Prosthetic Fitting and Training

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Pre-Prosthetic Management - Stump Smart Start

  • Patient Assessment (Holistic):
    • Medical status (comorbidities like DM, PVD).
    • Functional goals (ADLs, mobility).
    • Psychological readiness (coping, body image).
    • Vocational needs (return to work).
  • Stump Assessment (Thorough):
    • Length & Shape: Aim for conical/cylindrical.
    • Skin: Integrity, scars, infection signs, sensation (neuroma).
    • Joints: Range of Motion (ROM), Muscle Power (MMT).
  • Stump Care & Conditioning (Key to Success):
    • Edema Control: Figure-of-eight elastic bandaging, shrinker socks.
    • Shaping: Achieve mature stump for prosthetic interface.
    • Desensitization: Tapping, massage, texture exposure.
    • Hygiene: Daily cleaning and skin inspection.
    • Exercises: Strengthening (proximal muscles), ROM. Prosthetic fitting and training techniques

⭐ Stump volume fluctuation is greatest in the initial 3-6 months post-op; consistent compression is vital for optimal prosthetic fitting and to prevent stump edema related complications such as pain and skin breakdown.

Prosthetic Components & Prescription - Limb Lego Logic

  • Principles: Maximize function, comfort, cosmesis; match patient's activity level & goals.
  • Core Components:
    • Socket: Critical interface with residual limb. Key types:
      • Transtibial: Patellar Tendon Bearing (PTB), Total Surface Bearing (TSB).
      • Transfemoral: Quadrilateral, Ischial Containment.
    • Suspension: Secures prosthesis (e.g., suction, pin/lock, vacuum, straps).
    • Joints: Knee units (single-axis, polycentric, microprocessor-controlled), Ankle-foot assemblies (e.g., SACH, dynamic response/energy-storing feet).
    • Terminal Device (UL): Hooks (functional, durable), Hands (cosmetic, functional - e.g., myoelectric).
  • Prosthesis Types (Examples):
    • Upper Limb: Body-powered (harness & cable), Myoelectric (EMG signals).
  • Materials: Lightweight, strong, durable: Carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum alloys, thermoplastics. Lower limb prosthetic components diagram

⭐ The SACH (Solid Ankle Cushion Heel) foot is a basic, non-articulated, durable, and widely prescribed prosthetic foot, especially suitable for initial fittings and lower activity users due to its simplicity and stability during early stance phase of gait.

Prosthetic Fitting & Alignment - Socket Fit Feats

  • Socket Casting & Fabrication:
    • Transtibial (TT): Patellar Tendon Bearing (PTB) socket.
      • Key landmarks: patellar tendon, medial tibial flare.
      • Pressure tolerant: patellar tendon, medial/lateral flares.
      • Pressure sensitive: fibular head, tibial crest, distal tibia.
    • Transfemoral (TF): Ischial Containment (IC) socket. Encloses ischial tuberosity & pubic ramus for stability.
  • Alignment Principles:
    • Static (Bench): Initial setup. LL: Plumb line from greater trochanter to mid-heel.
    • Dynamic: Gait observation. Adjust for comfort, function, energy efficiency.
  • Prosthetic Checkout:
    • Sequence: Bench → Static (standing) → Dynamic (walking).
    • Criteria: Comfort, stability, no pistoning, good skin integrity post-use.
  • Common Fit Issues & Adjustments:
    • Pressure areas (modify socket), pistoning (improve suspension), bell-clapping (add distal padding), rotation (check alignment/suspension).

⭐ For PTB sockets, approximately 60% of weight is borne by the patellar tendon bar, with additional support from tibial flares.

TT Stump Pressure Areas Diagram

Prosthetic Training & Rehabilitation - Gait & Grip Glory

  • Goals: Maximize functional independence, safety, QoL with prosthesis.

  • Lower Limb (LL) Training:

    • Donning/doffing independently.
    • Balance, weight transfer, proprioception.
    • Gait phases: Parallel bars → walker/crutches → cane → independent ambulation.
    • Obstacles: Stairs (step-to/step-over), ramps, uneven surfaces.
  • Common LL Gait Deviations & Corrections:

    DeviationCause(s)Correction(s)
    Abducted GaitProsthesis long; hip contractureLength; stretch; training
    VaultingProsthesis long; ↓ knee flexLength; ↑ knee motion; training
    CircumductionProsthesis long; ↓ knee flex; fearLength; ↑ knee flex; confidence
  • Upper Limb (UL) Training:

    • Donning/doffing.
    • Controls: Body-powered (harness), Myoelectric (EMG).
    • Functional use: ADLs, vocational tasks.
  • Patient Education:

    • Wear schedule: Gradual increase to prevent skin issues.
    • Skin care: Daily inspection, hygiene, sock management.
    • Prosthesis care & maintenance.

⭐ Phantom limb sensation (non-painful) is common; phantom pain needs active management.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Pre-prosthetic care focuses on stump maturation, muscle strengthening, and contracture prevention.
  • Socket design (e.g., Patellar Tendon Bearing (PTB), Ischial Containment) is critical for optimal fit and function.
  • Correct static and dynamic alignment is crucial for an efficient gait pattern and stability.
  • Gait training progresses through balance, weight transfer, and ambulation practice with the prosthesis.
  • Differentiate phantom limb pain (neuropathic origin) from residual limb pain (often mechanical or ischemic).
  • Signs of poor prosthetic fit include pistoning (vertical movement) or socket rotation.
  • Successful prosthetic rehabilitation requires a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach including the patient an prosthetist

Practice Questions: Prosthetic Fitting and Training

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Amputation is often not required in:

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Flashcards: Prosthetic Fitting and Training

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_____ due to discomfort and poor appearance is the most common complication of bracing.

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_____ due to discomfort and poor appearance is the most common complication of bracing.

Poor compliance

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