Prosthetic Solutions & Care

Prosthetics is the allied health profession focused on the assessment, design, casting, fitting and manufacture of prosthetic limbs and prosthetic devices for people who have experienced limb loss or amputation. Prosthetists work with each individual to develop a prosthesis that supports their mobility, comfort, function and lifestyle.

Most prosthetists in Australia are members of a professional body such as the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and undertake regular education and professional development to stay up to date with the latest prosthetic technologies, components and clinical practices.

A prosthesis is a custom-made medical device designed to replace a missing limb or body part following amputation or limb loss. Prosthetic limbs can be designed to restore function, improve mobility and support independence in everyday activities.

Depending on the individual’s needs and goals, a prosthesis can also help restore body symmetry and cosmetic appearance. Your prosthetist will work with you to determine the most suitable prosthetic solution for your lifestyle and level of activity.

A prosthetic limb can help restore some degree of function and mobility following limb loss or amputation. With appropriate fitting, rehabilitation and training, some prostheses can allow you to perform many everyday activities and return to the activities that are important to you.

The benefits of a prosthesis can include improved mobility, greater independence, increased confidence and improved body symmetry and cosmetic appearance. The benefits and level of function will vary depending on the individual, their amputation level, physical abilities, goals and the type of prosthesis selected.

The type of prosthesis you may require depends partly on the level of amputation. Different levels of amputation have specific medical and prosthetic terms. Understanding these terms can help you when discussing your prosthetic options with your prosthetist.

Lower limb amputation levels include:

• Partial foot amputation – Amputation involving part of the foot, with the level varying depending on how much of the foot remains.
• Ankle disarticulation (Syme’s amputation) – The foot is removed through the ankle joint, with the heel pad potentially preserved for weight-bearing.
• Transtibial amputation (below-knee amputation) – The lower leg is amputated below the knee, leaving the knee joint intact. This is commonly referred to as a below-knee amputation (BKA).
• Knee disarticulation – The leg is removed through the knee joint while the femur and upper leg remain.
• Transfemoral amputation (above-knee amputation) – The leg is amputated above the knee. This is commonly referred to as an above-knee amputation (AKA).
• Hip disarticulation – The entire leg is removed through the hip joint.
• Hemipelvectomy – An extensive amputation involving part of the pelvis and the entire lower limb.

Upper limb amputation levels include:

• Partial hand amputation – Amputation involving part of the hand or one or more fingers.
• Wrist disarticulation – The hand is removed through the wrist joint while the forearm remains.
• Transradial amputation (below-elbow amputation) – The forearm is amputated below the elbow, leaving the elbow joint intact.
• Elbow disarticulation – The arm is removed through the elbow joint.
• Transhumeral amputation (above-elbow amputation) – The arm is amputated above the elbow.
• Shoulder disarticulation – The entire arm is removed through the shoulder joint.
• Forequarter amputation – A more extensive amputation involving the arm, shoulder and part of the shoulder girdle.

The terminology used to describe an amputation can vary depending on the clinical setting. Your prosthetist will assess your individual anatomy, residual limb, mobility, lifestyle and goals when determining the most appropriate prosthetic solution.

Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics provides custom upper and lower limb prosthetics from our clinics in Brisbane, Toowoomba and Townsville. Our prosthetists — Peter, Anton and Aidan — can provide personalised advice about prosthetic options for your particular level of amputation.

All of our prostheses are custom-made to fit the individual. Because every person’s body, needs, goals and lifestyle are different, we provide personalised upper and lower limb prosthetic solutions.

Depending on your requirements, functional and cosmetic prostheses may be available. Our experienced prosthetists — Peter, Anton and Aidan — can assess your needs and help you determine the most appropriate prosthetic solution for you.

Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics provides specialist prosthetic care from our clinics in Brisbane, Toowoomba and Townsville, supporting people throughout Queensland.

Prosthetic limbs are made using a range of high-quality materials, selected according to the individual’s needs and the part of the prosthesis being manufactured. These may include thermoplastics, silicone, metal and composite materials.

For many prostheses, a plaster mould or other casting method is used to create an accurate representation of the residual limb. This mould is then carefully shaped and refined to achieve the appropriate fit, comfort and function.

The materials and prosthetic components used will depend on factors such as the type of prosthesis, level of amputation, activity level and individual requirements.

The lifespan of a prosthetic limb or prosthetic components varies depending on factors such as the type of device, materials used, activity level, changes in body weight or shape, functionality and general wear and tear.

A prosthetic socket may have a useful life of two or more years, although this can vary significantly between individuals. Prosthetic components such as feet and adaptors may have manufacturer warranties of approximately 2–3 years and may require replacement after this period for safety and performance.

Some advanced prosthetic components, including certain prosthetic knees and hands, may have manufacturer warranties of up to six years. Your prosthetist can assess your prosthesis and advise when repairs, adjustments or replacement components may be appropriate.

The cost of a prosthetic limb varies depending on factors such as the level of amputation, type of prosthesis, technology, components and individual requirements.

Your out-of-pocket costs will also depend on how your prosthetic treatment is funded. Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics provides prosthetic services for people funded through NDIS, QALS, NIISQ, WorkCover and self-funded arrangements.

Our prosthetists can discuss your individual requirements and provide guidance on suitable prosthetic options and funding pathways.

The amount of time a prosthetic limb can be worn varies from person to person and depends on factors including comfort, skin condition, activity level and the individual’s stage of rehabilitation.

When first learning to use a prosthesis, you may begin by wearing it for shorter periods and gradually increase the amount of time as your body adapts. Following rehabilitation, many people are able to wear their prosthesis throughout the day for everyday activities, provided it remains comfortable and there are no issues with the residual limb or skin.

Your prosthetist can provide personalised advice about prosthetic wear time, fit and comfort based on your individual circumstances.