Prosthetics

Prosthetics is the art and science of replacing missing limbs for functional and cosmetic purposes. At Niagara Prosthetics & Orthotics our Certified Prosthetists are experts in design, fabrication, fitting, and maintenance; all directed toward the best possible care of our clients living with an amputation. Our full service, on-site technical facility also allows us to provide exemplary and timely care. In addition, our team can help clients to access a variety of funding sources such as: Ministry of Health Assistive Devices, War Amps and CHAMPS. Additional information about componentry, funding, fitting and maintenance guides, stump care, prosthetic socks, prosthetics aids, and community groups dedicated to supporting people living with amputations can be found on our Client Information and Links pages.

What is the process for being fit with a prosthesis?

Following an amputation (and healing from the surgery):

1. Physician will refer to an amputee care clinic team who will determine your readiness for fitting. Additional healing or therapy may be necessary to reach this readiness.
2. Initial Assessment: A Certified Prosthetist will review the client’s physical requirements and lifestyle needs to design the most appropriate prosthesis.
3. A plaster mould of the residual limb will be completed along with all necessary anatomical measurements for the manufacture of the prosthesis.
4. A “test” prosthesis will be fabricated and an initial fitting appointment will be scheduled in approximately one week.
5. Initial “test” Prosthesis Fitting: Comfort and function of the device is reviewed and necessary adjustments are made. An additional “test” fitting appointment may be necessary. The “test” may also be used in a rehabilitation setting for a short period of time. When the “test” device is satisfactory a “training” prosthesis will be fabricated.
6. A “training” prosthesis is fabricated and a fitting appointment is scheduled for approximately one week. Comfort and function of the device is reviewed and adjustments are made as necessary.
7. Training: Clients use the device in a rehabilitation setting and further adjustments are made as necessary. Once the clients use is satisfactory to the rehabilitation team, the client will begin to use the device in daily life. Again, adjustments are made to the prosthesis as necessary. This time period is quite variable depending on the individuals requirements and performance. Usually between 3 and 9 months.
8. The client is followed by the care team and once it is determined that use of the “training” prosthesis has been mastered and all accommodations have been completed, clients are ready to be fit with their “definitive” prosthesis.
9. The Prosthetist will review the client’s physical requirements and lifestyle needs to design the most appropriate prosthesis.
10. A plaster mould of the residual limb will be completed along with all necessary anatomical measurements for the manufacture of the prosthesis.
11. A “test” prosthesis will be fabricated and an initial fitting appointment will be scheduled in approximately one week.
12. “Test” Prosthesis Fitting: Comfort and function of the device is reviewed and necessary adjustments are made. An additional “test” fitting appointment may be necessary.
13. The “definitive” prosthesis is fabricated and a fitting appointment is scheduled for approximately one week.
14. The “definitive” prosthesis is fit and any adjustments are made as necessary. The client will use the “definitive” prosthesis in the daily life for a short period of time (approximately 2 -4 weeks) and return for a follow up appointment where any other adjustments can be completed.
15. Cosmetic “finishing” of the prosthesis is completed once all final adjustments are made. When the initial definitive prosthesis “wears out” or needs to be replaced due to “size” changes the amputee care team will recommend a replacement definitive prosthesis and steps 9 to 15 will be repeated.