Prosthetics Services and Support

New Braunfels Clinic

Upper & Lower Prosthetic Limbs

A prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part, which may be lost through trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. Prosthetic amputee rehabilitation is primarily coordinated by a prosthetist and an inter-disciplinary team of health care professionals including psychiatrists, surgeons, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

Transtibial Prosthesis

A transtibial prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces a leg missing below the knee. Transtibial amputees are usually able to regain normal movement more readily than someone with a transfemoral amputation, due in large part to retaining the knee, which allows for easier movement. Lower extremity prosthetics describes artificially replaced limbs located at the hip level or lower.

In the prosthetic industry a trans-tibial prosthetic leg is often referred to as a "BK" or below the knee prosthesis while the trans-femoral prosthetic leg is often referred to as an "AK" or above the knee prosthesis.

Other, less prevalent lower extremity cases include the following: Hip disarticulations - This usually refers to when an amputee or congenitally challenged patient has either an amputation or anomaly at or in close proximity to the hip joint. Knee disarticulations - This usually refers to an amputation through the knee disarticulating the femur from the tibia.

The majority of prosthetic devices are for below the knee amputees an intimate socket fit will provide improved comfort and gait patterns. Prosthetic devices commonly use silicone, urethane or elastomeric gels fit directed to the residual limb and hold the prosthetic device with or without pin locks. Elevated vacuum socket use is also on the rise and the intimate fit provides better blood flow to the residue limb for greater limb health for the amputee.

Transfemoral Prosthesis

A transfemoral prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces a leg missing above the knee. Transfemoral amputees can have a very difficult time regaining normal movement. In general, a transfemoral amputee must use approximately 80% more energy to walk than a person with two whole legs.

This is due to the complexities in movement associated with the knee. In newer and more improved designs, hydraulics, carbon fiber, mechanical linkages, motors, computer microprocessors, and innovative combinations of these technologies are employed to give more control to the user.

In the prosthetic industry a trans-femoral prosthetic leg is often referred to as an "AK" or above the knee prosthesis.

Transradial Prosthesis

A transradial prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces an arm missing below the elbow. Two main types of prosthetics are available.

Cable operated limbs work by attaching a harness and cable around the opposite shoulder of the damaged arm. The other form of prosthetics available are myoelectric arms.

These work by sensing, via electrodes, when the muscles in the upper arm moves, causing an artificial hand to open or close. In the prosthetic industry a trans-radial prosthetic arm is often referred to as a "BE" or below elbow prosthesis.

Transhumeral Prosthesis

A transhumeral prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces an arm missing above the elbow.

Transhumeral amputees experience some of the same problems as transfemoral amputees, due to the similar complexities associated with the movement of the elbow.

This makes mimicking the correct motion with an artificial limb very difficult. In the prosthetic industry a trans-humeral prosthesis is often referred to as a "AE" or above the elbow prosthesis.

Glide Wear Prosthetic Patches

GlideWear by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies is a breakthrough in the treatment and prevention of skin trauma. GlideWear technology reduces shear stresses in at-risk areas of human tissue to promote wound healing and prevent tissue damage altogether.

Initially introduced as a shear management technology for wheelchair cushion covers, GlideWear is now under development as a prosthetic liner interface for transtibial amputees and for users of knee braces.

• Place the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch over the affected area.
• Roll the prosthetic liner or sock over the limb to complete placement.
• Enjoy worry-free skin protection throughout the day!
• Apply clean and dry patch daily.
• Machine or hand wash & dry worn patches regularly for extended use.
• If GlideWear patch becomes torn or seam rips, replace with new patch to ensure optimal results.

Rooke® Below-Knee Rigid Protector

The Rooke® Below-Knee Rigid Protector with Soft Interface amputee residual limb protector is a perfect choice for immediate use after a below-knee amputation. It maintains the limb in a very secure, yet neutral, extended position to reduce the risk of flexion contracture. It incorporates stable foam protection throughout for reduced risk of injury resulting from a fall. It is also contoured behind the knee for additional support. The Rooke® Rigid Protector is also adjustable for a variety of limb sizes.

 

The Rooke BK Rigid Protector helps to:

• Maintain limb in a neutral, extended position
• Reduce risk of flexion contracture
• Reduce fall rupture risk with included “fall pads”
• Provide support of the limb
• Insulate the leg to promote skin perfusion

N-Abler II ™ Terminal Device

The N-Abler II ™ is the “Heart” of the N-Abler ™ Tool and Implement System. With the N-Abler II ™ capability to flex 60 ˚, the end user is able to maneuver tools into a safe comfortable position for use without distorting their body to do so. A real Frustration Factor Fixer!