air and create the vacuum.
POI’S APPROACH
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO WORK?
Our approach to patient care is one of collaboration and application. We work with the patient and the doctor to ensure the desired outcome is clearly defined. We will select prosthetic components (ankles or knees) that ensure alignment with the positive outcome the team has defined. The mission is patient comfort. The only way to achieve the mission is to provide custom prosthetic solutions for the individual patient versus a one size fits all approach. Our focus is on YOU!
WHY CHOOSE POI?
We are a family business with family values. Shareholders and corporate directives don’t dictate our approach to patient care, allowing us to put our patients first. Our mission isn’t to get as many patients through the door as possible but to serve our patients at the very highest level. Our size allows us to be nimble and flexible in serving our patient’s needs.