Losing a limb in an accident, due to a trauma, or congenital limb defects are out of human power. Sometimes, severe disease, poor circulation of blood, or a trauma to the limb may also require amputation to keep you alive, which is completely out of your bounds. However, life does not end here if you know how to survive.

Owing to technological advances in prosthetic design, an artificial limb mimics your limb in the best way, whether a missing leg, arm or hand. It helps you get around and resume a normal life. So, now you can walk, swim, run, and perform daily chores without the support of others. Getting used to your new limb may look challenging at the start, but the efforts are worth the results. 

Having said that, prosthetic limbs are different for everyone. Some need one to replicate their lost limb, while others get them to pursue their career as an athlete or carry on with their active routine. Simply put, each individual is different, and so is their artificial limb. 

Below are some key details to consider while getting a surgical artificial limb.

Level of Amputation

Your artificial limb, healing time, and ability to adapt vary as per the level of amputation. Prosthetic limbs might be the best solution, but different levels of amputation demand different types of surgical artificial limb.

For instance, if you have transtibial (below knee amputation), you may not require joint movement and pain management. Moreover, the rehab phase, as a part of the mobility solution, may be less challenging.

In contrast, you will need joint movement and may face more challenges in the case of transfemoral (above knee amputation). The same is the case for below the elbow amputation and above the elbow amputation. For the latter, you may require more time to adapt physically and mentally.

Get an Activity-specific Surgical Artificial Limb

As aforementioned, everyone has their priorities. Some people cannot feel at rest without a proper workout routine, walking or jogging. Similarly, people in sports or athletes need a prosthetic device to resume their careers. 

So, deciding which activity you need surgical artificial limb for holds great importance. If you want an artificial limb to resume recreational activities like eating, walking, dressing, and other everyday tasks, standard prosthetic devices can do the job. 

However, if you want to carry on with your sports career, activity-specific prosthetic devices have specific attachments that can support your limb to play comfortably and walk on the road to success.  

Adjusting to An Artificial Limb Takes Time

Another important point to consider before getting surgical artificial limb is that getting used to a new limb takes time. It is not a one-night process. You need to go through several stages to start using your definitive prosthetics properly.

After amputation, you need to stay in the hospital for 4 to 7 days. During this phase, the main goals are to heal wounds and strengthen the muscles.Be mindful that the time varies according to the patient’s age or health conditions.

Once you are discharged, now comes the time to start preparing for the fittings by tending to your wound, which can take up to 4 weeks. During this stage, you are responsible to take care of your limp, perform daily exercises advised by the specialist, and attend follow-up appointments.

After your wound is healed, you can see a prosthetist for fittings which can take up to 3 weeks. Once it’s done, you will receive a temporary prosthetic device, also called a preparatory prosthesis, for strengthening and stretching muscles. It will help the residual limb get used to the artificial limb and reach a stale size.

The preparatory procedure can take up to 6 months. After that, you can use the permanent limb, also called a definitive prosthesis. The definitive device looks more natural. Once you adjust to your new limb, you can resume the activities that get halted.  

Cost Details

The cost of the surgical artificial limb depends on the level of amputation. For instance, the above knee amputation charges relatively more than the below knee amputation. It is so because the former needs an additional knee which uses a different mechanism. Fortunately, most insurance companies cover the cost of your prosthesis. So, you either need to pay partially or not at all.

Proper Care can Maximize the Lifespan

Proper prosthetic care can increase the functionality and longevity of your surgical artificial limb. Cleaning the residual limb with a mild soap, wiping the socket and liners, and replacing them when needed are some of the precautionary measures. Your prosthetist guides you through the whole process.  

Peruse a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy body heals quickly. So, try to eat healthy food and stay as active as you can even before amputation. Most importantly, quit smoking as it can cause complications during or post-surgery.

Warp Up

In all, losing a limb is life-changing, but it is not the end. Artificial limbs mimic the real ones, thereby helping you resume your daily life activities. If you need further assistance, feel free to get in touch with the experts at Advance Care. Our certified professionals will guide you through the process and help you make better choices.