Custom Care With You In Mind

Prosthetics

What is a prosthesis?

A prosthesis is a device that is used to allow a person to make up for the loss of a body part.  Artificial limbs, or prosthetics, can allow a person to do activities they might not be able to do otherwise.

Prosthetics are our passion at Macy O&P.  We utilize 3D scanning, printing, and CAD software to measure and design the best fitting devices for our patients. By using several 3D printers in our office, we are able to create all, or portions of each device and any of our outsourced sockets are fabricated by top Central Fabricators across the U.S. Our 3D printers are viewable in our waiting rooms. WOW! Check them out and let us know what you think at your next visit.

We specialize in both lower and upper extremity prostheses.  This includes myoelectric and microprocessor controlled prostheses, as well as specialized prostheses for heavy duty use, swimming, and running.

Upper & Lower Limb Prosthetic Process
How We Create Prosthetic Devices – The Fabrication Process

The Major Categories of Upper-Limb Amputations

Hand & Partial-Hand Amputations
Finger, thumb or portion of the hand below the wrist

Wrist Disarticulation
Limb is amputated at the level of the wrist

Transradial
(below elbow amputations) – Amputation occurring in the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist

Transhumeral
(above elbow amputations) – Amputations occurring in the upper arm from the elbow to the shoulder

Shoulder Disarticulation
Amputation at the level of the shoulder, with the shoulder blade remaining.  The collarbone may or may not be removed

Forequarter Amputation
Amputation at the level of the shoulder in which both the shoulder blade and collar bone are removed.

The Major Categories of Lower-Limb Amputations

Foot Amputations
Amputation of any part of the foot. This includes mid tarsal amputations, Lisfranc amputation, Boyds amputations & Symes amputation

Transtibial Amputations
(below the knee) – Amputation occurs at any level from the knee to the ankle

Knee Disarticulation
Amputation occurring at the level of the knee joint

Transfermoral Amputations
(above knee) – Amputation occurring at any level from the hip to the knee joint

Hip Disarticulation
Amputation is at the hip joint with the entire thigh and lower portion of the leg being removed

Below Knee Prosthesis

The most common type of amputation that we treat at Macy O&P is that of a below the knee (BK), or transtibial amputation. A BK prosthesis has 4 important components:

1) Socket – The interface that is customized to the shape and size of the patient’s residual limb so that it can surround and house it.

2) Pylon – This piece connects the socket to the foot. Pylons can look like a long pipe, can be cosmetic, or even a low- profile connecting component.

3) Foot – A prosthetic foot aims to mimic a human foot and help patients achieve their goals. Every amputee has different goals so matching a foot to help achieve those goals and functional level is important. Some feet work great for stability with transfers where other designs are more energy efficient for active patients.

4) Suspension – How the prosthesis stays attached to patient. Some options include, but are not limited to, pin locking, suction, or even a landyard strap.

The Fabrication Process

Step 1: 3D ScanningStep 2: CAD ModificationStep 3: Printing of SocketStep 4: Diagnostic FittingStep 5: Final Fitting

FAQs & Resources

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