Prosthetics
Our highly experienced prosthetists work closely with multidisciplinary health
professionals to establish a customised treatment pathway for each of our clients.
Prosthetics
Our highly experienced prosthetists work closely with multidisciplinary health
professionals to establish a customised treatment pathway for each of our clients.
Your APC Team
Helping you reach your full potential
At APC Prosthetics, our highly experienced prosthetists work closely with multidisciplinary health professionals to establish a customised treatment pathway for each of our clients. The team includes Medical Specialists, Physiotherapists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists and other health Professionals.
We maintain close relationships with global prosthetic technology groups allowing us early access to the latest technological developments in both prosthetic components and manufacturing technology.
Our philosophy is to comprehensively assess each client to establish their requirements and then deliver the appropriate services and products to them.
All Prosthetists at APC Prosthetics are accredited with EnableNSW.
Prosthetic Technology
The technology available to prosthetic users has seen significant developments over the last decade. Incorporation of microprocessor controlled components in a prosthesis is quite common today.
The prosthetic team at APC Prosthetics is Australia’s most experienced in fitting microprocessor controlled knee joint and ankle-joint systems. Due to our close relationships with global prosthetic technology groups and educational facilities, APC Prosthetics has early access to latest technological developments. This provides tremendous benefits to many of our clients.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration (OI) is the structural connection between living bone and a load- carrying metal implant. First introduced into dentistry in the 1960s, OI has been an option for some lower and upper limb amputees since the 1990s in Europe. The prosthetic components are attached directly to the implant via a connector, eliminating the use of a traditional socket. There are various advantages and disadvantages to take into account when considering this option.
APC Prosthetics has been actively involved in the establishment of amputee services for OI users since its introduction to Sydney in 2010 and we have been managing more than 200 amputees who underwent the procedure.
If you would like to find out more about OI, please ask to speak to one of our prosthetists
Upper Extremity Prostheses
The main objectives in upper extremity prosthetics are to meet vocational, recreational and general lifestyle needs of each amputee and to achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome. This makes prosthetic management for upper extremity amputees a highly individualized process.
Like in lower extremity prosthetics, the advancements and improvements regarding upper extremity prosthetics over the last couple of decades have been significant. Application of computer aided technology has greatly improved function and appearance.
There are several different types of prostheses for upper extremities:
BODY POWERED PROSTHESES (Conventional)
Body powered prostheses are the most common type of upper limb prostheses. It allows the prosthetic user to control the terminal device (usually a hook or a hand) via a harness system that fits around the chest and shoulder. This type of prosthesis is very reliable and can be used in environments involving dust and water.
EXTERNALLY POWERED PROSTHESES (Myo-electric)
Externally powered prostheses use a battery powered electric motor to control the terminal device, eliminating the need of a harness system. Sensors, embedded in the socket, pick up an EMG signal on the skin and transferred it to a processor which controls the functions of the motor. Intensive training is essential to ensure a successful outcome.
HYBRID SYSTEMS
Hybrid systems are a combination of externally and body powered prostheses. This type can be used for Transhumeral (above-elbow) amputees, providing functional restoration of elbow and hand. Usually, the elbow joint is controlled via a harness system and the terminal device is controlled through an external power source, for example myo-electrically.
COSMETIC PROSTHESES
This type of prosthesis is purely cosmetic and does not provide functional restoration. A cosmetic glove is applied to match individual skin colour.
Lower Extremity Prostheses
Prosthetic limbs are custom designed and custom made for each amputee.
Over the past couple of decades significant advancements have been made in terms of prosthetic components and socket design. The use of lighter and more durable materials has resulted in improved comfort and function.
The socket design and the components determine the level of comfort and function we can expect from a prosthesis.
At the 2011 national prosthetic conference (ISPO) the team from APC prosthetics were able to see first-hand The Genium™ from Otto Bock in action as it was launched in Australia.
We will briefly overview the components of lower extremity prostheses:
SOCKET AND INTERFACE
The purpose of the prosthetic socket is to transmit forces from the residual limb to the prosthesis. A well constructed socket will provide comfort and stability during walking and standing on a prosthesis. Traditionally, sockets were made out of materials that were available as natural resources. Wood, metal and leather were predominantly used until the 1960’s. The introduction of plastics, fibre-glass and carbon-fibre revolutionized socket manufacturing and design, making them lighter and much more durable.
The interface/liner is intended to absorb shock and shear forces on the residual limb. It fits between the residual limb and the socket and can be made from various soft materials. Modern interfaces are constructed from silicon and urethane polymers, which help protect the tissue. They can also assist with suspension of the prosthesis by incorporating a pin that connects to a locking mechanism in the socket.
Combining these new technologies with new socket designs, such as Total Surface Bearing (TSB) or Ischial Containment (IC), have also improved prosthetic comfort and function dramatically.
