Name of the Procedure:

Addition to Lower Extremity, Thigh/Weight Bearing, Quadri-lateral Brim, Molded to Patient Model (L2510)

• Common Name: Lower Extremity Orthosis Addition
• Technical Term: Prosthetic Addition for Lower Extremity

Summary

This procedure involves adding a quadri-lateral brim support to a lower extremity prosthesis. This type of prosthetic addition is specifically molded to the patient's thigh and helps distribute weight evenly, enhancing comfort and mobility for individuals using prosthetic limbs.

Purpose

• Medical Condition Addressed: Amputations affecting the lower extremities.
• Goals: To provide additional support and stability, ensuring better weight distribution and reducing pressure points. This improves the patient's ability to walk and participate in daily activities.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Patients with existing lower extremity prostheses experiencing discomfort, poor weight distribution, or instability.
• Patient Criteria: Individuals requiring enhanced support for their prosthetic limbs, especially those with a transfemoral (above-knee) amputation.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients may need to adjust current prosthetic use and avoid extensive physical activity before the procedure to prevent swelling.
• Diagnostic Tests: Typically involves a consultation and assessment by a prosthetist, including measurements and possibly a casting of the limb for precise mold creation.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: A prosthetist evaluates the patient's residual limb and current prosthesis.
2. Modeling: Using measurements or a cast of the limb, a model is created to design the quadri-lateral brim.
3. Molding: The quadri-lateral brim is custom-molded to fit the patient's thigh securely.
4. Fitting: The molded brim is added to the existing prosthesis, adjusted for optimal fit and comfort.
5. Testing and Adjustment: The patient tests the new addition under the supervision of a prosthetist, who makes any necessary adjustments.

Tools and Equipment: Casting materials, molding equipment, alignment tools. Anesthesia: Typically not required.

Duration

The entire process, including assessment, modeling, and fitting, can take several hours spread over a few appointments.

Setting

Typically performed in a prosthetic and orthotic clinic.

Personnel

• Prosthetist: Primary professional handling the procedure.
• Support Staff: May include technicians and assistants.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor discomfort during adjustment period.
• Rare Risks: Pressure sores, improper fit leading to imbalance.
• Management: Follow-up appointments to tweak the fitting and address any issues.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Enhanced comfort, improved mobility, and better weight distribution.
• Realization: Benefits are often noticed shortly after the fitting adjustments.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Regular follow-ups to ensure optimal fit.
• Recovery Time: Minimal; patients can typically resume normal activities within a few days.
• Restrictions: Limited initially to ensure the new addition fits well.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Standard prosthetic limb adjustments, different types of orthotic additions.
• Pros/Cons: Alternatives may not offer the same level of customized support and comfort.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Minimal discomfort; the procedure is mostly non-invasive.
• After the Procedure: Possible mild discomfort as the patient adjusts. Pain management typically involves over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.
• Comfort Measures: Regular adjustments and checks to ensure ongoing comfort.