special subjects
Overview of Limb Prosthetics
After surgery
Immediately after surgery, the medical team starts measures to Maintain range of motion of joints to prevent them from becoming stiff Maintain or increase people's strength and general conditioning Manage swelling (edema) in the stump When recovery permits, people should begin to desensitize the end of their stump by massage, tapping, vibration, and starting to bear weight on it. Prosthesis Fitting can begin when the surgical wound is sufficiently healed and the swelling has gone down enough, provided that the person has enough overall strength and joint range of motion. Prosthesis fitting usually occurs about 7 to 10 weeks after amputation. The amputation stump continues to change for 6 to 18 months after amputation as more fluid leaves the stump and the muscles reshape. While these changes are ongoing, prosthetists may fit one or more temporary sockets until the amputation stump stabilizes. When the amputation stump seems close to its final size and shape, prosthetists fit the person with a definitive prosthesis. A temporary prosthesis allows people to become accustomed to pressures and forces involved in using a prosthesis. Early rehabilitation facilitates recovery and future success in using a prosthesis. When possible for people whose amputation is scheduled, rehabilitation begins before the amputation. For people whose amputation is done suddenly (for example, because of injury sustained in a motor vehicle crash or combat), rehabilitation is begun as early as the first day after surgery. (See also Rehabilitation After Limb Amputation .) 