Why might we pick one prosthetic foot over another?
Answer
One consideration is whether the patient has a unilateral or bilateral amputation. Other considerations could be the status of the contralateral limb; the patient’s need in regard to specific ADLs; determining if the patient will be involved in altered weight carrying such as carrying their children; determining if the patient is someone who does quick turns or fast movements or is someone who is very active on varying terrain. Still, more considerations might include the amount of time that the patient spends in wet or harsh environments like a garage mechanic, a cook, or someone in construction.
I take care of a man who works in a glass factory. He carries 100-pound sheets of glass. We have given him the vertical shock foot with an extra layer of shock absorption so that as he loads up the prosthesis he has extra support in the foot.
Horseback riding or motorcycle riding might require something special in a foot. A slow or fast walker, a heel or toe walker, a dancer, and someone who wears slim shoes may all have different needs. All of things might come into play as far as choosing the right prosthetic foot.
John Rheinstein, CP, FAAOP
John Rheinstein is a board certified prosthetist with 20 years experience practicing in New York City with Hanger Clinic. He received his board certification in prosthetics from Northwestern University Medical School’s Prosthetics & Orthotics Center at the Rehab Institute of Chicago. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and is the chair of the Lower Limb Prosthetic Society.
John has specialized experience with active, proximal level, and upper extremity amputation patients as well as immediate post-operative care. He is the co-inventor of the patented Aircast Air-Limb post-operative prosthesis. John is active in research and patient care applications of new products. He presents at academic and medical institutions, teaches continuing education courses to prosthetists, and trains prosthetic residents. He recently won the Hanger Award for Pioneering Innovations.
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