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  • passive Armprothese mit Kosmetik aus Silikon | © Pohlig GmbH
    Prostheses for finger, hand, and arm
    Course of treatment
Why Pohlig?

Find out why we are experts in finger, hand and arm prosthetics!

Physiotherapie | © Pohlig GmbH
Physiotherapy

We train you in the everyday use of your prosthesis.

Make an appointment

Make an appointment over the phone or send us a message!

Let us give you an overview!

Step-by-step journey to a prosthesis

Amputation

There are several causes that require amputation of the finger, hand, or arm. The most common causes are:

  • injuries due to accident (trauma)
  • infections
  • illnesses (e.g. tumor, arterial occlusive disease (AOD), venous or arterial diseases)

Generally, the decision to amputate the upper extremity is made if there is no chance that the affected part of the body can be salvaged. 

During amputation, the operating physician attempts to preserve as much muscle tissue as possible so that the stump remains stable and mobile. This is important because the prosthesis is worn over the stump at a later stage.

Sometimes we attend the amputation meeting prior to the surgical procedure in order to clarify with the operating physician at what height the optimal amputation should take place, so that the future use of the prosthesis works as well as possible.

Stump compression (for lower & upper arm amputation only)

Immediately after surgery, your stump needs to be compressed. This means that compression therapy is used to bring it into a stable, final shape in order to ensure a good fit of the subsequent prosthesis shaft. This requires the wearing of compression elements (compression stocking, binding with double compression bandages, compression liners), which takes a period of two to eight weeks depending on the stump conditions.

Contact us

Whether you have a congenital deformity, a recent amputation, or have been living with an amputation for a long time, contact us to schedule a consultation with us.

Non-binding consultation

We arrange a free personal consultation before providing every assistive device. We will take the time to examine your stump and explain to you which prosthesis would be most suitable for you. Many different factors play a role here: your physical condition, the characteristics of your stump, your personal goals, your private environment, your professional requirements, etc.

If available, it would be advantageous if you brought an x-ray and the doctor’s report with you to this initial appointment.

Recommended care

Once we have defined which prosthesis is right for you, we will write a treatment recommendation that you will present to your physician.

Prescription

Your doctor will review the care recommendation and provide you with a prescription to send to us.

Application for coverage of costs

As soon as we have received the prescription, we will draw up a cost estimate for your health insurance with a request for cost coverage.

Approval or rejection

As a rule, your health insurance approves the application. If it is refused, you can lodge an objection or pay for your prosthesis privately.

Start of prosthesis treatment

After approval has been granted by the health insurance, we will make a second appointment with you.

Making a mould

Now it’s a matter of making an optimally fitting prosthesis shaft for you. This is done by taking a scan or making a silicon or plaster cast of your stump. In addition, in the case of a prosthetic treatment using silicone, the first color selection for skin and nails is made.

Stump compression (in case of finger and hand amputation)

Before you receive your interim prosthesis, your stump must be compressed. This means that compression therapy is used to bring it into a stable, final shape in order to ensure a good fit of the subsequent prosthesis shaft. This requires the wearing of compression elements (compression cap or compression shaft), which – depending on the stump condition – takes a period of two to eight weeks.

Interim prosthesis and any corrections

Now it's time to try on your trial prosthesis. This phase not only serves to test different prosthetic components, but also to gain more clarity about your personal needs and requirements. Often, some modifications to the interim prosthesis will be made until the prosthesis is optimally matched to your stump and lifestyle.

Final prosthesis

Once all changes have been made, the final prosthesis (definitive prosthesis) is tried on and finally delivered. We will explain the precise handling of the prosthesis and show you how to care for your device.

Prosthetic training

Even the best prosthesis is pointless when it is not worn in everyday life. That’s why our physiotherapists and orthopedic technicians train you in the daily use of your prosthesis. They show you, for example, how to find the optimal fit of your prosthesis, how to tie your shoes with a prosthesis, how to hold knives and forks, and much more.

Ongoing support

You will never be alone in your prosthetic journey. Our team maintains regular contact with you and is always available to answer any questions you may have.

Icon Fingerprothese | © Pohlig GmbH
Types of prosthesis

What are the different types of prosthesis?

How much does a prosthesis cost?

The cost of a prosthesis depends on several factors.

Icon Myoelektrische Handprothese | © Pohlig GmbH
Myoelectric arm prosthesis

Myoelectric control allows you to actively grasp objects.