Prosthetics
A prosthetic device (prosthesis) has many uses depending on the patient's needs. Amputation can be due to diabetic complications, other health problems, an injury, or a person can be born with a missing or malformed limb.
At HPOS, our mission is to support you in the journey of using an assistive device including support with the emotional and physical challenges you may encounter along the way.
We work with you and a multidisciplinary team to achieve the best possible outcome.
During the initial rehabilitation phase, we will provide an interim prosthesis (the first prosthetic limb made following amputation) and help you select the most appropriate design from various technologies available that best suits you, your activities, and your goals.
Once the interim limb is complete, the fit and alignment are adjusted so that you can take your first steps towards rehabilitation.
>You will work with a prosthetist, physiotherapist, doctor, and other healthcare professionals to help you adjust to your new limb. During this period, your prosthesis is constantly monitored and adjusted to maintain the best fit and help you achieve your prosthetic goals.
This process begins at an inpatient rehabilitation centre; however, once you can safely use your new limb, you can go home and continue your rehabilitation as an outpatient.
During this phase, we will also help you in navigating the various available funding schemes.
Once your residual limb is healed and stabilised, and you have gone through the initial rehabilitation phase, you will progress to a longer term prosthesis (called a definitive prosthesis). This limb is designed for day-to-day activities and includes components that cater for more specific uses. Some patients can have additional prostheses designed for special activities such as cycling or running and water use.
The definitive prosthesis design will use a combination of pre-manufactured and custom-made components, and we’ll do our best to ensure the design is a reflection of your personality. Please discuss with your prosthetist if you have ideas around specific patterns, designs and colours, and we’ll do our best to bring these to life.
Once the longer term prosthesis is fitted, there will be occasions where the device needs adjustment or repair. Regular check-ups will allow us to carry out all the required maintenance, teach you how to care for your prosthesis, and advise when a replacement may be needed.
Our clinicians are available for both in-person reviews and phone consultations, and we encourage you to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns at any time. Our team is available Monday to Friday (APOS: 9am to 5pm, HPOS 8am to 4pm).
Orthotics
Orthotic devices (orthoses) are medical devices manufactured to support muscles, correct posture or gait, or to protect from further injury.
People living with muscular, neurological, skeletal disabilities or injuries often require orthotic support. Orthoses can also be used to manage acute injuries such as spinal fractures or to enhance surgical care like post-operative bracings.
Items such as sports guards can help prevent further injury, while custom devices can help people be as independent as possible.
Where can orthotics help?
Common conditions managed in orthotic care include stroke, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, diabetic foot wounds, spinal injuries or deformities, nerve injuries, fractures, dislocating joints, sports injuries, as well as injury sustained during motor vehicle accidents or workplace incidents.
Types of orthoses
Orthoses fall under three general categories:
Our orthotists will discuss the best option with you, taking into consideration your injury or disability, lifestyle, age, and activity level.
As an extension to our orthotics service, we also conduct regular custom footwear clinics, allowing us to deliver more comprehensive care for clients with severe foot deformities who are unable to use standard footwear. Your orthotist will discuss footwear options with you and let you know nest steps.
Paediatrics
Orthotics and prosthetics have a significant role to play in caring for infants, children, and young people. There are many conditions that should be addressed before a child has finished growing and an orthosis is commonly used to achieve the best outcome in these cases.
Paediatric clients who attend our service are given all the extra attention their unique needs require.
The most common reasons children and young people need prosthetics or orthotics include congenital limb difference, cerebral palsy, scoliosis, fractures and spina bifida. Our staff are also able to offer care for less common childhood conditions that may arise due to disease, sports injuries or other trauma and developmental issues such as hip dysplasia.
Our paediatric prosthetic and orthotic clients are regularly re-assessed so their device is fitting well and offering the right support for their stage of growth. Children require regular replacements due to growth thus some patients require a replacement a child's prosthesis or orthosis each year.
Along with our care for infants and paediatric patients, we also support the parents, family and other carers with training and advice for every new device.
Technology
Providing the latest in assistive technology.
Prosthetics and orthotics have undergone significant advancements and enhancements in all areas, including the strength, weight, and durability of our materials. Computer-aided design and fitting equipment provide improvements for clients, while cosmetic options provide our clients many options to meet their aesthetic needs.
During your consultation, your prosthetist will discuss the options available to you and how the technology will best meet your needs.
Prosthetic knees are available in two forms: mechanical and microprocessor.
Mechanical knees use a mechanical hinge to replace the knee joint. Friction, a hydraulic system, or a locking mechanism control the ease of engaging the hinge. These knees are useful for many clients and can be adjusted to suit each person’s required mobility needs.
Microprocessor knees provide another option for some people with above-knee amputations. These computer-controlled knee joints are designed to adapt to different surfaces and environments, using sensors to detect when clients are walking quickly, over uneven terrain, up and down slopes, or on stairs. This technology could benefit clients with the capacity to perform activities beyond everyday walking.
Myoelectric devices are computer-controlled components replacing the function of the upper limb. These devices are controlled via muscle contraction signals or cables and can provide control of prosthetic hands and elbows.
Myoelectric components and a traditional body-powered prosthesis can enhance daily living functions. Myoelectric components can provide the benefit of better grip control and dexterity compared to more traditional body-powered prosthesis counterparts.
Osseointegration is the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the artificial implant that will bear the weight of the prosthesis.
A surgical implant is placed into the bone, providing a direct connection to which a prosthetic device can be attached. This can offer a new level of control and functionality not normally experienced in conventional prosthetic devices. Our service will liaise with specialist medical teams to fit an appropriate device to your implant.