Patient Care

Amputee Support Group

• Meets at Madonna in the Lancaster Room on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 pm. Contact Julie White at 483-9439.

Definitions:

Transfemoral Amputation: A type of amputation that occurs above the knee, also called "Above Knee Amputation"

Transtibial Amputation: A type of amputation that occurs below the knee, also called "Below Knee Amputation"

Residual Limb: The remaining portion of the limb after amputation, also called "stump".

Phantom Pain: A painful sensation experienced below the residual limb often associated with traumatic amputations.

Phantom Sensation: A nonpainful sensation that an amputated limb is still attached to the body and is moving appropriately with other body parts.

Residual Limb Pain: Pain arising in the residual limb from a specific anatomical structure than can be identified.

Pylon: A pipe-like structure used to connect the prosthetic socket to the foot/ankle components.

Definitive Prosthesis: The permanent prosthesis that is designed to last several years. This is usually provided after a period with a temporary or preparatory prosthesis.

Socket The portion of the prosthesis that is in contact with the residual limb.

Prosthetic Sock A sock made to fit the shape of the residual limb worn inside the socket of a prosthesis. The sock reduces the friction between the residual limb and the socket and replaces lost volume in the socket due to shrinking of the residual limb.

Amputee Support Group Meets at Madonna in the Lancaster Room the 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 pm. Contact Julie White at 483-9439.

Websites:

• American Amputee Foundation The American Amputee Foundation, Inc. (AAF) was established in 1975 as a national information clearinghouse and referral center serving amputees, their families, and care providers. The foundation researches and gathers information on amputation including studies, product information, available services, self-help publications, and hundreds of articles concerning amputation and related conditions.

• National Amputation Foundation The National Amputation Foundation was founded in 1919 by veterans with amputation. More recently, it has expanded its services to include civilians with amputation. The organizaiton provides peer support,information and manages an equipment loan closet.

• Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is a national, non-profit amputee consumer educational organization representing people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences. The ACA includes individual amputees, amputee education and support groups for amputees, professionals, family members and friends of amputees, amputation or limb loss related agencies, and organizations.

• Amputees in Motion International (AIM) AIM is a non-profit organization in California that provides a list of resources and information.

• oandp.com A website that provides a large array of informaiton about orthotic and prosthetic products and other equipment available for persons with limb loss.