The Surgical Clinic
PROSTHETICS
For those seeking prosthetics, our team is here to provide you with the knowledge and support you need to make the best decisions for your health and well-being.
Understanding Your Procedure
What is Prosthetics?
Prosthetics are artificial limbs for patients who have had an amputation. Advanced prosthetics can further improve the quality of life for patients by enhancing mobility, improving dexterity and motor control, restoring sensory feedback, sensory nerve integration, and reducing phantom pain and discomfort.
PROSTHETICS AT THE SURGICAL CLINIC
Your goals are important to us, and we want your prosthetic to allow you to regain your life and make this transition easy on you and your family.
This is a highly personalized process that will take into consideration your medical, physiological and personal factors to determine the right prosthetic prescription for you. Our goal is to work with you to identify solutions that allow you to function pain-free, while wearing your prosthesis all day long.
Prosthetics is an active research facility and collaborates with the Biomedical Engineering Labs of Vanderbilt University to provide leadership in the latest prosthetic solutions.
If you have ever been told that “this is the best we can do” by another prosthetic provider, you belong at The Surgical Clinic where our focus is on getting you moving again pain-free.
Your Care Journey
Amputation Surgery
If you are facing an amputation our specialized surgeons are ready to perform a specialized evaluation of your surgical options, including options not offered in other parts of the country.
AFTER AMPUTATION SURGERY
Your treatment plan and recovery could vary due to various factors and depending on your health, but after surgery patients will start rehabilitation.
The goal of rehab is to help make your muscles stronger, prevent muscles or joints from getting tighter, support your independence, and help you reach your best level of health and quality of life.
MANAGING PAIN
Pain is your body's way of pointing out a problem so if your pain is not becoming less after treatment, please make sure to let us know as medicines and other treatments can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Understanding Your Procedure
Adjusting to Limb Loss
Accepting the changes to your body will take time, as you go through your physical recovery, allow yourself emotional, mental, and spiritual recovery time, too. Take as much time as you need but commit to working towards accepting and caring for your body.
Everyone reacts to loss in different ways and losing a limb can be a profound shock. Only you know how you feel, but please do not hesitate to ask for the emotional support that you need as you do not have to go through this time of adjustment alone.
Here are a few ways you could ask for support:
- Talk with someone who has been through an amputation.
- Tell your friends and family what you need and how you feel.
- Consider therapy to help you work through the adjustment process.
- Connect with the Amputee Coalition nonprofit online to access resources.
Understanding Your Procedure
Preparing for Your Prosthesis
Your rehabilitation team will tell you when you're ready to be fitted for your prosthesis, and you can work with them to discuss which prosthetic devices might be best for you.
Once your prosthetic fitting process starts, you can start to get your residual limb ready for a prosthesis while keeping these goals in mind:
- Correct positioning of your residual limb: Keeping your residual limb in the right position helps prevent muscle shortening and tightening.
- Muscle stretching and strengthening: Work with your rehab team to keep doing the exercises you were taught in the hospital to help prevent tightening and ensure that your intact limb and residual limb are strong and flexible.
- Muscle stretching and strengthening: Work with your rehab team to keep doing the exercises you were taught in the hospital to help prevent tightening and ensure that your intact limb and residual limb are strong and flexible.
- Residual limb shaping: Wear your shrinker sock as close to 24 hours as possible, except when bathing, to help shape your limb for wearing a prosthesis.
- Daily limb care and hygiene: To prevent skin problems and infection wash your residual limb at least once a day with clean, running water and a mild antibacterial soap.
Meet Your Care Team
Our Prosthetics Team
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Prosthetics FAQs
Additional Information
Please click each question below to learn more, and visit our general FAQs to explore additional questions.
As always please reach out if you would like to discuss anything further, we will be glad to help you!
How are we different at TSC Prosthetics?
The Surgical Clinic’s approach to prosthetics is unique and highly collaborative. The partnership between specialized vascular surgeons working with amputation surgery and the prosthetic fitting has created unique innovations in both surgery and prosthetics, ultimately enhancing patient mobility and quality of life.
Who is TSC Prosthetics?
Formerly known as The Surgical Clinic Prosthetic Institute, TSC Prosthetics is an active research facility and collaborates with the Biomedical Engineering Labs of Vanderbilt University to be able to provide leadership in the latest prosthetic solutions. Our work develops state-of-the-art options for both upper and lower body extremities. This research has resulted in patented running prosthesis designs and a patented vacuum socket technology for better fitting devices. The goal of the Prosthetics Institute is to work with you to identify solutions that allow you to function pain-free, while wearing your prosthesis all day long.
What is a slide board transfer?
A slide board is a flat, rigid board made of wood or plastic. It bridges 2 surfaces, such as a bed and wheelchair. The board lets you scoot on your buttocks between surfaces without having to use your legs. A slide board transfer can be done on your own or with help, if needed.
Get the care you need
PROSTHETICS
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