Home page Hospitals and Centers Hospitals King Hussein Medical City National Center for the Rehabilitation of Amputati Frequent Questions center

Frequent Questions center

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  1. What is Prosthesis?
    Prosthesis is an externally applied device designed to replace a missing part of the body or to make a part of the body work better.


  2. How can I get Prosthesis?
    As a new amputee, you will begin the fitting process with an application of a compression sock “shrinker” which will help shape your limb in preparation for a prosthetic. This takes an average of 6-8 weeks following surgery. Once your surgeon has given their blessing, we will proceed with making your customized limb.
    You will then see one of our practitioners, known as prosthetists, who are professionally trained to fit, adjust, recommend and modify a prosthetic device. Several visits to your prosthetist are required and involve casting, measuring, diagnostic fittings and training in how to use and care for your prosthesis.
    If you are a new prosthetic user, you will visit a physical therapist upon delivery of your prosthesis. The therapist will train you on the functions of the newly acquired device as well as how to obtain good performance and maximum comfort in everyday life while using the device.
    The time from casting to delivery typically takes 4-5 visits over the course of about a month.


  3. What if the prosthesis doesn’t fit right?
    Follow-up is as important as the initial fitting. You will need to make several visits for adjustments with the prosthetist as well as training. They can help you ease pressure areas, adjust alignment, work out any problems, and regain the skills you need to adapt to life after limb loss. Tell your prosthetist if the prosthesis is uncomfortable, too loose or too tight or causing any skin issues such as blisters. Ask questions about things you need or want to do. Communicate honestly about your needs. The more you communicate with your prosthetist, the better you will be able to succeed with prosthesis.


  4. How much does an artificial leg weigh?
    The weight of your artificial limb will depend on the type of limb and the components, but on average a below knee prosthetic weighs 1.5-2 kilo and an above knee prosthetic weighs 2-3 kilo. 


  5. How long will it last?
    Depending on your age, activity level and growth, the prosthesis can last anywhere from several months to several years. In the early stages after limb loss, many changes occur in the residual limb that can lead to shrinking of the limb. The greatest amount of volume loss occurs within the first six months following amputation. This may require socket changes, the addition of socks, or changes in the alignment and/or replacement of the socket. Later on, increased activity level and desire for additional function can necessitate a change in the prosthetic or its parts. Once the prosthesis is comfortably adjusted and you are functioning at the desired level of activity, the prosthesis needs only minor repairs or maintenance and can last for an average of three years.

  6. What is phantom pain?
    Phantom pain is the term used to describe sensations felt by amputees, which may include cramping, tingling, itching, pins-and-needles, stabbing pains, pressure, a sense of fullness (as if the limb was still there, but slightly swollen). The majority of amputees experience these sensations; however the degree to which it is felt will vary. The phantom sensations are intermittent and come and go, unpredictably. New amputees tend to have frequent and intense sensations several times every day, often continuously for a few hours at a time. As the years pass after an amputation, the sensations will generally become less frequent, and less intense, and bouts of pain last for a shorter amount of time. Talk to your prosthetist about the different options for helping to reduce the pain which may include a special sock made with a metallic material, massage, mirror therapy or medications.


  7. Can my prosthesis get wet?
    We strongly encourage that you keep your prosthesis as dry as possible. Certain componentry will rust and is not meant to get wet. There are however, covers that go over your prosthesis that help prevent water from entering. We are also able to fabricate a special prosthesis designed for water activities including swimming, fishing and showering. 


  8. Can I expect to drive as before or will I need special equipment?
    Yes you can gradually back to your entire life through using some special tools equipment.


  9. What is an Orthosis?
    An orthosis is a custom made or prefabricated device which is used to support a weakened limb, improve movement or prevent deformity. An orthosis can be made for any part of the body. It can be made of a variety of materials including plastic, carbon fiber, fabric, leather or metal.


  10. How can I get an Orthosis?
    If you do not have an orthosis, but feel you might benefit from one: you would like to discuss this with your orthotist.
    If you already have an orthosis, but you feel it may need to be change due to wear and deterioration you can Schedule an appointment with your orthotist so they can either repair the current orthosis or verify that you need a replacement. If it needs to be replaced, and you haven’t seen your orthotist recently, you need to contact your orthotist in order to get a appointment.


  11. Will it fit into my shoe?
    This depends on the type of orthosis you receive and the type of shoes you wear. For foot orthoses, ankle foot orthoses, or knee ankle foot orthoses we recommend a normal shoe with a tongue and means of loosening/tightening. They should not be open back shoes. If you have concerns with shoe wear discuss this with your orthotist.


  12. What if I have an area that is uncomfortable?
    A routine 2 week follow-up appointment is made after delivery. Most problems can be rectified at this time. If there is discomfort after this point, call your orthotist and schedule an appointment for adjustment. Many times it is a quick adjustment to make the orthosis more comfortable for you.


  13. I have drop foot, could an orthosis help me?
    There are various orthotic treatments for drop foot. Depending on the condition of your other muscle groups and joints, you may benefit from a simple low profile ankle foot orthosis which will assist with your toe clearance during the swing phase of gait, but is still flexible enough so that it does not affect the rest of your gait. Talk to your physician to determine if an orthosis is right for you.


  14. My child has scoliosis, what should we expect?
    Scoliosis is happened and diagnosis in adolescents and pre-teens. There are various orthotic treatments we use for idiopathic scoliosis. We will discuss these options and evaluate your son/daughter to determine which option would be most effective for their curve type.When you are coming in for an initial evaluation, make sure you bring your most recent X-rays. After a treatment plan is formed and necessary measurements are taken, we will schedule a 1.5-2 week delivery appointment. We will also coordinate an appointment with the physician for in-brace X-rays. This may be coordinated with the delivery or follow-up appointment.
    We will be seeing your child every 4-6 months for follow-up, adjustments and X-rays with the physician. When it is about 1 month before you are supposed to be seeing the physician for another x-ray, give our office a call. We will coordinate this appointment with the physician.