When an amputee is looking to get a device that will help improve the functioning of his/her limbs, the process can become exhausting when
trying to understand what is the best option when choosing the right type of prosthetic legs. But first, what is a prosthesis? A prosthesis or
prosthetic implant is an externally applied device and product used to replace wholly or partly an absent or deficient limb
segment that assists people with physical impairments to improve their functioning and increase their potential to live quality lives.
Well, if you have gone through amputation, you understand how much this device improves the mobility functioning of the user by
protecting joints, restoring cosmesis, alleviating pain, correcting deformities, and prevents secondary impairments. In fact, most prostheses
are required for long-term use and very few are used for limited periods.
Prosthetics as commonly known, is the science and art of treating people by
the use of prostheses. It’s a specialty within the medical and health care field
concerned with the research and development, design, manufacture and its
application.
When you are going through amputation, which might have been caused by
an accident or otherwise, you need to look for a good prosthetist or orthotist.
Now, a prosthetist is a person who has completed an approved course of
education and training and is authorized by an appropriate national authority
to design, measure and fit prostheses.
They’re a good investment. Find one from a nice facility who is experienced and then develop a relationship of trust with him/her.
It’s important to feel comfortable with them since you’ll be stuck with them for a lifetime.
So remember that before you wear a prosthesis, the affected leg must be given time to heal. Most patients begin rehab with a test prosthesis
within the first three months to help with physical therapy and gait training. It can be customized for adjustments as the patient progresses.
A wood or urethane foam prosthesis with a hard plastic shell. This prosthesis is heavier and less customizable than an endoskeletal
prosthetic. But it is more durable and long-lasting.
A prosthesis with an inner support pylon made of light-weight materials such as aluminum or titanium. The feet and knees can be swapped
out. This makes the endoskeletal prosthesis easily adjustable for different activities and active lifestyles.
If you think you do, then here are a few things you should know;
The prosthetic leg is made of lightweight, durable materials. Choosing a prosthetic leg is determined by a number of factors. You need to
decide what meets your desired preference based on your budget, environment, daily routines, appearance, among others.
In Kenya, there are few suppliers of prosthetic legs, some of which include GM Medical Kenya.
*The socket. This is a precise mold of your residual limb that fits snugly over the limb. It helps attach the prosthetic leg to your body.
When choosing a limb, you need to decide on your balance. That is, you must have one that gives you a balance in your twist movement,
vertical movement but just ensure they are minimal every time for safety purposes.
*The suspension system. It’s the method in which the prosthesis stays attached, whether through sleeve suction, vacuum
suspension/suction or distal locking through pin or lanyard. It can have liners. The liner is a protective cover made of a flexible, cushioning
material. Worn over your residual limb, it reduces movement and chafing between the skin and the socket. Having a silicone liner provides
high stability and good adhesion if your limb has a lot of soft-tissue.
An example is shuttle lock suspension which means there is a pin attached to the end of the liner which inserts into a locking mechanism in
the bottom of the socket. The lock connects your socket to your prosthesis.
*Knee. There is above-knee and below-knee amputation.
When choosing the prosthetic knee that fits, you need to consider a few things such as the manufacturer. Manufacturers produce different
materials like hard plastic or metal and so you need to know which one is comfortable for your usage. Safety is also important as you need to
choose a knee that provides a good balance and prevents injuries.
Lifestyle is another factor to consider. If you’re a sportsperson, the prosthetic knee should have the load-bearing capacity, if walking for long
distances or often, they need to have knees that sustain that. Another one is hobbies, for example, if you’re a swimmer or take part in water
sports, then a knee that’s splash-proof will be needed to prevent rusting or wearing off of the material used.
*Foot. The foot is the first point of impact on your leg. It provides stability. If you take part in activities involving the movement of the feet
often, ask yourself how much flexibility in terms of twists and turns that you need on the foot. Therefore, it should be strong, as it will be
taking on huge force and torque as you walk and run. A prosthetic foot must also be small enough to fit within a foot shell, a cosmetic
covering for the prosthetic foot, and thus fit within a shoe. The challenge is the foot being light, strong, and small, and yet functional and
durable.
