Upper Limb Prosthetics Archives | Page 2 Of 2

Prosthetics for Kids

Posted on 09/21/202005/16/2023 by APC Prosthetics

APC has been providing prosthetics for kids with limb difference and amputation for many years. We are involved in the Limb Deficiency Clinics at Westmead Children’s Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, where we work closely together with rehabilitation teams to ensure the best outcomes for the kids we see.

We see a wide range of kids and families from across NSW; from Sydney and surrounds, to more regional and rural parts of the state. APC is an ever-growing family, now with 4 branches and associated outreach clinics, so we reach far and wide across NSW.

Working with the paediatric population is so special because each child is incredibly unique and has their own unique needs and goals. Here at APC, we love working together with kids and their families to help them realise those goals, and help dreams become a reality through providing the most appropriate prosthetics for kids; be it an upper-limb prosthesis to assist in riding a bike, or a lower-limb prosthesis for running and sports, and everything in between!

At APC we understand that each child has their own individual presentations, needs, and wants, and love working together with kids and their families to achieve the best results for all.

NDIS

Most children with limb difference are eligible for NDIS funding. If you’re not sure whether your child is eligible, speak with one of our prosthetists, or check out the eligibility criteria on the NDIS website.

We have been working closely with the NDIS since it was first rolled out in New South Wales, so we have an in-depth understanding of how to best help your child get the prosthetic services they need through the NDIS.

Cosmesis

Posted on 09/21/202007/13/2022 by APC Prosthetics

Cosmetic Design: options for how your prosthesis looks

There are many different options when it comes to the cosmetic design of your prosthesis. For both upper and lower prosthetic limb users, it’s vital to consider what’s important to you so that your prosthetist can design a prosthesis that is both functional – meeting your lifestyle and goals, but also one that you like the look of it’s cosmesis. Making a prosthetic limb suit your style is fun for us, but it also has an important clinical role. Typically, if a prosthetic user is a part of the decision-making process and has a prosthetic limb that they like the look of, they are more likely to accept the limb, want to wear it and be proud of it. This can improve outcomes and can have a positive impact on mental health.

So, the more we can make your prosthesis be a part of your life, whether it be from blending in or standing out, we are willing to try and make it happen!

Realistic Cosmesis

For some, they want their prosthesis to look as close to an anatomical leg or their sound side as possible. This often helps these users to accept their prosthesis and promotes higher usage/wear rate. The level of realism attainable depends on your funding body.

Some options available are:

Foam cover shaped in house to resemble your sound side.
- Covered with a cosmetic stocking or leather. (Check out our Instagram for how these are made)
- Covered with a silicone cover ordered and fabricated externally. These vary in price dependent on the level of detail.
Exoskeletal prosthesis – either solid or hollow prosthesis without modular components, made in-house & shaped to your measurements, with a pigment mixed in to match your skin tone.

Fashion/Statement

Other prosthetic users prefer their device to represent their fashion sense, their football team, a favourite colour or even have tattoos! For these clients, there are many options for cosmesis that we can achieve both in-house or by working with external companies to order in a cosmetic option right for you.

Provide your prosthetist with fabric of your choice to be embedded into the lamination of your socket.
Choose a colour of pigment to be mixed into the resin for your socket.
Custom covers can be made in-house with a cosmetic finish of your choice
Your prosthetist can take measurements and order a removable cover for you from companies such as Alleles and UNYQ. These can be beneficial also in filling out long pants and protecting your clothing from the componentry/preventing tear

There are many more options available so if you have something specific in mind it is important to talk to your prosthetist early on so we can make your prosthesis just right for you!

Care for your Liner

Posted on 09/21/202005/16/2023 by APC Prosthetics

Liner Care

If you have a prosthetic liner you should wash it on a daily basis. Never put your liner in a washing machine or clothes dryer, as it may damage or even destroy it. Ensure the soap/detergent you use is non-abrasive, mild and no fragrance. These substances and harsh detergents and chemicals can slowly eat away at the silicone or gel and reduce the life of your liner.

How to clean your liner

Step 1: Use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to wipe it out

Step 2: Dry it with a towel and leave it overnight to dry completely.

Step 3: Leave liner to dry the right way out (silicone/gel on the inside). This ensures no dust or other particles will stick to the inner surface. Note: Leaving the liner rolled up or inside out can warp the shape and damage the inner surface which can lead to skin abrasions and irritations.

Tip: Quick refresh! During a sweaty day you can do a quick refresh by only cleaning the inside of the liner and drying with a chamois or micro fibre towel. Not getting the fabric outer wet means you can get on with the rest of your day with a fresh liner.

Deep cleaning: You can completely submerge your liner in warm, soapy water to deep clean the outer layer of protective fabric as it is required.

Make sure to remove any grit, skin or fluff from the inside of your liner, as this can cause both skin irritation/rubs or reduce the effectiveness of the suspension of the liner.

It is important to rinse out the liner with clean water (no soap) to remove any soapy residue as this can cause skin irritation/contact dermatitis.

Category: Upper Limb Prosthetics