Prosthetics
Tennessee Limb and Brace designs, fabricates, fits, and maintains prostheses. These prostheses are commonly referred to as artificial limbs. They include prosthetic legs, prosthetic knees, prosthetic feet, prosthetic ankles, prosthetic arms, prosthetic hands, and more. Our prosthetists apply their vast experience and training to provide patients the most functional prosthesis.
Because everyone is different, prosthetic devices must be precisely customized for each individual to achieve the closest possible perfect fit. When fabricating a prosthesis, many things must be considered such as the Patient’s level of amputation, functional needs, durability demands, and future physical changes.
Lower Extremity Prosthetics – Leg and Foot
Tennessee Limb and Brace certified prosthetists work closely with the world’s leading suppliers of prosthetic devices to create lower limb devices that are comfortable and functional. Each device is customized for each client’s unique lifestyle needs. We are able to fit Patients with prosthetic legs, knees, feet, and ankles.
Upper Extremity Prosthetics – Arm And Hand
Through our world-leading suppliers of prosthetic devices, we are able to fit you with finger prosthetics if needed. If you are in the need of other upper limb prosthetics, we can refer you to someone that will be able to take care of your prosthetic needs.
Sports Prosthetics
Whether your active lifestyle includes mountain climbing, running, or playing swimming, we can help customize your prosthetics so that they have as little negative impact on you as possible.
Pediatric Prosthetics
When looking at a prosthetic device for a child, we look at a design that best minimizes a missing arm or leg. We try to minimize the impact of the loss of a leg or arm so the child can just be a kid. Due to the growing body of the child, you need someone like Tennessee Limb and Brace that you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about upper and lower extremity prosthetics, hopefully, you will find them here. If not, please feel free to contact us.
What are prosthetics and orthotics?
Prosthetics refers to the evaluation, designing, fabrication, and custom fitting of artificial limbs known as prostheses. A prosthesis can enhance the function and lifestyle of persons with limb loss. The prosthesis is a unique combination of appropriate materials, alignment, design, and construction. Orthotics are special braces, shoe or heel inserts that a doctor prescribes. They can be custom made or prefabricated devices for you. A doctor may prescribe orthotics to treat foot, leg, or back weakness, pain injured limb problems.
Are prosthetics expensive?
Yes, they can be, but at TN Limb & Brace we keep costs as low as possible. In addition to insurance coverage, there are also organizations that can help cover expenses such as Limbs for Life, VOC Rehab, and the VA.
Are prosthetics covered by insurance, including Medicare?
Yes, but each Patient should always check their policy for deductibles, coverage, and limitations. We are always available to help our patients determine insurance coverage and guidelines.
Can a prosthesis feel?
There are prosthetics in experimental stages of research that do have sensory feedback of hot/cold and pressure. These are generally geared for the upper extremity population.
How are prosthesis controlled?
Most prosthetics are body power controlled; however, there are robotic type prostheses available, that are targeted muscle re-innervation controlled such as in myoelectric prostheses.
Can a prostheses be reused?
For the Patient it is intended for, a prosthesis is built to be used every day until it either wears out or it no longer fits. A change in fit can be due to weight gain/loss or physical changes to the Patient’s residual limb. In order to maximize the life of the prosthetic, it is important for the Patient to ensure basic repairs are completed as needed.
Where is a prosthesis made?
Most are custom made for each individual Patient and is either fabricated in-house or sent to a central fabrication facility. It is becoming the norm for many practices to utilize central fabrication, but here at Tn Limb & Brace, we are committed to in-house fabrication because of the many benefits this provides. 3D printing is also starting to gain momentum in the industry; however, durability can be an issue for long-term wear. We would be happy to discuss the pros and cons of each fabrication option.
How can a prosthesis improve a Patient's life?
A prosthesis will replace a missing or lost body part. For many Patients, a prosthetic can allow him/her to return to most per-amputation activities, such as walking, running, returning to work, and can overall improve the quality of life. They can also improve the quality of life by restoring the ability to grasp and hold items better and allow Patients to be able to look someone eye to eye instead of a seated position.
How is a prosthesis attached?
There are many devices that can be used to secure a prosthesis. The most popular is the use of pin or suction suspension, while some still prefer older devices such as belts and harnessing. At TN Limb & Brace, we take the time to discuss all options and help determine what is in the best interest of each Patient.
What is a prosthesis made from?
Plastic, fiberglass, or carbon are most often used in fabrication. Each material has specific characteristics that provide benefits for different Patients. TN Limb & Brace professionals work closely with Patients to determine what material is best suited for their individual needs.
Why are prostheses sometimes painful?
General, pain is due to a less than stellar fit. This could be from physical changes to the Patient’s residual limb. Poor sock management or poor socket fit can also lead to pain. If fit and sock ply is maintained there should not be constant pain. Occasionally, Patients may experience general soreness from overuse, chaffing, and blisters due to friction from overuse or motion inside the socket. See your TN Limb & Brace Prosthetist to determine why it hurts and make necessary changes. Pain is not a requirement of being an amputee.
Our core values
Service
We are 100% focused on providing quality services and attention at every level of need for every Patient, Patient Family, and Patient Support Team
Integrity
Every aspect of Patient care treatment, guidance, and support is provided as if we were assisting members of our own families.
Excellence
We are proud of being able to provide the highest quality of personalized precision-crafted products and services available anywhere.
Compassion
Our Patients can count on full attention, support, and understanding every step of the way from both our office and professional services staff.
Contact Us
If you are scheduling your first visit, please take a look at our section First Visit to walk you through what to expect and how to make your first visit as pleasant, rewarding, and productive as possible.
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