FOOT AND ANKLE
The human foot and ankle is a very complex functional unit. It provides stability as well as flexibility, absorbs forces and generates energy for efficient and comfortable walking.
As each patient has different needs and lifestyles, it is vital to select the most appropriate prosthetic foot to achieve maximum comfort and function. Over the past decades we have witnessed major improvements in design and manufacturing of prosthetic feet, allowing much more energy efficient and natural walking.
Energy Storing Feet
Energy storing feet store and release the energy that is generated throughout the gait cycle. It results in a more energy efficient gait by reducing energy consumption, allowing amputees to walk longer and further. Most users of these feet comment on the “spring” these feet provide.
Energy Dissipating Feet
Forces generated during walking are absorbed and redirected, allowing very little energy to be transferred to the residual limb. Combining different materials also allows those feet to conform to walking surfaces, providing the amputee with more stability and comfort.
Hybrid Feet
In the last few years further improvements in manufacturing technology have delivered new developments that combine the properties of energy storing feet and energy dissipating feet. This results in compliance and energy return.
KNEE JOINTS
Knee mechanisms for trans-femoral (above-knee) amputees have also seen major technological advancement in the last decade, greatly improving safety and function. Microprocessor controlled knee units have led these advances.
Incorporation of hydraulic and pneumatic mechanisms allows modern knee units to adapt to variable cadence and assists walking on slopes and stairs. New design concepts for multi-axial knee units have seen increased stability without the accompanying instability downside of higher energy expenditure.
ACCESSORY COMPONENTS
Some extremely useful accessories have also been designed recently. Perhaps the most interesting is the group of energy storing and absorbing pylons. The intention of these pylons is to decrease the level of force transmitted through the prosthesis at heel strike. These units act like a shock absorber in a car’s suspension. They absorb vertical (up & down) forces and rotational forces. When combined with the appropriate components, these shock absorbers increase walking comfort significantly.
Specially Designed Prostheses
Specially designed prostheses are often required when an amputee wants to perform activities that exceed day to day ambulation and activities.
APC Prosthetics continues to lead the profession in prosthetic innovation. Our team is internationally recognized in specially designed and sporting prostheses in a broad range of activities including athletics, skiing, cycling, golf, weight lifting and more. If you are interested in competitive or social sporting activities, we are happy to provide contact details for the respective sports institutes and sporting bodies.
If you have any questions about specially designed prostheses, please contact us.
A Waterproof Prosthesis enables the amputee to use the prosthesis for tasks involving water, such as showering or swimming. Specially designed devices are available to allow for the use of flippers.
This picture shows an artificial arm that is designed for weightlifting. The terminal device grips around the bar handle, locking it securely in place.
Prostheses used in athletics, especially sprinting, need to withstand enormous forces and are not suitable for normal locomotion due to their unique design.
A Skiing prosthesis is subject to enormous lateral forces. Generally, a thigh corset is required to deliver enough stability.
Care for your Prosthesis
THE LINER
If you have a prosthetic liner you should wash it on a daily basis. You can use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to wipe it out. Dry it with a towel and leave it overnight to dry completely. Never put your liner in a washing machine or clothes dryer, as it may damage or even destroy it.
THE SOCKET
Trans-Tibial users (BK): Your socket should be cleaned weekly. Simply wipe it with a damp cloth and a mild detergent and dry it thoroughly before you put it back on.
Trans-Femoral Users (AK): Your socket should be cleaned daily. Wipe your socket with a damp cloth and a mild detergent and dry it thoroughly before you put it back on.
It is not necessary to use an antiseptic to clean your prosthesis. DO NOT use Dettol or other solvents to clean your socket or liner.
PROSTHETIC COMPONENTS
DO NOT clean any of your prosthetic components, as they have very specific maintenance requirements, which should only be carried out by your Prosthetist. If you are concerned about any of your components, please contact us.
The two main reasons for wearing stump socks are:
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- To protect the residual limb from excessive rubbing against the socket
- To allow the prosthesis to fit better as your residual limb changes. You may find that you wear only one sock in the morning, but have to add a second one as the day progresses.
CLEANING THE STUMP SOCKS
It is very important to keep your stump socks in a clean and hygienic state. They should be changed and cleaned daily.
Here are some DO’s and DON’TS that help you clean your prosthetic stump socks correctly:
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- Only use an approved wool detergent to wash your prosthetic stump socks, preferable by hand.
- Using hot water might cause your prosthetic stump socks to shrink, Squeeze suds gently through the prosthetic stump socks and rinse with clear warm water.
- Avoid twisting and rubbing wet socks as this may cause the socks to loose their shape.
- Roll the prosthetic stump socks in a towel to blot out the extra water.
- Do Not wring them out.
- Stump socks can be hung to dry.
- Do Not use a clothes dryer to dry prosthetic stump socks.
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