Prosthetic Solutions & Care

Prosthetics is the allied health profession of casting, measuring and manufacturing of prosthetic limbs. Most prosthetists in Australia will be a member of a professional body such as the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and complete regular learning and professional development to ensure they are up to date with the most current prosthetic technologies and practices.

A prosthesis is a custom-made device to replace an amputated limb or body part. The primary purpose of a prosthesis is to restore function but it can also restore cosmetic appearance.

Prosthetic devices can restore some degree of function to the part of the body where a limb is missing. Some may function closely to your anatomical limbs once you learn how to use them effectively in everyday life. They can also restore body symmetry and cosmetic appearance where a limb has been amputated.

All of our prostheses are custom-made to fit the individual. Because every person’s wants and needs are different, both functional and cosmetic prostheses are available at Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics.

After creating a plaster mould, it is shaped into the perfect size and fit. Depending on the part of the prosthesis being worked on, a combination of thermoplastics, silicone, metal, and composites is used.

Various contributing factors, such as the material of prosthetic device, weight loss or gain, functionality, etc., require you to change your prosthesis over time. For prosthetic sockets, a useful life period of 2 or more years is expected.  Prosthetic components such as feet and adaptors usually have a manufacturer warranty of 2-3 years which then require replacement for safety reasons. Some prosthetic knees and hands have warranties of up to 6 years.

The cost of a prosthetic device can vary depending on level amputation, technology and componentry being used. The out of pocket cost of a prosthesis varies depending whether you are NDIS, QALS, NIISQ, WorkCover or self-funded.

While personal preference and activity  will vary, you can wear a prosthesis all day. Throughout the rehabilitation phase you may start with shorter periods and work up to longer periods. After rehabilitation you can wear a prosthesis for as long as you are comfortable doing your daily activities.