Method: Retrospective observational study on 4,578 Veterans hospitalized for LLA and discharged 2003- 2004, looking at time to all-cause mortality from the amputation surgical date up to the 3 yr anniversary. Results: 1,300 (28.4%) persons received a prescription for a prosthetic limb within 1 yr after the surgical amputation. About 46% (n = 2,086) of all Veterans w LLA died within 3 yr of the surgical anniversary. Among those who received a prescription for a prosthetic limb, only 25.2% died within 3 yr of the surgical anniversary. Discussion: The time to receipt of the prescription for a prosthetic limb (prosthetic fitting) was associated with lower mortality. Conclusions:
Reference: Kurichi JE, Kwong P, Vogel WB, Xie D, Cowper Ripley D, Bates BE. Effects of prosthetic limb prescription on 3-year mortality among Veterans with lower-limb amputation. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2015;52(4):385-96. doi: 10.1682/JRRD.2014.09.0209. PMID: 26348602; PMCID: PMC4563808
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This patient reduced their volume within a month period of time using the iFIT transtibial prosthesis.
The iFIT prosthesis is an ideal preparatory prosthetic system that relieves swelling and shapes the limb quickly. There is no need to wait for prosthetic shrinker socks to reduce volume, so those with limb loss can be fit right away and get back on their feet. Patients can have a secure fit throughout their rehabilitation therapy using the patented buckle system. They can tighten or loosen the prosthesis as needed throughout the day without having to use layers of socks which can compromise stability. This summer, Dr. Timothy Dillingham and his son Rhys visited Botswana with a goal to help persons with limb loss obtain a comfortable, durable socket. Through the UPenn-Botswana Partnership they visited several locations and fit 17 persons in a 7 day time period. They had four hockey bags loaded with these modular devices and a backpack with hand tools.
Many of these persons were not able to obtain a prosthetic, while others had devices that were old and uncomfortable. The adjustable system was fit within 1-2 hours and allowed subjects to walk without issue. See more about this trip in our tab "International Relief Efforts" under "Research". Here is more on this article: Two UB-UPENN Staff Members Provide 17 Batswana with Lower Limb Prostheses | University of Botswana Adjustable prosthetics are the future direction for prosthetic technology. Patients are seeking out ways to adjust their prosthetic when their limb changes and prosthetists are taking note of this demand. Many patients report their limb goes through changes during the day and being unable to adjust can lead to skin irritation or even tripping and falling.
Persons with recent amputation will experience drastic changes in their limb volume over the first year. Using socks is one way to fill in the missing volume, however too many socks can reduce total contact and therefore a proper fit. iFIT's patented buckle system allows the wearer to adjust their socket whenever and wherever they are. All sockets are further modifiable by the prosthetist so they can accommodate even large changes in volume. An active 55-year-old male weighing 220 pounds desired an adjustable
prosthetic socket. He was experiencing many issues with his suction socket such as frequent blisters in irritation.
The iFIT transfemoral socket is a great alternative to suction sockets which can fit improperly if the wearer gains or loses volume. The subject reported he feels secure and stable during his many activities and does not miss the high brim of previous sockets. To obtain an iFIT transfemoral socket, the best place to start it by speaking with your prosthetist. They can then determine the size you will need and get you fit quickly and efficiently using the adjustable system.
Read full study Dillingham, T., Kenia, J., Shofer, F. and Marschalek, J., 2019. A prospective assessment of an adjustable, immediate fit, transtibial prosthesis. PM&R, 11(11), pp.1210-1217. A study recently published by Miller et al. found that receiving a prosthesis within the first three months post amputation was highly beneficial in the following:
The iFIT system can help get patients fit faster. iFIT’s stability, strength and durability allows for immediate and early ambulation. Study: Miller, T.A., Paul, R., Forthofer, M. and Wurdeman, S.R., 2020. The Role of Earlier Receipt of a Lower Limb Prosthesis on Emergency Department Utilization. PM&R. Oct 3. During these challenging times patients should not have to wait longer for a prosthesis. Fit with minimal visits, and fully adjustable by the patient the iFIT prosthesis is perfect post amputation. During the first year, drastic reductions in volume occur as the limb matures. The iFIT system helps shrink the limb down and maintain a secure fit.
Fit and aligned in a single session which means less visits during this challenging time.10/15/2020 We understand the challenges that the amputee community could be facing. Our devices can help encourage and meet the needs of those with a compromised immune system. iFIT has a solution that can be fit virtually anywhere — even in a patients’ own home.
Give those with limb loss the mobility they deserve and the freedom they expect.
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