ESCHEN Prosthetics:
A Leader in
Prosthetic Care
What To Expect
What is a Prosthesis?
A prosthesis is a custom-made device designed to replace part or all of a missing upper- or lower-limb. For upper-limb amputees, this can range from a device that replaces part of your hand, to a device that replaces your entire upper-limb including your shoulder, elbow, and hand. For lower-limb amputees this can range from a device that replaces part of your foot, to a device that replaces your entire lower-limb including your hip, knee and foot.
What are the components of a Prosthesis?
The design of your prosthesis will depend upon your anatomy, amputation level, current activity level and future functional goals. Both upper- and lower-limb prosthetics include up to three main components:
Each of these components is critical to the facilitation of your recovery and the achievement of your goals. Click on any of the bullet points above to explore a component further.
At Eschen, our clinicians have dedicated their lives to treating limb loss. With over 500 years of combined experience, there’s nothing we haven’t seen and nothing we can’t do. To schedule a free evaluation for you or a family member, please click here.
What will my Prosthesis look like?
The design of your prosthesis will depend upon your anatomy, amputation level, current activity level and future functional goals. Your prosthesis will be a reflection of you. It will be designed, customized, and fit to you - optimized to facilitate your recovery and the achievement of your goals. During your prosthetic evaluation, our prosthetist will take you through all aspects of prosthetic design, component selection, and fabrication, including materials, fit, function and cosmetic accessories.
For all patients, our goal is to expedite a return to independent living. For you, this may mean a short walk, completing household chores, shopping, returning to work, or more involved activities such as sports, traveling or dancing.
What is the process for receiving a Prosthesis?
The process of receiving your prosthesis will depend upon several factors, including:
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Are you a new amputee or an experienced wearer?
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How and when did you lose your limb(s)?
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The health and appearance of your residual and contralateral limb
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Your current activity level and future functional goals
These are just a few of the questions that will dictate the timeline and process for receiving your prosthesis. In general, the process for receiving a prosthesis includes the steps outlined below:
What to Expect
1
Pre-Amputation
Take time before your amputation to meet with your doctor, prosthetist and other amputees. Ask questions about the process and what to expect. The more you know going into your amputation, the more empowered and in control you will be afterwards. Eschen is here to help you prepare, emotionally and physically, for your amputation. We’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect and we’ll facilitate peer-to-peer counseling with other amputees who have been through the process. During your pre-amputation consultation we will map out a post-amputation game plan to get you back to doing what you love as quickly as possible.
2
Evaluation
During your evaluation we’ll really get to know you. You’ll tell us all about yourself, including your medical history and condition, your activities of daily living, your goals and dreams. We’ll conduct a thorough physical evaluation and take you through all aspects of prosthetic design, component selection, and fabrication. After your evaluation we’ll have a clear game plan and timeline for your prosthetic journey.
3
Scanning, Casting + Measuring
This is the first step in the prosthetic creation process. This is when we capture a model of your residual limb that we’ll use to create your prosthetic socket. Your anatomy, amputation level, current activity level and future functional goals will determine the method by which we capture a model of your residual limb. The three main methods are: scanning, using a state-of-the-art 3D scanner, casting, using innovative casting supplies and techniques, and measuring, using measuring tape and a measuring board to acquire precise measurements that we’ll use to fabricate your socket.
4
Test Socket Fabrication + Fitting
Socket selection and fit are the most important elements in your recovery and the achievement of your goals. A prosthetic socket serves as the interface between your residual limb and the rest of your prosthesis; it’s what connects you to your leg. Before we fabricate your “final'' socket, the one we’ll connect to your prosthesis and that you’ll wear everyday, we’ll create one or more “test” sockets for you. During your test socket fitting we may have you stand, walk, run, and ascend/descend stairs in your test socket. This will allow us to identify any socket fit issues, like pressure points, before we fabricate your final socket.
5
Final Socket Fabrication + Prosthetic Delivery
Your final socket, known as your Definitive Socket, is created after your test socket fittings. The data we compile during your test socket fittings allows us to create a final socket with a perfect and intimate fit. Your final socket is the one we’ll connect to your prosthesis and the one you’ll wear everyday. During your delivery appointment we may have you walk, run, sit, stand, and ascend/descend stairs to ensure no further modifications need to be made before you leave with your prosthesis. This is a very exciting day for our patients and prosthetists and marks another chapter in our exciting journey together.
6
Prosthetic Training
Now that you’re living with a prosthesis, you’ll have to get really good at using it! Depending on your anatomy, amputation level, current activity level and future functional goals, prosthetic training may consist of physical therapy, personal training, or at home exercises. During your prosthetic training, Eschen will work with you and your care team to ensure you are successfully resuming your activities of daily living, reaching your functional goals, and starting to do the things you love.
7
On-Going Care
As you wear your prosthesis and as your body changes, so too will your activities of daily living. You’ll start accomplishing the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of your prosthetic journey and you’ll set new goals for yourself. Eschen will be with you every step of the way. We’ll bring you in for regular follow ups and reach out at regular intervals to make sure you’re doing well.
Why Choose Eschen?
Eschen is proud to be a global leader in prosthetic and orthotic care. As a thought leader and innovator in the field, we are able to offer an unparalleled patient experience and superior outcomes compared to other leading providers.
Effectively providing prosthetics and orthotics requires the coordinated care of a team of medical experts, and Eschen is proud to partner with experts in the fields of orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, 3D printing, and biomechanical engineering.
Unlike most orthotic and prosthetic providers who are comprised of generalists, Eschen is proud to have built a world-class team of specialists in the areas of:
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Pediatrics
At Eschen, our clinicians have dedicated their careers to providing prosthetic and orthotic care. With over 500 years of combined experience there’s nothing we haven’t seen and nothing we can’t do.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to maximize the quality of life of our patients and provide an unparalleled patient-centered experience by mobilizing world-class clinicians, healthcare administrators, and institutional partnership in delivering top-of-the-line prosthetic and orthotic services. Our clinicians and administrators have over 500 years of combined experience. Unlike most orthotic and prosthetic providers who are comprised of generalists, Eschen is proud to have built a world-class team of specialists in the areas of: Prosthetics, Orthotics, Sports Bracing, Pediatrics and Scoliosis.
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