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Minimize consequences: improve the physical capacities of the amputees
Amputees must face a new life with their physical capacities reduced. In the majority of the cases, the people affected suffer amputations widely limiting their mobility, work
and daily activities.
The first step consists in recovering the lost capacities as much as possible.
Therefore the creation of a Centre of integral treatment for the treatment of amputees is proposed.
A global treatment is necessary; since an amputation is not attended simply with applying prosthesis, there are many other factors to bear in mind.
In this centre the following performances will be realized on the affected ones:
1.-Individualized study of the case
Evaluation of the type of amputation, affectation of the mobility, definition of prior treatment. Not all the amputations are the same, either because of its origin or the process of amputation, or the special characteristics of each patient. Therefore it is necessary to develop a specific method of performance for each case, without it the whole later process can be compromised.
2.-Psychological attention
The psychological component of the patient and its capacity to face a new situation as disabled is as important as the physical part. It is vital that the patients receive information, help and professionals' orientation, so that they could understand and assimilate their new reality. The psychological follow-up must be constant during the whole process, from his entry to the centre up to his complete rehabilitation to the society.
3.-Previous physical treatment
Physiotherapeutic treatment actuation plan: The stump is the part of the amputated member included between among the scar and the joint above.
After the amputation, the stump needs up to three months to stabilize its size. During this period it is necessary to realize a follow-up that assures a correct recovering. Once the wound is healed it is necessary to muscle and mould the stump before adapting the definitive prosthesis.
Hereby later physical problems and oedemas are avoided.
In turn the patient will be informed of:
• Recommended positions and not healthy ones to avoid muscular retractions and possible injuries of other joints.
• Self massage techniques
• Tone up exercises
4.-Use of the new prosthesis
• Learn to maintain equilibrium
• Learn to walk
• Care of the prosthesis
• Daily activities: dressing up, washing oneself, move at home, etc.
5.-Manufacturing of the definitive prosthesis
The final purpose is to get to not depend on third persons to have prosthesis.
With this objective we manage to:
• Generate working positions for amputees
• Maximize the number of patients to treat. The costs of the prostheses diminish, then it will be possible to attend more cases.
• Assure a perfect fit of the prosthesis to the patient, with materials testing and quality control. Many prostheses are rejected by amputees, due to a bad fit or an incorrect definition of the prostheses.
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