Finding a prosthetist/ clinic

When searching for a prosthetist that fits your needs it is important to make sure they are experienced and skilled in upper extremity prosthetic care. Finding the right prosthetist may take time and research, but it is worth the effort to ensure that you receive high-quality, personalized care tailored to your needs and goals.

Here are some steps to help you find a prosthetist: 

  • Ask for referrals from your primary care physician or surgeon 

  • Research online using prosthetic directories or healthcare insurance websites. 

  • Contact your health insurance provider or look on their online provider directories to inquire about prosthetists in the network with your plan. 

  • Read reviews and testimonials 

  • Verify that the prosthetist you wish to see is licensed and certified by the relevant organizations and that they meet specific standards of education, training, and competency. 

  • Consider the clinician's experience and specialization to ensure they are the best fit to work with patients with upper extremity amputations. 

  • Meet with different prosthetists before committing to one and ensure that their communication style, attentiveness, and willingness to listen to your preferences and concerns meet your expectations. Take this opportunity to ask questions and understand their approach to prosthetic care and process. 

  • Consider the clinic location and office hours and make sure that they are convenient for you to make follow-up visits and adjustment visits easy to attend. 

Trust your instincts and choose a clinic and prosthetist that you feel comfortable with and establish a trusting and collaborative relationship with them.

Socket fitting process: 

The socket fitting process for an upper extremity prosthetic involves creating a custom-designed socket that fits snugly and comfortably over the residual limb. This socket serves as the interface between the residual limb and the prosthetic device, providing support, stability, and control. 

Here is an overview of the socket fitting process:

Phase 1: Initial Assessment conducted by a prosthetist who evaluates the patient’s residual limb, mobility, range of motion, skin integrity, and other needs and preferences of the individual.

Explaining what “trialing” the ABH means 

Phase 2: Precise measurements of the residual limb will be taken including the circumference, length, and any areas of volume fluctuant or bony prominences.   

Phase 3: Depending on the prosthetist's preference the residual limb may be cast using plaster bandages or scanned using advanced imaging technology such as 3D scanning. This allows for the exact shape and dimensions of the limb to ensure an accurate fit. 

Phase 4: Using the casting or scans from the step above the prosthetist will fabricate a socket using thermoplastics or carbon fiber materials. These materials are durable, lightweight, and moldable which allows for precise customization of the individual's anatomy. 

Phase 5: During the fabrication process the individuals will undergo a fitting session to try on the socket that has been fabricated. This allows the prosthetist to make adjustments and ensure proper fit, comfort, and alignment of the prosthetic socket components to optimize function and biomechanics. During this session, the prosthetist will also assess pressure distribution and locate any discomfort or pressure points. 

Phase 6: Once the fitting is completed and considered to be satisfactory then the patient will undergo functional testing to evaluate the socket's performance with various tasks such as reaching, grasping, and lifting objects. 

Phase 7: The individual will receive training on how to put on and take off the prosthesis, care and maintenance instructions