Frequently Asked Questions
As a Patient or as a Health Care Professional, you may have questions regarding your treatment or that of your patient/client.
Here are answers to some of commonly asked questions.
If your question has not been covered, please fill out the form at ‘Contact Us’
Q. What is the charge for an initial consultation ?
A. The initial consultation would be performed free of charge and can if requested also include a written plan for your prosthetic care.
Q. When should a patient be fitted with a prosthesis ?
A. Simply, the sooner the better after amputation. Rehabilitation can start with gently weight bearing (for lower extremity) or touch sensitivity for upper extremity. It has been found that fitting upper extremity patients within 30 days helps to prevent the patient becoming ‘one handed’.
Q. How long does a prosthesis last ?
A. This depends on many factors.
Patient weight gain/loss will affect the socket fit and can cause pain and discomfort, loss of suspension etc.
A change to activity level can necessitate a change of prescription, for example; a patient whose fitness level increases leading to more active work/hobbies may require a higher specification prosthesis, or the opposite, someone whose activity is reducing perhaps through age may benefit from a lighter, simpler prosthesis.
Generally assuming status quo, a prosthesis can be expected to last between two and five years.
Q. Will I or my patient need more than one Prosthesis at a time ?
A. If at all possible, it is better to have two prosthesis. I feel it is important that an amputee has a backup prosthesis. If the prosthesis breaks, and they are on holiday or in the middle of an important job, they must have something to put on until the other prosthesis can be repaired. Some patients may need a specific prosthesis for sports such as running or jogging.
Q. How are the prostheses made ?
A. All prosthetic devices are custom made.
An image is taken of the remaining limb, either by hand with plaster or digitally by a computer, and a socket is made to properly distribute the patients body weight comfortably.
Various gel interfaces and prosthetic components are utilised depending upon the condition of the patients limb and their activity level.
Q. How much does a prosthesis cost ?
A. This is dependent upon the site of amputation, the socket type and components used in the prosthesis. For example, a mechanical knee costs less than a computerised knee.
However, the total cost to rehabilitate a new amputee is much different than the cost of fabricating a single prosthesis for an existing amputee. It is important to understand that it may take multiple fittings (sockets) to achieve a final definitive prosthesis with a new amputee.
Q. How long will it take to make the prosthesis ?
A. Normally it takes between 1 and 4 weeks to make a prosthesis. Different amputation levels can be more complex than others. Also, many people that I see take longer to fit due to irregularities or difficult amputation levels.
Q. How do I arrange an appointment ?
A All you have to do is call my number or use the ‘Contact Us’ form.
I will try to arrange an appointment within 48 hours depending upon available time slots.
Q. Can I get an amputee to visit or talk to me ?
A. It may be possible, as I am starting a peer support program that pairs new amputee with an experienced amputee of similar age and amputation level. In the United Kingdom this is common practice and we have found that it helps the new amputee prepare for their amputation or can give them a better understanding of what to expect in the future.
Q. Why don’t you do Orthotics as well ?
A. I believe that to become proficient and maintain standards within a disciple it is important to focus 100% of your time to that discipline. Should you need Orthotic care, I work closely with an Orthotic facility in Limassol, just use the ‘Contact Form’ and I will pass on your query.
