Prosthetic Pre- and Post-Operative Patient Care

Our amputee care protocol is designed to protect the residual limb, prepare patients for a prosthesis, and address emotional needs through support and education.

We partner with surgeons, physiatrists, nurses, and rehabilitation professionals to help ensure the long-term success of our patients. While our approach to care varies based on the individual needs of our partners and patients, we generally follow a similar process across our 800 locations nationwide.

Amputee Patient Care Pathway

• We start by providing a comprehensive preoperative patient consultation where we identify risk and amputation levels, provide education, and offer peer support. 
• Following surgery, we provide prompt follow up care, which includes the application of a post op limb protector, such as AmpuShield^®. 
• We visit the patient frequently, monitoring wounds and notifying the surgeon when concerns arise.
• We continue caring for the patient as they transition to their acute, rehab, or skilled nursing facility, and when they return home. We visit the patient regularly and begin limb shaping and pre-prosthetic training.
• We offer peer support once more, now that the patient has had time to evaluate their goals and desired activity level.
• If the patient is cleared for a prosthesis, we work with them to select and design the right solution to fit their needs. 
• We round back with the surgeon and care team with outcomes data and delivery documentation, and work alongside the patient as they continue rehabilitation with their physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physiatrist.

Outcomes for Limb Management

Over 40 years of clinical studies have documented the advantages of removable rigid dressings (RRDs) to optimize patient outcomes through contracture prevention, wound protection, faster healing time, and return to activities of daily living, while allowing for easy and frequent wound inspection.

Our proprietary line of AmpuShield below-knee and above-knee limb protectors are appropriate for all transtibial and transfemoral amputation patients. The soft inner liner is gentle on the surgical site, and a rigid frame provides all the benefits of RRDs. AmpuShield is available from your local Hanger Clinic office and is measured and fit the same day it’s ordered for most patients.

Amputee Peer Support

Evidence shows that the most effective way for patients to adjust to life with limb loss is through education and emotional support from peers who have successfully moved forward after amputation. Peer visitors are uniquely qualified to help amputees cope, because they have first-hand experience overcoming negative emotions during their own recovery and rehabilitation process..

Learn how Hanger Clinic can help facilitate peer visits for your patients >