Resources
General Questions
How long will the prosthesis/orthosis last due to growth of a child?
Children grow at very different rates. When we design a pediatric prosthesis/orthosis for example, we keep in mind that our patient is actively growing. It is our goal to design the device to last as long as possible, while not compromising it’s function. We recommend that children come in for regular visits if they are experiencing increased growth or noticing the device is getting tight or causing discomfort.
What do I do with an old prosthesis or orthosis?
United States federal regulations restrict the reuse of braces and prostheses regardless of condition because they are medical devices. However, we are pleased to accept donations for use in humanitarian trips we regularly take out of the country to provides these much needed used adaptive devices to individuals in developing nations. If you would like to learn more please ask, we can discuss where we have been recently, plans for the near future, and how you can help.
Is the cost of my prosthesis/orthosis covered by insurance?
This depends on the type of insurance you have. As a free service to you our office staff will contact your insurer to help you determine what your policy covers, and explore other funding sources as needed. In most cases the majority if not all of the cost of a prosthesis/orthosis is covered through traditional insurers.
What kind of warranty or guarantee does the prosthesis/orthosis have?
We warranty each new device against defects, workmanship and materials for a full 90 days from the day you receive your device. Any non-warranty claims will be evaluated on a case by case basis, and we provide a repair estimate prior to performing any repairs. Keep in mind that physical changes of a patient are not covered under this warranty (i.e., swelling, weight fluctuations) since we have no control over such matters. Any non-warranty claims or physical changes can however be billed through insurance in most cases.
Links
Below you will see some links to websites we believe are excellent resources for individuals who use a prosthesis or orthosis. Links are categorized according to their focus. They cover a wide range of topics from competitive sports to support services for people who have recently begun using a prosthesis/orthosis, or are having a difficult time with their adjustment.
Be sure to let us know if there are other sites you believe would benefit our patients. We are always on the lookout for great new resources.
Prosthetics:
Orthotics/Braces:
ossur.com
orthomerica.com
spinaltech.com
Organizations:
abcop.org – American Board for Certification
aopanet.org – American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association
oandp.org – American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists
Patient Resources and Support:
amputee-coalition.org – Amputee Coalition of America
ada.gov – Americans With Disabilities Act information
Definition of Terms
ABC | American Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics. The governing body of the Orthotics and Prosthetics field. They impose strict guidelines and testing for a facility or practitioner to become ABC certified. All Peak Prosthetics clinicians are ABC certified. |
Activity Specific Prosthesis | A prosthesis designed for a specific interest such as swimming, skiing, and other activities. |
ADA | Americans With Disabilities Act. A Federal Act which requires employers make reasonable accommodations for employees who are disabled. The Act also prohibits discrimination in many public spaces. If you are a person with a disability, it is important to know the laws in place to protect you. You can learn more at: ada.gov |
AK | An above the knee amputation. |
Amputee | Individual who have had a limb, or part of a limb surgically removed. |
BK | A below the knee amputation. |
BOC | An alternative independent organization with certification in orthotics and prosthetics. |
CAD | Computer Aided Design. A sophisticated computer program that allows the clinician to design a prosthesis or orthosis using a 3D model. |
Contracture | Tightening of muscles resulting in restricted range of motion. This can hinder the use of a prosthesis or orthosis. Physical therapy and proper body positioning can greatly reduce the risk of developing a contracture. |
CO | ABC Certified orthotist. A professional who designs and fits orthoses. |
CPO | ABC Certified prosthetist & orthotist. A professional who designs and fits orthoses and prostheses. |
CP | ABC Certified prosthetist. A professional who designs and fits prostheses. |
Definitive Prosthesis | Sometimes referred to as a permanent prosthesis. Fitted once the residual limb has normalized. This term does not mean the prosthesis will not need replacing in the future. |
Extremities | Arms and or legs. |
Gait | Science of walking. |
Geriatrics | The branch of medicine or social science dealing with the health and care of older individuals. |
IPSF/IPOP | Immediate Post-Surgical Fitting. A cast or other rigid dressing placed on a patient immediately following amputation surgery. |
Lower Extremities | Refers to the part of the body from the hips to the toes. Includes the hip, knee, and ankle joints, muscles, and bones. |
Myoelectric | “Myoelectric” is the term for electric properties of muscles. A myoelectric-controlled prosthesis is an externally powered artificial limb that you control with the electrical signals generated naturally by your own muscles. |
O & P | Industry abbreviation for Orthotics and Prosthetics. |
Orthosis | A device designed to control, correct, or compensate for a physical impairment or disability. |
Orthotist | A professional who makes and fits orthoses/orthopedic braces. |
Pediatrics | Dealing with infants and children. |
Phantom Pain | Pain that feels like it’s coming from a body part that’s no longer there. Doctors once believed this post-amputation phenomenon was a psychological problem, but experts now recognize that these real sensations originate in the spinal cord and brain. Sensations may include: burning, shocks, sharp pain, or cramping. |
Phantom Sensations | Very common occurrence where an amputee has sensations as if the amputated limb were still present. Sensations may include tingling, itching, or movement of the now missing limb. |
Preparatory Prosthesis | Typically fit soon after surgery to combat edema. Frequently used for several weeks or months until the residual limb has stabilized before the “permanent”, or definitive, prosthesis is provided. |
Prosthesis | An artificial device that replaces a part of the body. |
Prosthetist | A professional who makes and fits a prosthesis/artificial limb. |
Residual Limb | The part of the body remaining after an amputation. |
Socket | The part of the prosthesis in contact with the residual limb. |
Stump | Another name for residual limb. |
Suspension | The method used to hold the prosthesis onto the residual limb. Some examples are: suction, straps, sleeves or, locking. |
Upper Extremities | Functional unit of the upper body consisting of the upper arm, forearm, and hand. |