Selecting the right footwear is dependent on the dimensions of the prosthetic feet, the grip on the shoes so that they don’t get off and other
needs that fit your lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider:
Multi-axial motion. Some are designed to mimic the ankle, which allows the foot to move in multiple planes.
Materials. The materials in a prosthetic foot differ by activity level. Wood, plastic and foam are usually found in feet designed for
individuals who have low activity levels and require stability.
Energy storage. A foot made with carbon fiber for energy storage gives you a spring in your step. The carbon fiber compresses as
you apply weight and propels you forward as your foot rolls, returning energy to your step as the spring releases.
Function. Prosthetic feet are designed to mimic a human foot at a specific activity level. For people who cannot walk, the function
is largely cosmetic.
Comfort. It has to feel good for you to meet your activity goals. Comfort allows you to be more active.
*Appearance of the prosthetic leg. The image is important as well. It
should also look good so that you walk in confidence and feel good about
yourself always because you chose a design that is appealing to you. They come
in different designs so you can find out whether a cosmetic cover can be
applied to the model you’re considering.
*Budget. Financial considerations are important when choosing prosthetic
shoes. Depending on how active a person is, the quality of footwear will vary
especially with those in sporty activities, they’ll need high-quality shoes that fit
the prosthetic feet and are durable despite the activities.
Also, the lifespan of a prosthetic component can be three to five years or even
fifteen years so proper budgeting is needed to achieve requirements at the same time save money. Whenever you need a new prosthetic leg,
start preparing to get insurance coverage for the consistent doctor visitations you will have.
Now that you have an idea on how to go about choosing the right prosthetic foot, you can start researching what fits your desired goal. There
should be a proper fit and alignment that suit the needs of the individual. It’s important to consult first, then choose the one that matches
your lifestyle.
A few more points to keep in mind:
As soon as you start learning how to use the prosthetic legs, you may undergo common issues like:
*Changing residual limb shape. This usually occurs in the first year after an amputation as the tissue settles into its more
permanent shape and may affect the fit of the socket.
*Phantom limb pain. Pain on the amputated leg could be intense enough to impact your ability to use the prosthesis.
*Excessive sweating. It can affect the fit of the prosthesis and lead to skin issues.
*Weakness in the residual limb. May make it difficult to use the prosthesis for long periods of time.
Ensure you keep in check with your physiotherapy/physical therapy. These are services to individuals to develop, maintain and restore
maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan.
When persons with any disability enjoy the benefits of people-centered care which include proper health care services and social support,
they are able to experience personal growth, well-being, participation in social activities, personal care as well as improve their quality of life.
Don't tell me you can't - Juan José Méndez Fernández
https://www.who.int/disabilities/world_report/2011/chapter1.pdf
https://www.ottobock.com.au/prosthetics/lower-limb/lower-limb-overview/
https://www.amputee-coalition.org/prosthetics-types-guide/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosthesis
Reach out to us and share your testimonials and experiences of prosthetic legs as well.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I would like to inquire about cost of purchasing a above knee prosthetic leg. Preferably the Exoskeletal Prosthesis.
Thank you.
Hi Laura, unfortunately, the prosthesis is currently not available in stock.
Hi Laura . The option available is endoskeletal prostheses the one you are inquiring about is outdated . Would you be interested in it
I would like to get above knee prosthetic leg any but not heavy and how much does it cost
Hi Ibrahim, we shall email you the details.
Hi wld like to enquire about the below knee prosthetic leg and how much does it cost??
Hi Joyce, the prostheses are unavailable in stock at the moment. Kindly contact us on 0722932625 for updates on restocking.
Hello,how much does below knee prosthetic leg cost.
Hello Josephine, price ranges from $4000 but depends on customization.
The prosthetics are currently out of stock but will be arriving soon. You can get in touch with us on 0722932625 for further details.
