Questions & Answers
Question of the Month – May 07:
I am a high school senior and very interested in a career in prosthetics. What type of college classes or special training will I need?
N.G., St. Clair Shores, MI
Answer:
It is nice to see young people interested in our profession. I have been in the field for 42 years and I enjoy it as much now as I did when I entered the field. It is indeed very rewarding to be able to provide an appliance which will assist someone with a disability, so that he/she will be able to walk again.
Presently, in order to become an American Board Certified Practitioner in Prosthetics and Orthotics, you need a Bachelor's Degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics, followed by a one-year residency for each discipline, and successfully complete a national exam administered by the American Board of Certification.
Ken Woodward, ABC Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist
Director of Prosthetics
Wright & Filippis
Question:
I am a high school senior and very interested in a career in prosthetics. What type of college classes or special training will I need?
N.G., St. Clair Shores, MI
Answer:
It is nice to see young people interested in our profession. I have been in the field for 42 years and I enjoy it as much now as I did when I entered the field. It is indeed very rewarding to be able to provide an appliance which will assist someone with a disability, so that he/she will be able to walk again.
Presently, in order to become an American Board Certified Practitioner in Prosthetics and Orthotics, you need a Bachelor's Degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics, followed by a one-year residency for each discipline, and successfully complete a national exam administered by the American Board of Certification.
Ken Woodward, ABC Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist
Director of Prosthetics
Wright & Filippis
Question:
How can a patient help to make a stump less sensitive and "toughen" it up in preparation for a prosthetic? My mother is now a double amputee (one AK, one BK). Her therapy has been hindered by the fact that her stump is very sensitive to any pressure she places on her new prosthetic (she only has one so far). Also, is there any way to curb phantom pains?
B.C., MI
Answer:
To answer this, there are many factors to be taken into consideration. First, the amputee should be seen by a physical therapist to make sure there are no flexion contractures developing in the hip or knee joints. It is also important to do general strengthening.
In addition, some type of stump conditioning should be in use. I prefer a removable rigid dressing, which is a rigid cast molded over socks on the stump to gradually induce pressure. This will help to reduce swelling in the wound and allow the stump to become accustomed to some pressure. This casted mold can be removed and the pressure increased by adding socks, which are worn over the stump. This dressing also helps protect the wound.
If the patient was already fitted for a prosthesis before the second limb was amputated, adjustments must be made to the first prosthesis to compensate for the loss of the other limb.
If the patient is able, some kind of early-type weight bearing prosthesis, like the Ischial Weight Bearing Bypass Prosthesis for early ambulation, may be used.
There is indeed much that can be done, however it is very difficult to determine without actually doing a formal evaluation of the patient.
As far as the phantom pains are concerned, there are many possibilities. I have read articles showing that Beta-blockers, Anticonvulsants, Neuroleptics, Antidepressants, and Benzodiazaepines have been used to some success. Only a qualified physician can prescribe such a treatment. It is not uncommon though, that once someone is able to start walking with a prosthesis, the pain lessens.
Ken Woodward, CPO
Director of Prosthetics
Wright & Filippis
Question:
Do you come from Wright & Filippis in Lansing, MI to Mt. Pleasant, MI, to check on leg braces from bottom of foot to the knee? Mine has a walk bend. I was at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing when I got my first brace in 1995. I have had one since then. Thank you for answering.
E.S., Lake, MI
Answer:
Although we would like to be able to offer this service, it would be impossible for us to go personally to all of our patients' homes. It is also not necessarily in the patient's best interest for work to be done in their homes. For example, when you have your brace looked at by an orthotist, they may be able to make adjustments to your brace without having to replace it. The orthotist may need the tools, machinery or materials at their office to make the repairs. If the brace does need replacing, they also would have access to any items then need to begin fabricating a replacement brace. It would definitely be in your best interest to visit the Wright & Filippis location nearest you, at your convenience, to ensure you receive the best service possible.
Pam Lupo, C.O.
Director of Orthotics
Wright & Filippis
