Treatment process after amputation

In an amputation, a part of the body is surgically removed. This may be necessary as a result of an accident or due to pre-existing conditions. Common causes of amputation include vascular disease, diabetic foot syndrome (DFS), tumor disease and infection.

At the latest after the amputation, the question arises for every patient: "What happens next?". What your life will look like in the future depends very much on yourself, your perseverance and motivation.

But you are not alone: As orthopedic technicians, we help you - together with your doctors and physiotherapists - to compensate for the loss of your body part with a prosthesis in the best possible way. It is ideal if your doctor contacts us before the amputation. We can then clarify with him or her what needs to be considered during the operation in order to create the best possible conditions for the subsequent prosthesis fitting.

We first advise you on the various options and decide together which prosthesis suits you best.

The choice of your prosthesis depends on different factors. In addition to the question of the level of the arm or leg at which the amputation was performed, your health condition, your physical fitness, your home environment, and your professional requirements all play a role in the considerations.

First, we make you an interim prosthesis /preparatory prosthesis), which serves, among other things, early mobilization and further reduction of residual limb edema. Once the residual limb has found its final shape and strength, which takes about 3-6 months, we fit you with your final prosthesis, the so-called definitive prosthesis.

Once your definitive prosthesis has been completed after several fitting appointments, our physiotherapists will train you in the actual use of the prosthesis in everyday life.

Since the prosthesis must be adjusted regularly due to weight gain or loss or due to growth, we will accompany you - if you wish for the rest of your life - and are available to answer all your questions about your prosthesis.

The amputation level describes the point at which a body part is amputated. It is determined by the doctor depending on the respective diagnosis. In addition to many other factors, the amputation level determines the subsequent prosthesis. This is because, depending on the level, more or fewer body parts and joints have to be replaced by the prosthesis.

If it is a planned operation, your orthopaedic technician should be involved in the pre-operative discussion. Together with you and your physician, he or she can clarify which amputation level is best suited for the subsequent prosthesis fitting in your specific case.

We will give you an overview of the different amputation types and heights: