Prosthetic Facts

• An amputation is the surgical removal of an appendage or limb.
• The majority of amputations occur as a result of disease, with diabetes and cardiovascular disease accounting for the greatest percentage (nearly 75%). Almost 25% of amputations are the result of a traumatic accident.
• A prosthesis is a man-made device to replace your amputated limb.  It is custom fit to each individual, taking several factors into consideration, such as your health, lifestyle, age and weight.
• The name of an amputation is determined by the part of the limb removed.  Most types or levels are referred to by letters or abbreviations:
  

• AE - above elbow (Trans Humeral)
• AK - above knee (Trans Femoral)
• BE - below elbow (Trans Radial)
• BK - below knee (Trans Tibial)
• Bi-Lateral - both legs or arms
• Elbow Disarticulation - arm through elbow
• Forequarter - (Interscapula Thoracic) - arm, shoulder, clavicle, and scapula
• Hemipelvectomy - leg, hip and pelvis
• Hip Disarticulation - leg at hip
• Knee Disarticulation - leg and knee
• Mid-Metacarpal - fingers at knuckles
• Shoulder Disarticulation - arm at shoulder
• Syme - foot at ankle
• Transmetatarsal - toes and part of forefoot
• Wrist Disarticulation - hand at wrist

Your First Prosthesis
Once your limb has healed enough, design and fabrication may begin on your prosthesis.  The first prosthesis is called an early-fitting or temporary prosthesis.  Many modifications will be made from this and most often, it will not look like a “finished” product.  Once your limb has sufficiently reduced in size and it is no longer possible to make adjustments to your early fitting prosthesis, your definitive prosthesis will be made.  This will be more functional, lighter, and cosmetically finished, utilizing a protective outer coating.

It will take time for you to adjust to your amputation and you may experience feelings of anger, sadness or discouragement.  These feelings are a normal part of the grieving process and you should not feel ashamed of having them; however do not hesitate to talk to your Wright & Filippis prosthetist-  he or she may be able to assist.