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Patient Services
At Vital Prosthetics, we carefully evaluate
each patient's needs paying special attention to his or her goals for
recovery, lifestyle, and occupation. We take the time to talk with our
patients, and more importantly, we listen. Once armed with knowledge
about a patient, we develop the prosthetic device that is best for that
particular patient.
Upper Extremity
Prosthetics
Passive Functional / Cosmetic.
A Passive Functional or Cosmetic upper extremity prosthetic device is
similar in appearance to the non-affected arm or hand and replaces what
was lost. It provides simple aid in balancing and carrying. The
advantages of this type of prosthesis is that they can be cosmetically
appealing; lightweight; simple to use; there is little maintenance; they
are great for partial hands and provides opposition.
Body Powered / Conventional.
A Body Powered or Conventional upper extremity prosthetic device is
operated by a harness system. The harness system is controlled by
specific body movements. The advantages of a conventional prosthesis is
that the heavy duty construction of the device gives it a long life; it
offers proprioception; it's less expensive and lighter in weight than
myoelectric devices; and there is a reduced cost and maintenance.
Adaptive / Recreational.
A Recreational or Adaptive upper extremity prosthetic device is
customized for a specific function or recreational activity. There are
various adaptive devices available for activities such as skiing, golf,
fishing, construction work, shooting pool, playing guitar and so much
more.
Lower Extremity
Prosthetics
Transmetatarsal.
The transmetatarsal amputation is more involved than a simple toe
amputation. This type of amputation can sometimes cause one to lose all
five toes. Numerous prosthetic applications are available for this type
of loss.
Chopart / Symes.
A Chopart amputation is performed at the mid-foot. A Symes amputation is performed at the ankle.
Transtibial.
A transtibial amputation, or otherwise known as a below-knee amputation,
is an amputation that occurs below the knee joint. Most patients who
receive transtibial amputations are very successful prosthetic wearers.
There are numerous suspension systems and designs available for
transtibial amputees. The patient's prosthetist will work closely with
the patient to determine his or her goals and activity levels to create
the appropriate prosthetic system.
Knee Disarticulation.
A knee disarticulation is performed through the knee joint.
Transfemoral.
A transfemoral amputation, or otherwise known as an above-knee
amputation, occurs in the thigh, through the femoral bone (femur). While
no amputation is easy to adapt to, the transfemoral
amputation does offer more challenges than the lower level amputations.
This level of amputation definitely requires more energy when walking
with a prosthetic device. A transfemoral prosthesis is more complex
because of the addition of a knee joint. There are many systems
available for amputees, including many high-tech options.
Hip Disarticulation & Hemipelvectomy.
The hip disarticulation amputation involves removing the femur in its
entirety, but leaving the pelvis intact. The hemipelvectomy amputation
involves removing the femur and a portion of the pelvis. These are the
least common levels of amputation. The main causes for these types of
amputations are trauma and osteosarcoma (cancer).
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