A central resource for individuals with congenital or aquired limb loss, their families, carers and healthcare professionals
  • select font size  
  • small text
  • medium text
  • large text
HOMEHOME
ChairtiesCHARITIES
ABOUT THE LIMB LOSS INFORMATION CENTREABOUT LLIC
HELPHELP
SITE MAPSITE MAP

Prosthetics?
1. How are prosthetic arms different to prosthetic legs?
Prosthetic legs attempt to fulfil some of the roles of the phusiological (natural) leg, such as supporting the body and facilitating walking. Prosthetic arms attemtp to carry out some of the roles of the physiological arm like complex manipulation of objects. In answer to this specific question, the similarities are probably more important than the differences.

2. What is a Prosthesis?
A prosthesis is an externally applied device designed to replace a missing part of the body or to make a part of the body work better. Diseased or missing eyes, arms, hands, and legs are commonly replaced by prosthetic devices. Generally, most people view a prosthesis as an artificial limb.

3. What is a prosthesis used for?
In general, prosthetic devices are used to replace an amputee’s missing limb so that they may perform regular daily tasks more easily, helping them gain more independence and confidence as they carry on everyday life.

The availability of modern technology has made it possible for prosthetic devices to perform almost any task – from relatively simple artificial teeth used for dental implants to specially designed and manufactured artificial limbs for sports such as running/sprinting.

4. How do I get a prosthesis?

If you are a British citizen or working in the UK you will generally be referred to an NHS rehabilitation centre, also know as a limb fitting centre for the provision of your prosthetic limbs. You may also visit an Independent Service Provider for the provision of your prosthetics.

You will see a prosthetist, who is a professional  trained to fit, adjust, recommend and modify a prosthetic deviceA few visits to a prosthetist may be required to determine what type of prosthesis is needed. You will be measured, fitted and trained how to use and look after the prosthesis.

The prosthetic company manufactures and sells prosthetic devices to the NHS or to the Independent Service Provider. Once the right prosthesis has been chosen (or custom designed), you will collect it from the Limb Centre. Modifications may be required to better suit the prosthesis to its user.

A visit to a physical therapist (or a prosthetist) is part of this process. The therapist will train you on the functions of the newly acquired device as well as how to obtain good performance and maximum comfort in everyday life while using the device.

5. What should be considered when choosing a prosthesis?

Several important factors should be considered when choosing a prosthesis:

6. Will my prosthesis be covered by insurance?

If you are an NHS patient your prosthetic repairs and replacement are provided by the NHS. This may not apply if you are a private patient visiting an NHS facility. If you are a private patient it is worth asking your prosthetist if you artificial limb is insured.


You can include your artificial limb on your home contents insurance, but it is likely that you will have to pay a premium. The Douglas Bader Foundation are working with an Insurance Broker called Square Mile Insurance to create competitive insurance policies which include the insurance of artificial limbs and wheelchairs. Visit www.douglasbaderfoundation.com to find out more about these policies.

7. How long will it take to make my artificial leg?

A temporary prosthesis takes about one week to make. A permanent prosthesis normally requires three or four trial fittings during its fabrication and is made to match your sound leg. The time varies from four to six weeks.


A prosthesis can be designed several ways according to individual needs. One is with a strap suspension; another uses a suction socket that requires no straps. For below-knee amputees, a suspension sleeve can fit over the prosthesis and knee.

8. What is the difference between a private and a NHS leg?

The main difference between the NHS and the private sector is the amount of time that is dedicated to you and how quickly new limbs and adjustments can be made. There are only a few products and components available privately that are in limited supply on the NHS.

9. How much does an artificial leg weigh?

A leg is approximately 1/6 of your bodyweight. The weight of your artificial limb will depend on the type of limb and the components, but on average a below knee prosthesis weights 2kg and an above knee prosthesis weighs 4-5kg.

10. How many limbs will I need?
This will depend on your level of activity. The NHS will generally provide you with two artificial limbs, although this is not always the case and will depend on your personal requirements. Your artificial limb/s will be maintained and updated as and when you need them to be. This is normally an everyday limb and a spare limb, which can be set up for a specific activity. Some users require a shower leg, which can be used for showering or for beach activities. Everyone is different, so it is important that you speak with your rehab consultant and prosthetist about what you want to be able to do after your amputation. Think about different sports or activities you participated in prior to your amputation. You may also want a cosmetic cover for your limb which is available on the NHS but you need to inform your rehab consultant of your desire for this as the budget is limited.

11.Who is responsible for informing patients about the options available to them?
There doesn’t appear to be a policy for this. It seems that all members of the rehabilitation team are tasked with keeping the patients informed about new developments, techniques and products.

12. Is there a money issue regarding the choices available to patients?
Prosthetists shouldn’t be thinking about the money when making a prescription, however, they do need to be responsible. By prescribing appropriately they can ensure there is enough money in the budget for patients who need higher level products.