Understanding Limb Replacement: A Deep Dive
Roger Howard, CPO, Director
There are a lot of ways we assist people here at Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics, but one of our primary roles is helping them adjust to the
loss of a limb. A custom-designed prosthetic device offers tremendous physical and emotional benefits for those who have lost a limb, helping to improve their mobility and empowering them to engage with the world around them. In short, a good limb replacement can be life-changing for our patients, which is why we take the process so seriously. Today, we want to explore limb replacement in more detail, including looking at the most common reasons people lose limbs (it might surprise you!) and what to expect from undergoing rehab with a new prosthetic device. And if you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Looking at Limb Loss: Who is Most Likely to Lose a Limb? People with Vascular Disease Many people associate limb loss with soldiers or people leading adventurous lives. In reality, the leading cause of limb loss in the United States is diabetes, which, if unmanaged, can result in vascular issues and non-healing wounds in the lower body that require amputation. Trauma Survivors While this is closer to what many people think of when they think about the typical amputee, it’s important to remember that anyone can suffer the sort of trauma that leads to limb loss. Motor vehicle accidents and severe workplace injuries (especially in jobs that use heavy machinery) can often require amputation, particularly when the limb cannot be saved through reconstructive surgery. Children Born Without Limbs Congenital limb deficiencies can occur due to developmental issues during pregnancy. While less common than other causes, these cases represent a unique population of prosthetic users.
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