special subjects
Overview of Limb Prosthetics
Preparing the patient
 Preparing for a Limb Prosthesis of the patient and family is important, particularly education about the necessity of amputation and the need for active patient commitment and participation in the entire process. A visit from a mature person with a similar amputation and characteristics can be highly beneficial. Above all, the entire orientation should be realistic. Ranges of likely outcomes, rather than the best possible outcome, should be communicated. Performance-based measures, such as the Amputee Mobility Predictor, can help determine the likely level of function ( Reference ). Premorbid medical conditions, including inadequate nutrition, should be alleviated as much as possible. Poorly controlled diabetes and cardiopulmonary disease can interfere with healing and/or rehabilitation. Smoking also is detrimental to healing, so Smoking Cessation measures are important. 