Amputee and Prosthetic Timeline
Welcome to our collection of helpful videos for individuals who have recently undergone or are about to undergo amputation. These videos offer valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories from amputees who have successfully navigated this life-changing experience. Whether you’re seeking information on the amputation process, adjusting to a new body, or learning how to use a prosthetic, our curated selection of videos will provide you with the support and guidance you need.
Explore the Links Below to Navigate to Each Section
1. Preoperative Phase – Before Surgery
- Schedule initial consultations with a prosthetist and a peer visitor for guidance and support.
- Discuss surgical options and post-surgery expectations with your medical team.
- Begin mental preparation and learn about post-operative care and recovery processes.
2. Immediate Postoperative Phase – 0 to 2 Weeks
- Apply a stump protector to safeguard the residual limb from injury.
- Schedule follow-up visits with your medical team.
- Initiate residual limb shaping using compression garments, if appropriate.
- Start pre-prosthetic training exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
How to put on limb (stump) protector by our amputee model.
Prosthetist explanation of putting on a limb (stump) protector.
How to Use Shrinkers for Amputees | CPO Paul Leimkuehler Demonstrates Compresso Grip Application
3. Early Recovery Phase – 3 to 4 Weeks Post-Surgery
- Have staples or sutures removed under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
- Begin wearing a shrinker or ace wrap to manage and reduce residual limb volume.
- Continue basic physical therapy exercises to maintain overall body strength and balance.
Paul CPO explains and demonstrates why we use shrinkers or sheaths and how to properly wear them.
Our amputee model explains and shows us how to properly don/doff a shrinker or sheath.
How to properly put on a sheath.
4. Healing and Evaluation Phase – 4 to 6 Weeks Post-Surgery
- Ensure the surgical site is fully healed, with no signs of infection or complications.
- Schedule an initial prosthetic evaluation with your prosthetist to discuss the next steps.
- Plan for the first measurements and impressions for a temporary prosthesis.
5. Casting and Fitting Phase – 6 to 8 Weeks Post-Surgery
- Prosthetist takes detailed impressions and measurements of the residual limb for a custom temporary prosthesis.
- Perform the first test fitting of a temporary prosthetic socket to assess fit and comfort.
- Make necessary adjustments to the socket for optimal fit and alignment.
- Learn how to don/doff your prosthetic liner.
What to Expect When Getting Casted for a Below-Knee Prosthetic Socket
6. Temporary Prosthesis Phase – 2 to 4 months
- Take delivery of the temporary prosthesis.
- Begin intensive prosthetic gait training with a physical therapist to learn proper walking techniques.
- Adjust the prosthesis based on comfort and mobility needs.
7. Limb Maturation Phase – 4 to 6 Months
- Wait for the residual limb volume to stabilize, typically over several months.
- Continue ongoing physical therapy and gait training to refine mobility skills.
- Prosthetist will make necessary adjustments to the socket for optimal fit and alignment.
8. Definitive Prosthesis Phase – 6 to 12 Months
- Receive the first definitive prosthesis, custom-made based on stabilized limb measurements.
- Continue therapy to achieve long-term rehabilitation goals and adapt to the new prosthesis.
9. Lifelong Care and Maintenance
- Schedule regular follow-up appointments for prosthesis maintenance and limb health monitoring.
- Attend amputee support group meetings for ongoing emotional support and community connection.
- Plan for prosthetic device replacements approximately every 3-5 years or as needed.