Comment...hallo I would like to know the cost of leg above the knee
Hi Brenda, the prices vary depending on size and customization. Meanwhile, please get in touch with us on 0722932625
Hi how much is a c leg below the knee prosthetic leg
Hi Collins, the price range from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on size, customization among other details.
The prosthetics are not in stock at the moment though. But please give us a call on 0722932625 and we shall advise accordingly.
Hi,I would like to get above knee prosthetic leg..how much does it cost
Hi Esther, prosthetics are currently out of stock
How much it cost prosthetic of one leg above the knee. And it's available in the stock now. And how can I get it
Hello Mohamed. Unfortunately, the proshetic leg is not available in stock.
Good information, I would like to know the process of fitting for a below knee right prosthesis for a recently amputated 70yr old
Hi Elizabeth, please call 0722932625. Thank you
Hi, are the below the knee prosthetic legs available now?
Hi Amina, please call 0722932625 for specifications of the prosthesis user.
Hi I would like to get one above the knee for my dad aged 80+ how much?and it's urgent
Hi David, the prosthetics are unavailable at the moment.
Hi can I know kindly the price above knee prosthetic leg for my daughter 20 Yeats of age ?
Hello, we do not have the prosthetics available.
Hi, How much is a below elbow prosthetic arm and hand?
hello, sorry they're out of stock
Greetings wanted to confirm the price of an amputated leg below the knee
Where is it available
In Kenya
Hi James, we don't have the prosthetics available in stock.
Hello,
i would like to have this prosthesis.Kindly advice on the price and how i can get it in kenya
Hello, we have emailed you details
Would like to enquire on a above the knee how much does it cost
hi, please see email
Hi iam in need of prosthesis above the knee,how much does it cost please
Hello, they range from $2,000 depending on features and customization. Currently out of stock
Good Morning,
I would kindly like to request for a price list of above the knee endoskeletal prostheses for my uncle.
please share different options and prices for consideration. Thank you.
Hello, the prostheses are not available?
I would like to know how much a prosthetic leg cost
Hi, the prosthetics are currently out of stock
Hello am sherryl and i am inquiring where i can get above knee in kenya because am still using the outdated ones the exoskeleton i would like to try the endoskeleton please advice me how i would get them of both legs and at what price
Hi Sherryl, we don't have the prostheticc available
I would like to get a prosthetic from ankle level.How much does it cost.
they're currently out of stock.
My parent amputated below the knee,how much is the cost
Hello Peter, we don't have the prosthetic in stock at the moment. please reach us on 0722932625 for referrals of the same.
I'm one with below the knee patient from Mombasa, much to know the charge of below the knee prosthesis, and kind of foot you fix.
Hello Abayo, the prosthetics are not available currently.
hello, we deal with the sale of rehab equipment. unfortunately, the prosthetics are not available in stock. Please visit a physiotherapy hospital for assistacne.
Iwould like to get above knee prosthetic leg any but not heavy and how much does it cost
Hello John, the prosthetics are not available in stcok
How much the leg above knee
Hello Joseph, the prosthetics are not available.
I am from Ethiopia I need to bay your Above Knee prosthetic leg.
Hello Abiyot, the prosthetics are not available in stock.
I need a leg at affordable price
Hello Patricia, the leg is not available
i would like to enquire about above the knee prosthetis for my sister .do you offer donations? she is a widow and house wife.
Hello Jane, the prosthetics are not available in stock
Hello, can someone sell an unused prosthetic leg to you or better advise where I can sell it. Still new, never used.
Hello Samuel, we do not have them available in stock. Kindly check with Kijabe hospital
Very informative. Which is the best foot that's long lasting. Do you happen to have size 23L 100mm for sale
Hello Gachuhi, we do not have them available in stock. But you can check with kijabe hospital
Hi , I need to service ,so how to get your product
I kindly need assistance due to an ailment that attacked my leg. It led to a growth and unhealing wounds. Your assistance would be highly appreciated.
Hello Tom, we only supply wheelchairs once patients have been attended to by doctors. Please visit kijabe hospital for consultation and treatment regarding the wound. Wishing you a quick recovery