Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Prosthetics ?
A: Prosthetics is the science or
field of practice pertaining to prescribing, designing, fabricating
and fitting a replacement of a body segment which has been lost.
The loss of a segment of the body, such as an arm or a leg, may be
the result of a traumatic injury, vascular diseases, diabetes,
cancer or a congenital disorder. The person who is qualified
or specialized in prosthetics science is known as a Prosthetist and
the product is called a prosthesis.
Q: What is the purpose of a prosthesis?
A: The purpose of a prosthesis is to restore the function and appearance
of the lost segment. Therefore, the fabrication of a prosthesis is an intricate,
custom procedure requiring a high degree of skill and sophisticated technology.
The design of the prosthesis is determined by the patient's physical changes,
level of activity, and functional needs. For example, children usually require
new prostheses on a more frequent basis due to their rapid growth rate and high
activity level.
Q: What are the components of a prosthesis?
A: A prosthesis is made up of several parts, depending on what type of prosthesis it is.
A lower limb prostheses can contain a partial foot component, a complete prosthetic foot, ankle joint,
knee joint, and possibly a hip joint depending on the injury and how much of the patient’s limb remains.
An upper limb prosthesis can include just a partial finger, several fingers, hand (or hook),
wrist joint, elbow joint, and possibly a shoulder joint. But every prosthesis will contain a “socket”.
The socket is the portion of the prosthesis that is custom made to fit the remainder of the
patient’s limb. For a patient to be able to use a prosthesis successfully, the fit and comfort of
the prosthetic socket is critical.
Q: Is getting a prosthesis like getting any other type of medical equipment?
A: No, not typically. A prosthesis is fabricated to fit a patient’s residual limb at that moment
in time. As a patient increases their activity level, gains or loses weight, or has any similar life
changes, the prosthesis will require adjustments. The adjustments of a prosthesis which can include
socket adjustments, repairs, realignment, and/or component “upgrades” are also aspects of ongoing
treatment. Therefore, follow-up care after delivery of a prosthesis is essential for a patient to
remain comfortable while wearing their artificial limb.
Q: I just received a new prosthesis. Is it true that I will “get used to my prosthesis”
as I wear it or that my limb will “toughen up”?
A: To a SMALL extent, this is true. New components, such
as a new socket insert or a suspension sleeve may have a ‘break in”
period since the fabrics are new and will stretch and conform
to your residual limb shape over time. And for new amputees,
typically a prosthesis is fit before the residual limb is 100%
fully healed. So, as the limb continues to heal, the discomfort
will disappear. However, if your prosthesis is not comfortable,
you should NOT be told that you will get used to it. If a
prosthesis is uncomfortable, then you won’t wear it – and that’s
no good. An uncomfortable prosthesis requires adjustments which
should be performed by a Prosthetist. Wearing a prosthesis does
NOT have to hurt. Good and regular follow-up care is essential
to keep a prosthesis comfortable on your limb.
Q: What specific services do you
provide?? What do you do?? What are your specialties??
A: I provide prosthetic services to amputees.
I fabricate customized artificial arms and legs, fit each device, consult with new amputees,
and provide Immediate Post-Operative Prostheses
Q:
What are common questions or misperceptions about your area of expertise??
A: I provide prosthetic services to amputees. It bothers me that amputees are told (and believe) that wearing a prosthesis hurts,
and the person now is handicapped. Wearing a prosthesis does NOT have to hurt!! Good follow-up care allows a patient to be comfortable – all day long.
One common question I am asked during consultations is, “Will I be able to do the things
I used to do before my amputation”. I tell my patient’s that if they BELIEVE that
they can do a particular task, then they will be able to DO that particular task. My job is to give a patient the appropriate tool(s) to achieve their goals.
Q: Who is your typical patient/customer (gender, age, income,
geographical proximity, etc.)?? Who do you want to target??
A: My typical patients currently are trauma patients from
Grant Hospital. My patients are mostly from the central Ohio area, referred to me by the
Orthopedic doctors. My target audiences are: referring doctors (orthopedics, mostly),
amputees, and family members of amputees.
Q: How do you set yourself apart from competitors in the market??
What makes you different??
A: My office is a small office, and I am the only practitioner
at Ace Prosthetics, Inc. This allows me to have a very personal relationship with each patient.
I also do not have large overhead, so I can spend large amounts of time with patients who are
difficult to fit. And, I schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure a patient remains
comfortable while wearing their prosthesis. My focus at Ace Prosthetics, Inc. is Customer
Service and Patient Care.
I also have a full fabrication laboratory on site, so I can create prostheses very quickly.
And I personally fabricate each prosthesis, so there is no information lost between the
practitioner and the technician.
Lastly, I refuse to allow the “paper work” hold up delivery of a prosthesis.
My goal has always been to deliver a prosthesis within 1 week of getting a prescription
(either written or verbal) from the doctor. And, I DO NOT allow insurance companies
to determine what is best for my patients.
Q: What are some of the emotional motivators that would cause
someone to seek out your services?? What are some of the emotional deterrents??
A: I hope that ANYONE who is currently uncomfortable
within their prosthesis or who is unable to wear their prosthesis for more than a few
hours a day realizes that it doesn’t have to be that way. With HUGE advances in prosthetics
over the last 10 to 15 years, patients should not be uncomfortable or unable to function
due to their prosthesis.
Also, if you need to be seen today, I will see you today. A patient should NEVER have
to wait several days (or weeks) to see a practitioner.