Follow Ups

Continued Care and Maintenance

Here at Ozark Prosthetics and Orthotics, we want to make sure your prosthesis or orthotics is working at it's very best. A prosthesis or an orthotic is a custom made device just for you, and like most devices requires occasional looking after. But even if you take great care of your new prosthesis or orthotic at some point in time you will need to either repair or replace it.

 

All of this will depend on your activity level. It is estimated that most devices will be working properly for several months and in fact some of them could last between two and five years. If you believe your prosthetic or orthotic needs an adjustment, repair or replacement don't hesitate to give us a call at our office.

What should I expect as far as follow ups

For Prosthetics you may need a follow up if:

• Your prosthesis doesn’t fit well.
• You haven’t seen your prosthetist in at least six months.
• You experience weight gain or loss even if it’s 5 pounds.
• Your activity level has changed.

Are there signs that I should be looking for to determine if I need a repair or replacement of my prosthesis:

• If you have had surgery on a revision on your leg.
• If there is a change in the size or shape of your residual limb.
• If your socket is showing signs of discoloration or wear.
• If your socket is showing cracks appears to be worn out. Typically a socket will last between 2 to 4 years before needing replacement.
• If your socket just does not seem to fit anymore. A weight loss or gain of as small as 2% of your body weight can cause changes that will require an adjustment or replacement.

For Orthotics you may need a follow up if:

• Your orthotic does not fit well
• You haven't seen your practitioner for at least 1-2 years
• Your have experienced weight gain or loss even if it's 5 pounds
• Your activity level has changed.

Are there signs that I should be looking for to determine if I need a repair or replacement of my orthotic:

• If you have had a surgery that could effect your orthotic.
• If your orthotic is showing signs of discoloration or wear.
• If your orthotic is showing signs of cracks or appears to be worn out. Typically orthotics will last between 4-5 years, but can need repairs or adjustments much sooner.
• If your orthotics does not seem to fit well anymore. In this case you may need an adjustment or you could need a complete replacement.

There are Supplies needed from time to time:

After you have been fit with your prosthesis, there will be some prosthetic supplies that you will be needing. These supplies will vary from, suspension sleeves, liners, socks and from time to time you may need shrinkers. Don't hesitate to contact our office so we can assist you in getting everything you need. Some of these items may need to be ordered so allow us some time to get them in our office for delivery, we can usually have them here within 2-5 days. 

Always remember your goals are our goals. If you ever need us for anything we are there to help.