Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are a facing amputaion, are a new amputee or a long term amputee, information and resources become vital in living a full life after amputation.

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A. Of course, for the majority of amputees, getting a prosthesis as quickly as possible becomes very important. We also want to see you with a prosthetic limb as quickly as possible. The healing process becomes the most important factor in determining time frame for getting a prosthetic limb. In most cases patients will be healed sufficiently enough to begin the prosthetic process between two - four weeks after their amputation. This time frame works if you have healed enough for the surgeon to remove your sutures and prescribes a prosthetic limb for you. We have listed the beginning steps for the process below.

1. Shrinking and Shaping...This is the first phase once your physician has removed your sutures. This consist of a "compression" type hose called a shrinker. Shrinkers are different for each type of amputation, however they all have the same purpose. The goal is to reduce the remaing swelling from the residual limb and shape the limb for optimum fit and design of your new prosthesis. Most patients will wear a shrinker 1-2 weeks prior to beginning the fitting process.

2. The "SOCKET" is the most important part of your new prosthetic because this is the part of the prosthetic that comes into contact with your limb and making certain the fit of the socket is custom and comfortable for each individual is our priority. Because of the importance of this fit, Infinity O&P will do a tempoary/test socket prior to fabricating a definative/final socket for your prosthetic. Once you have gone through the shrinking process your prosthetist will discuss your goals and activities in order to insure the prosthetic limb designed for you allows you to return to the life you wish to. The socket is custom designed for you by using either a traditional casting method,or a computer assisted TT design or TF design. The temporary socket will be a clear socket shaped to your residual limb and allows the prosthetist to see through the socket while inspecting for pressure points and see if there is any need for intricate shaping and fitting and to make those adjustments prior to the fabrication of the definative socket. For new amputees the temporary socket may be worn for a few months while the residual limb continues to reduce in size and shape during use of the temporary socket.