There are some principles to consider when choosing a prosthesis:
First: the prosthetic limb worn can maximize the function of the residual limb and compensate for the loss of limb function.
Second: Pay attention to cost-effectiveness. Smart joints are good, but you have to consider your own financial strength and whether they are suitable for you. Expensive ones may not be suitable for you, but the ones that suit you are the best.
Third: When choosing a prosthetic limb, you should also consider whether the spare parts of the prosthetic limb are easy to replace and repair.
So how do you choose a prosthesis that suits you? What kind of prosthesis is right for you?
The first thing you need to consider is your own financial situation. First choose a suitable price range and choose products that suit you within this price range.
The second point to consider is your own needs, your own living environment and your future activity level after wearing a prosthesis. Specifically, whether you live in a city or a country, whether there are barrier-free facilities around you, whether the ground you walk on is soft or hard, and whether the road surface is uneven. Generally, prosthetic joints or foot plates have their own suitable activity levels, which are generally divided into four levels: Ottobock's exercise level division is as follows:Level 1, indoor activities; Level 2, restricted outdoor walkers; Level 3, unrestricted outdoor walkers; Level 4, unrestricted outdoor walkers with exercise needs. You need to choose the feet and joints that suit you according to your level of exercise.
The third point is your height and weight. Each prosthetic accessory has its suitable group of people. Some prosthetic accessories have weight requirements, which are generally divided into four types: weight less than 75kg; weight less than 100kg; weight less than 125kg and weight greater than 125kg. It should be noted that the patient's weight should not change too quickly after wearing the prosthesis. Whether it increases or decreases, it may affect the fit of the socket, thereby affecting the entire prosthesis. In addition, taller patients are advised to choose joints with better stability. Inaccurate selection can easily affect the functionality and service life of prosthetic accessories.
The fourth point is your age and gender. Elderly and female patients have smaller range of activities and less exercise, so they should choose prostheses with high safety performance; young people should choose prostheses with strong flexibility and functionality.
The fifth point is the condition of the residual limb. For patients who have done well in rehabilitation after amputation, if the shape, skin, muscle strength, and joint mobility of the residual limb have recovered well, the patient can play the role of the residual limb, control the prosthesis well, and walk with a good gait. Some residual limbs have scars on their skin, have had skin grafting, or have very short residual limbs, have blood circulation disorders at the end of the residual limb, or have diabetes, etc., which will affect the function of the residual limb and require special protection to maximize the functional level of the residual limb.
By comprehensively considering the above principles and factors, you can choose the most suitable prosthetic limb for you. With the experience of the prosthetic technician, your own rehabilitation efforts can maximize the functions of the residual limb and prosthetic limb and achieve an ideal effect.
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