Lower Extremity Care

Lower extremity prostheses are made up of a combination of components. At Green Prosthetics & Orthotics we obtain our components, devices, interfaces, and systems from some of the most well known and technology advanced manufacturing companies in the world. See our Technology Section for examples. We take these components and custom fashion them into a final prosthesis.

The components most often used in lower level prostheses include:

CUSTOM MADE SOCKET

The socket acts as the interface between the residual limb and the prosthesis. There are a number of different types and designs. The initial socket will likely need to be adjusted a number of times throughout the creation of both the temporary and final prosthesis.

SUPPORT FRAME OR SUSPENSION MECHANISM

All prosthesis require a suspension system to keep it attached to the residual limb. There are a number of different methods that can be used to achieve that goal.

KNEE UNIT

The knee unit must provide support for standing, walking, sitting, and kneeling. Knee units are either mechanical or computerized. There are many different models available today.

PYLON

The pylon is a basic shell or tube that transfers weight between the socket and the prosthetic foot. Pylon development has come a long way from simple static devices. Today there are Pylons that incorporate “dynamic capabilities” which help absorb, store, and release energy for people who participate in high-impact activities like running.

FOOT AND ANKLE UNITS

There are a wide variety of foot and ankle units available today. The unit must provide a stable weight-bearing surface, absorb shock, replace lost muscle function, replicate joint action, and often restore natural appearance. As is the case with pylons, Foot & Ankle Units can be dynamic – “energy-returning” or static – “non-energy returning” feet.

Lower Limb Prosthetic Levels

Depending on the amputation level a Lower Extremity Prosthesis incorporates a number of components from those listed above. At Green Prosthetics & Orthotics, we custom make prostheses for all types of surgeries. Listed below are the various classification levels:

ABOVE KNEE (AK)

Above-the-knee (AK) prostheses are made up of sockets, suspension mechanisms, knee units, pylons, and feet. The prosthetic is custom made and supports amputation levels through the knee, femur, hip, or pelvis.

BELOW KNEE (BK)

A below-the knee (BK) prosthesis usually consists of a socket, a pylon, and foot. A suspension mechanism may or may not be required. Hip Disarticulation (H/D) – A hip disarticulation prosthesis is a highly custom made unit consisting of a flexible inner socket, a strong support frame, a hip joint, a rotator, knee unit, pylon, and foot. Prosthetic options and considerations for hip and pelvic area surgeries are extremely complex.

SYMES & PARTIAL FOOT (PF)

A Symes amputation is special surgery that removes the foot through the ankle joint. A foot prosthetic is made up of a rigid socket with a soft interior lining that often times extends just below an individuals knee and the prosthetic foot itself. The foot can be either dynamic or static. For partial foot (PF) amputations there are a number of options which may include a foot prosthetic, a custom molded foot orthosis, custom molded shoes, or modified ankle-foot (AFO) orthosis.

COMPLETE OFFERINGS

At Green Prosthetics & Orthotics we offer a complete range of custom Lower Extremity Prostheses based on 70 years of experience. Our service to each patient starts with a thorough consultation / assessment, and continues through recommendations, creating a treatment plan, providing education, and custom fabrication and fitting of the prosthetic device.