Frequently Asked Questions

Routine care includes: clean the socket, liner, and limb daily and keep them dry; check screws and connectors daily for looseness and address noise or looseness promptly; periodically inspect joints, feet, and the suspension system (lock, vacuum pump, seal sleeve); avoid sun, heat, oil, and corrosive substances; protect from moisture and rain, and for myoelectric and microprocessor prostheses mind the battery and charging; and keep up scheduled tightening checks and adjustments. Good maintenance extends life, reduces failures, and improves comfort and safety. Follow the center's guidance for specific cycles and methods.

Most issues can be repaired. Loose screws, component noise, a misfitting socket, poor suspension, or damaged liners or seal sleeves are usually handled by the original fitting center or a professional repair shop. Quality problems within warranty are free or reduced; misuse and out-of-warranty repairs cost extra. Prefer the original center, especially for component replacement and alignment, and don't disassemble it yourself or use unqualified repairers. Keep your purchase and warranty documents for repairs and traceability. If you're away, ask a local reputable center whether it can help.

If it suddenly breaks (failed joint, cracked socket, failed lock, detached part), stop using it immediately to avoid falls or injury from continuing to walk. Move to a safe place, use backup aids (wheelchair, crutches) to get around, and contact the original center for repair as soon as possible. Keep backup aids and essentials (spare socks, liners) on hand and know the center's emergency contact. Warning signs (noise, looseness, catching) should be checked early — don't wait for total failure. Never improvise with tape or rope on load-bearing parts.

Signals that a prosthesis may be near the end of its life or need updating: repeatedly misfitting socket with frequent pain or skin breakdown; obvious component wear, noise, looseness, or catching; unstable suspension with frequent slipping; noticeably worse gait or more effort to walk; discomfort after significant limb volume or weight change; and cracks, deformation, or safety risks. When these appear, get a check-up so your prosthetist can decide whether to repair, adjust, or replace. Don't put it off just because it still works — an aging prosthesis raises fall and injury risk and hurts comfort and quality of life.

Yes. Regular check-ups catch a misfitting socket, component wear, suspension problems, and gait issues early; timely adjustment extends life and improves comfort and safety. Recommended: several visits shortly after fitting (e.g. 1 week, 1 month, 3 months), then every 6 to 12 months; children, active users, or those with marked limb volume change need them more often. See the center anytime for pain, slipping, noise, skin problems, or gait changes. A check-up usually covers limb examination, socket fit, alignment, component condition, and gait assessment.

Options include: keep it as a backup or emergency prosthesis if still usable; donate it to charities, rehab centers, or public programs for others (after cleaning and disinfection and per recipient requirements); some centers offer trade-in or recycling; and damaged or unusable ones go to material recycling or local disposal rules. An old prosthesis is custom-sized and generally can't be directly reused by others, so check with the recipient before donating. Either way, keep it until the new prosthesis fits well and works smoothly, so you're not left without one.

A reputable center's after-sales typically includes: post-delivery fitting adjustments (socket, alignment, and comfort within the free adjustment period); regular check-up reminders and maintenance advice; warranty repairs and component replacement; supply and guidance for consumables (liners, socks, seal sleeves); emergency handling and repair; residual limb care and use/maintenance training; and consultation on future replacement and upgrades. After-sales quality directly affects long-term experience and safety. Before signing, clarify its scope, duration, charges, and response speed, and keep written records.