​The Process 

​A multidisciplinary prosthetic team will assess your needs. If a prosthesis (artificial limb) is to be fitted, you will have the following appointments: 

  • ​Cast Appointment - The Prosthetist will take measurements and may take a plaster mould or digital scan of your residual limb. This is used to create your first prosthetic socket — the part that fits over your limb. 

​There may be delays at this stage if your limb has excessive swelling or areas that need to heal. We may also need to order specific components before proceeding. 

  • ​Fitting Appointment - Once your socket has been made, you’ll return for a fitting. Please wear loose clothing or shorts and bring comfortable shoes. 

​At this stage, your prosthesis will not have a cosmetic cover, as several adjustments may be needed. If you would like a cover, it can be fitted later. 

​Once the Prosthetist is happy with your prosthesis, you may be able to take it along with you to your next physiotherapy appointment. 

​Please use your prosthesis only as instructed by your clinical team to ensure safety and avoid injury. 

​Care of Your Prosthetic Limb 

​The Socket 

​This is the part of the artificial limb that fits onto your residual limb. The socket may or may not have a liner. The following will help maintain a good fit and prevent problems with your skin and the underlying tissues. 

  • ​Do take time each day to clean and check the socket and liner. Poor hygiene within the socket and liner is one of the major causes of skin problems and infections. Your Prosthetist will advise you on the best cleaning methods for the liner and socket. 

  • ​Do be careful when adding or removing socks to improve the socket fit. If you are adjusting the fit with three or more thick socks, you should contact the clinic for a review appointment. 

  • ​Do not adjust the socket yourself. This can lead to serious problems with your residual limb and safety issues with your prosthetic limb. Please contact the Centre if you think your prosthetic limb may need an adjustment. 

  • ​Do not immerse the socket or liner in water. 

​Prosthetic Socks 

​Significant swelling often occurs in your residual limb during the first weeks and months after your operation, but this will reduce with time. As the swelling reduces, your socket will begin to feel loose and may need adjusting. The Prosthetic Team will show you how to improve the fit temporarily by adding socks. 

​You will usually wear one or more prosthetic socks or a gel liner between your skin and the socket. Socks are primarily used to provide protection and cushioning, and to absorb sweat. They also help us manage the fit of the prosthesis as your leg can change size throughout the day or over time. 

​Socks come in different lengths (often identified by a coloured band around the top edge) and different thicknesses. 

  • ​Terry towelling socks have a fairly thick pile inside. 

  • ​Cotton socks are half the thickness of the terry towelling socks. 

  • ​Nylon socks are thin and are often worn next to the skin or over a soft foam liner to aid donning. 

​Wash your socks as follows: 

​Machine wash at a maximum of 40°C with mild detergent. Pull the socks into shape and air dry naturally. Avoid other washing methods as these may cause skin irritation, alter the socks’ shape, or cause premature aging.  

​Knee Joints & Feet 

​People with above knee (transfemoral) amputations usually have a socket, a prosthetic knee joint, and a prosthetic foot. 

​People with below-knee (transtibial) amputations usually have only a socket and prosthetic foot. 

​It’s important that you know how your prosthesis works and how best to look after it: 

  • ​Choose shoes with a heel height as close as possible to that of your prosthetic limb. A change in heel height can cause socket problems and make walking difficult. Please speak to your Prosthetist if you have any questions. 

  • ​Do not apply oil, grease, lubricant, or any chemicals to the knee or foot. 

  • ​Do not adjust your knee or foot unless your Prosthetist has shown you how to do this. 

  • ​If your prosthetic knee or foot is noisy, damaged, or broken, please contact the clinic to arrange a repair appointment. 

  • ​Avoid heavy impact on your prosthetic knee. Lower yourself gradually into a kneeling position and use a kneeling pad or cushion if possible. 

  • ​Avoid exposing your artificial limb to water. 

​Contact details 

​​Prosthetic Multi-Disciplinary Team 

Prosthetic Department Specialist Rehabilitation and Mobility Centre (SRMC) 

Cumberland Infirmary 

Tel: 01228 616868 

Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302