Preprosthetic training

When is someone ready for a prosthesis?

How does someone get ready?

What should therapists address when they can advise a patient before surgery?

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To decide, we consider their goals and what they need to do to walk. Meanwhile, we evaluate:

• OTHER MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS

• STATUS OF UNAMPUTATED LIMB
  • online version of Mueller, M.J. (1996). Identifying patients with diabetes mellitus who are at risk for lower-extremity complications: Use of Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Physical Therapy, 76, 68-71.

    "Look at your patients' bare feet at each visit," at the website of Eli Lilly Co.

    "The Prevention and Treatment of Complications of Diabetes Mellitus: A Guide for Primary Care Practitioners," a discussion of foot problems from the Center for Disease Control

• PATIENT EXPECTATIONS

• READINESS OF RESIDUAL LIMB FOR PROSTHETIC FITTING
  • HEALING
  • MOBILITY
  • CIRCULATION
  • HYGIENE

• SENSATION
  • HYPOSENSITIVITY
  • HYPERSENSITIVITY
  • PHANTOM SENSATION
  • PHANTOM PAIN

• RL VOLUME

• ROM

• STRENGTH

A checklist for preprosthetic evaluation of a person with an amputation

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Presurgical rehabilitation

• explain post-operative rehabilitation process

• teach post-operative positioning and strengthening exercises

• instruct use of assistive device for walking

• breathing exercises

• transfer training

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Last updated 10-28-02 ©Dave Thompson PT