Prosthetic Service

We know the most critical element in any prosthesis is the fit and comfort of the socket interface with the body. For that reason, our Prosthetists have specialist training in socket design and keep up with developments in shape and liner technology, ensuring the best possible fit specifically for you.

Our selection of world-class componentry enables our Prosthetists to optimise safety, comfort and functionality to achieve your desired outcome. Cosmetic finishing can be simple, if you like to keep the technology on view, or very lifelike should you prefer matched colour tones and skin detail.

Rehabilitation...Before Amputation?

The rehabilitation journey should start BEFORE the amputation. Find out where the rehabilitation will be located and call to ask to meet the team before the surgery.

Ask for exercises before the surgery. Get to know the rehabilitation team and prepare yourself for spending a regular amount of time with that rehab facility after surgery.

Physical rehabilitation is an intrinsic part of the overall recovery process, and effective short and long-term goal setting will help to restore full mobility and confidence, enabling you to accomplish a range of activities.

Rehabilitation...After Amputation

Rehabilitation after an amputation is unique to you. Your programme will be tailored to your needs and requirements. The speed and success of rehabilitation and the type of activities you can expect to undertake during your recovery will vary depending on your current general health, the reason for amputation and other factors such as age.

You can expect to start your rehabilitation journey shortly after surgery with simple exercises that can be performed while sitting or lying down, these exercises are designed to keep joints moving and to maintain muscle strength. You’ll also learn how to transfer yourself from your bed to your wheelchair.

As you become more independent, and as your wound heals your confidence will grow and you will gradually be able to perform a wider range of strength and flexibility exercises in the rehabilitation gym. At this stage your multidisciplinary team (your clinician, your prosthetist, your physiotherapist, etc.) together will discuss your options and suitability for a prosthetic.

Prosthetic Technology Explained

A prosthetic knee joint is part of a lower leg walking 'prosthesis' - sometimes known as an artificial leg or limb. It is used by people who have lost a leg at or above the knee. The loss of this part of the leg is commonly a result of problems with the blood vessels in the leg ('vascular disease').

Microprocessor Controlled Prosthetic Knees (MPKs) are a group of knee components that can be a vital, necessary and important component to improve rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life. These limbs improve walking and balance by aiding walking movements in real time and this reduces falls and accidents caused by a lack of stability that can be experienced with other prosthetic limbs.

Walking with a prosthesis results in a considerable increase in energy expenditure and it’s important to regain joint range of motion and muscle strength to optimise mobility outcomes. Health conditions, general physical and mental health can also have an impact and are taken into consideration to ensure patients are suitable for prosthetic provision and to recommend the optimal prosthetic technology for our patients.

Microprocessor-controlled Knees

The human leg performs an incredible number of complex functions that most people don’t even consider in their daily lives. Things like changing walking speed, standing still, avoiding a fall after tripping, walking down stairs, slopes and even switching surfaces. All of these movements rely on the knee’s ability to adjust its resistance to the weight of the body whilst remaining perfectly balanced.

An MPK uses inbuilt sensors to replicate these functions, enabling you to walk more naturally across varying terrain. It allows you to use both limbs more equally so you can help avoid overuse injuries and promote greater long-term health and independence.

Our team of Prosthetists have access to a selection of world-class microprocessor knees and will be able to make informed recommendations and achieve optimal safety, comfort and functionality specifically for you.

An MPK does not necessarily provide protection against overuse. It can help…it provides consistent function for any given set of situations. Used in combination with other components like hydraulic ankles supplied under the NHS MPK there is greater protection against compensatory movements. (See the relevant evidence below.)

Hydraulic Ankles

The human ankle foot complex contains 28 bones and 33 joints that work that provide balance, stability and a seamless walking experience. By continuously adjusting to absorb and release energy, hydraulic ankles allow for an efficient roll-over, increasing ground clearance to reduce the risk of trips and falls.

Clinical benefits of hydraulic ankles include improved safety, greater comfort, balanced limb loading, greater control and safety, improved energy efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

Newer clinical findings for hydraulic ankle feet compared to rigidly attached prosthetic feet show improved energy efficiency during walking, greater adaptability to slopes and uneven walking surfaces and a reduction in peak pressure under the non-prosthetic foot.

Clinical Studies on Hydraulic Ankle Pairing

Blatchford biomimetic performance response technology (PRT) mimics the dynamic and adaptive qualities of muscle actuation to encourage more natural gait.

Multiple independent scientific studies, comparing Blatchford hydraulic ankle-feet to non-hydraulic feet, have shown:

• Greater comfort, reduced socket pressures
• Improved safety, reduced risk of trips and falls
• Smoother, easier, and more natural gait
• More evenly balanced inter-limb loading
• Greater patient satisfaction

Read the Clinical Studies Compendium - Hydraulic ankle-foot edition 3 (2011-2020) to help you make the most informed decision regarding your patient's prescription.

This compendium includes 23 peer-reviewed journal publications describing the clinical benefits of hydraulic ankle technology, as well as nine key conference abstracts.