We're not happy until you are!
We are passionate about providing you with personalized patient care. At Southern California Prosthetics we will design, fit, fabricate, service and adjust your prosthetic device until you are fully satisfied. Going through the process of being fit with a new prosthetic limb can make you feel anxious at times. Our caring and knowledgeable staff will provide you with supportive care and personalized service from start to finish; that is what distinguishes us from the others. We will work with you to achieve your prosthetic goals.
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Through on-site education, gait training/analysis and precision fitting, a team of the nation’s top prosthetists will provide each patient with detailed feedback to ensure perfect fit and comfort. This high level of service is provided to each patient at no extra charge. After you have received your finished prosthesis we will continue to provide you with follow up care, making all adjustments as needed and desired.
The Fitting Process: What to expect at each appointment
The following is a step-by-step guideline of what you can expect during the prosthetic fitting process, from the very first evaluation appointment to the final delivery and follow-up care. Please let us know if you have questions or concerns about any of it!
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Evaluation
When your doctor has determined that you are ready for prosthetic fitting, you will be evaluated by one of our prosthetists. At this time you will be asked to provide information about your lifestyle, vocation (what you do for a living), hobbies/activities, future plans and what your prosthetic goals and expectations are. This will assist us in determining what prosthetic options fit your personal needs. If you have used a prosthesis in the past, please bring it to your evaluation appointment.
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Your prosthetist will do a thorough evaluation of your residual limb’s strength, range of motion and flexibility. Try to wear (or bring) clothing that allows access to your limb, such as shorts, a skirt, short-sleeved top or sleeveless top. If needed, we can provide you with disposable paper shorts or another garment to wear for this evaluation. The overall condition of your residual limb will be assessed, and we will ask questions about your general health.
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At the conclusion of our evaluation, our recommendation for the type of prosthesis that would best serve your goals, expectations and abilities will be submitted to your doctor. We will also submit this information to your insurance carrier for financial verification at this time. Some insurance carriers may take several weeks to review your case and reach a final decision. Before proceeding with the fitting of your prosthesis you will have the opportunity to meet with our financial coordinator to review and approve our recommendations.
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Measurement / Impression-taking (casting)
At your next visit, your prosthetist will take measurements of your residual limb and sound limb. They will also take a cast impression of your residual limb. This process can be messy, so you might want to wear a pair of baggy old shorts (or sleeveless t-shirt if an arm amputee) and bring a change of clothing (including undergarments) to this appointment! If necessary, we will provide you with disposable paper shorts or another garment to wear for casting. The plaster bandage will be wrapped around your limb and allowed to harden. Once the cast is set, the prosthetist will remove the cast from your limb and use it as a model to fabricate (build) your prosthesis. It will normally take one to two weeks before you return for the first fitting appointment.
Fitting the Prosthetic Socket
It may take several fittings before a well-fitting, well-functioning prosthetic limb is achieved. Your prosthetist will normally focus on the fit of the socket first. You will be fit with a clear plastic test socket so we can see exactly how well the socket fits and see where modifications may be needed. You will be asked for your feedback regarding comfort and fit. Next, your socket will be attached to the other prosthetic components (foot, knee, hand, etc.). If you are being fit with a lower limb prosthesis, you should bring the pair of shoes that you plan to wear most often.
You’ll be asked to stand and perhaps even take a few steps with the prosthesis, using the parallel bars and other help as needed. As you walk, your prosthetist will make small adjustments to the angle of the foot, “aligning” the prosthesis to your gait, which is necessary for your safety and allows you to walk with the best quality. If you are being fit with an upper limb prosthesis, your prosthetist will adjust the components to find a balance between the function of the prosthesis and the cosmetic appearance.
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After fitting is complete, the device will be kept for final fabrication. Normally, delivery of the finished prosthesis will be scheduled approximately two weeks after the final fitting.
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Delivery of Your Finished Prosthesis
You’ll be asked to stand and perhaps even take a few steps with the prosthesis, using the parallel bars and other help as needed. As you walk, your prosthetist will make small adjustments to the angle of the foot, “aligning” the prosthesis to your gait, which is necessary for your safety and allows you to walk with the best quality. If you are being fit with an upper limb prosthesis, your prosthetist will adjust the components to find a balance between the function of the prosthesis and the cosmetic appearance.
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After fitting is complete, the device will be kept for final fabrication. Normally, delivery of the finished prosthesis will be scheduled approximately two weeks after the final fitting.
Follow-Up and Repairs
Once your prosthesis is finished, you will return occasionally for adjustments and minor repairs. Contact your prosthetist if your prosthesis is not fitting correctly or if parts/components are not functioning properly. You will be advised if any of your prosthetic components required special maintenance.
Customization / Cosmetic Finishing
We will do our best to provide you with the customized designs and cosmetic finishings you desire. Your prosthetist will adjust the components as necessary to find a balance between the function of the prosthesis and the cosmetic appearance.
Our Patented Vacuum System and Other Technology
Our premier facility is designed with a focus on patient comfort and product quality through every step in the process. On-site manufacturing and fitting capabilities give our patients the customized, perfect fit they deserve. Our cutting-edge roster of technology includes:
A patented negative pressure vacuum system (NPS) for all levels of amputation
This system, developed and patented by Stan Patterson, CP, gives the user increased comfort and control, with less volume changes throughout the day. Proven results include lower trim lines and unique alignment techniques, allowing for a more natural gait. Other benefits of the NPS system include:
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Increased blood flow and oxygenation of tissue.
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Decreased skin abrasions, blisters and friction.
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Allows for lower trimlines.
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Permits evaporation of perspiration.
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More adaptable to weight gain/loss.
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Lightweight; no moving parts.
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Can be used with any socket configuration.
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Computer automated design CAD/CAM manufactured socket
In order to provide a precise fit, we offer in-house CNC (computer numerically controlled) carving of socket molds, creating a finished test socket in minutes.
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Custom liner design and fabrication
One of the most important factors in fit and comfort is a liner that is customized for each patient. Therefore, all our liners are fabricated in-house with a proprietary formula which combines the flow characteristics of urethane with the durability and cleanliness of silicone.
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Donning the NPS Socket System
Step-by-Step Donning Instructions
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Patient is fit with a silicone liner which is rolled onto their residual limb.
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A prosthetic sock is then placed over the liner to provide a wick for the vacuum.
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The patient’s custom fabricated NPS Socket is then positioned over the sock.
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The outer socket is attached to the inner vacuum technology socket and secured with a locking pin.
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Air is expelled from socket and vacuum created through use of a pump.