Amputee Treatment
Advanced Comfort | Advanced Function | Advanced Lifestyle
Amputee Treatment
Advanced Comfort | Advanced Function | Advanced Lifestyle
The process of losing a limb through amputation is a life-changing experience.
The requirements of each client are different and may change throughout their life.
APC Prosthetics are dedicated to achieve the best outcome for each patient, aiming for best possible comfort, function and lifestyle.
Our highly experienced prosthetists work closely with multidisciplinary health professionals to establish a customised treatment solution for each of our clients. The team includes Medical Specialists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and other health professionals.
Our philosophy is to work with each individual to comprehensively assess their needs, establish their requirements and then deliver the appropriate solutions.
We maintain close relationships with global prosthetic technology groups, which allows us early access to the latest technological developments in both prosthetic components and manufacturing technology.
The APC Group has a strong support system to assist clients if issues arise or circumstances change and works very closely with various Government/ Health authorities and national professional bodies including the NDIA, EnableNSW and AOPA. At APC Prosthetics, we are dedicated to achieving the best outcome for our clients, aiming for the best possible comfort, the best possible function and the best possible lifestyle.
Treatment Pathway
The phases of rehabilitation
The first phase of the prosthetic rehabilitation is the provision of an interim prosthesis. Generally, this occurs during the first few weeks following an amputation. The aims of are to establish early mobility and commence gait re-education as early as possible.
After a comprehensive assessment, a prosthetist will take a plaster cast and the interim prosthesis is manufactured. You can expect regular modification to this first prosthesis, as the residual limb undergoes significant changes in shape and volume during the first months. After approximately 3 to 4 months the prosthetic interim socket will be replaced with the first definitive socket.
The next step is for the client to attend an accredited amputee clinic, which is offered by most major hospitals. The rehabilitation team conducts a comprehensive patient assessment and the rehabilitation specialist issues a prescription for the first definitive prosthesis.
The prosthetist will then take a plaster cast of the residual limb, which is called a plaster negative. The plaster negative is then used to make a replica of the residual limb, which is modified to achieve a comfortable socket.
The socket is then moulded over the plaster model. The materials used to manufacture the socket are fibreglass, carbon fibre or specially designed plastics. Utilising the latest manufacturing technologies and high-tech materials ensures a durable and extremely light socket.
Various liner materials are used to act as a cushion between the socket and the residual limb, absorbing and dissipating shock, shear and torque forces that occur during walking and standing on the prosthesis.
Next, the prosthetic components are connected to the socket and the client returns for the first fitting at our facilities. During this process one of our highly skilled prosthetists assesses the socket-fit and analyses gait. The correct alignment of the prosthesis is essential to ensure optimum comfort and function.
The prosthesis is trialled for several days. After the successful completion of the trial period, the prosthesis is cosmetically finished, to deliver a pleasing aesthetic result.
As the shape and volume of the residual limb will change over time, it is very important that the client sees their prosthetist on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months), to ensure the socket is still fitting properly.
Sometimes it is necessary for the prosthetist to make adjustments to the prosthesis to compensate for any changes. However, if the changes are too significant, a new socket (socket replacement) might be required.
Physiotherapy is a vital factor throughout the entire rehabilitation process, including muscle-strengthening exercises and gait training. We offer Physiotherapy sessions in our modern and fully equipped gymnasium tailored to the individual needs of each client.
Comfort, Function & Lifestyle
The APC philosophy
At APC Prosthetics we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible outcome. We are focused on achieving maximum comfort and function to allow our patients the best possible lifestyle.
There are two essential factors to achieve comfort. The first is socket design and fit, the second is how forces are absorbed by the stump/socket interface.
Socket design and fit revolve around correctly determining the shape of the prosthetics socket and successfully distributing forces created when you are walking or standing on your residual limb. The appropriate socket design and liner material is determined by a skilled Prosthetist to ensure optimum socket comfort.
The keys to achieve best possible function are a comfortable socket, selection of the right components and the correct alignment of your prosthesis.
The selection of the appropriate components is a very important factor to achieve a successful outcome. Because most components are designed for specific activities and specific lifestyles, a comprehensive patient assessment is necessary to determine the right components for each patient and enable them to lead the lifestyle they desire.
The correct alignment of the prosthesis is a very important element to successful function. It means determining the correct position of the socket and components relative to each other.
If all these factors work together in harmony, the result is optimum comfort, function and lifestyle.