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Prosthetics

Our prosthetic team understands your individual needs and lifestyle. Our goal is to restore and improve the active lifestyle for patients with mobility challenges. Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics features an extensive collection of prosthetic solutions for all types of patients and people, custom fabricated in our state-of-the-art lab by qualified technicians and prosthetists.

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Upper Limb Specialties

For nearly a century, our passion for perfecting each one of our prosthetic designs has been inspired by natural movement and human achievement.

Real choices for real life: Gentle and rugged. Light activity and heavy duty. Subtle and bold. For our hands, “everyday activities” can be just about anything. For people with an upper limb difference, that means the “right hand” is all about the right balance: the combination of strength, precision,

Myoelectric

Technologically advanced with internal cables that make for a sleek cosmetic appearance, myoelectric devices allow patients to complete day-to-day activities seamlessly.

Passive Functional

Passive functional devices are lightweight prostheses that provide body symmetry and allow patients to carry out more technical tasks, like writing or typing.

Body-Powered Conventional

Body-powered prosthetic devices use a patient’s body movements to trigger motion. The simple design includes a shoulder harness and cables.

Lower Limb Specialties

Prosthetic Knees

For nearly a century, Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics has focused on helping people maintain or regain their freedom of movement. For above knee amputees, that sense of freedom comes from confidence in every step. And confidence begins with trust in the knee.

Prosthetic Feet

At Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics, we know that the right foot makes everything else possible. The most sophisticated knee technology needs the right foot to perform to its best. The most advanced hip prosthesis depends on a foot to deliver its full potential. 

Socket Solutions

There is nothing more important that the comfort of your socket. Whether it’s the liner protecting your skin, or the accessories that enable you to live life on your terms, Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics has options that allow you to choose what works best for you.

Get Fitted for a Prosthesis

Everyone has a different anatomy, but also a different lifestyle and different wishes. A prosthesis is therefore tailor-made especially for you. The measurement is always done in consultation with you, your rehabilitation doctor, your orthopedic advisor and prosthetist. This way you can be sure that you get the prosthesis that suits you best.

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FAQ

A prosthesis as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services as “…devices that replace all or part of an internal body organ or replace all or part of the function of a permanently inoperative or malfunctioning internal body organ.” Prosthetics include limbs, eyes, teeth, and facial bones. It is important to note that Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics only does prostheses for limbs. There are two types of prostheses, endoskeletal and exoskeletal. Endoskeletal means that the prosthesis is supported by an internal pylon. Exoskeletal means the prosthesis is supported by an external frame.

Your prosthetist is the person in charge of your prosthetic care. Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics are experienced and have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide the best prosthesis for you.

After your amputation, a referral will be made to a prosthetics facility. When we receive a referral from a physician we see the patient while they are still in the hospital if at all possible. First the Prosthetist will introduce him or herself and explain the prosthetic process to you. Typically you are fit with a “shrinker” at this time. A “shrinker” is used for compression to control swelling and promote healing. It will also help shape the limb to prepare it for a prosthesis. There is a period of healing that can last for a varied amount of time depending on the patient. Once healing is complete, your Prosthetist will continue the prosthetic process.
Typically, after your surgery the Prosthetist will see you in the hospital before you are discharged. This is because the physician makes the referral to the Prosthetist while you are in the hospital. This is when they will go over the Prosthetic process with you, give you brochures, and provide you with all information necessary. Your Prosthetist will leave you with a business card for you to hold on to. The business card will have your Prosthetist’s name on it with contact information. Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics will obtain your contact information from the hospital so we can continue the prosthetic process when you are discharged home or to another facility. We understand that there is a lot of information to keep track of when you have an amputation. Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics will be in contact with you to help guide you smoothly through the prosthetic process. You are always encouraged to call us with any questions you may have.
There is no set time frame for obtaining a prosthesis. The time frame for obtaining a prosthesis varies from patient to patient, and usually depends on healing time. If a patient has vascular deficiencies, they may not heal as quickly and this can make the process longer. Once the patient is sufficiently healed the Prosthetist will proceed with the initial evaluation, scan, and measurements. Sometimes instead of a scan, a cast is taken to obtain a plaster mold of the patient’s limb. Once this is completed the Prosthetist will proceed with the first test socket fitting. This is to test how well the socket fits from the scan or mold taken from the patient. If the test socket fits well and does not need any significant changes then the Prosthetist will proceed on to a definitive prosthesis if appropriate. Some patients may need a temporary prosthesis first. Your Prosthetist will discuss the options with you to see what is best for you and your situation.
Most of the time when a patient receives their first prosthesis, it is not always comfortable. There is an adjustment period where the patient will need to get used to wearing a prosthesis. You should always call your Prosthetist if something is irritating your skin or causing you pain. It is not uncommon for a prosthesis to rub in certain areas. This can be corrected by your Prosthetist to make the prosthesis more comfortable. If there is ever a time you are unable to wear your prosthesis because the socket is too large or too small, call your Prosthetist immediately. It is very important to take care of these issues as soon as possible. Various factors can cause your limb to swell, making your prosthesis tight. Also, wearing your prosthesis throughout the day can cause your limb to decrease in size. Your Prosthetist will go over these issues with you.
Carolina Ottobock.care strongly encourages you to schedule an appointment before coming in. Always try to call ahead of time before coming in if you are able to. This will ensure the Prosthetist is available to see you in a timely manner.
Please call and ask if we accept your insurance. Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics works with many types of insurance, but it’s always best to call and ask before coming in.
We like to follow up with prosthetic patients every couple of months. We check the prosthesis for wear and tear, check condition of supplies such as socks and liners, and see how you are functioning with the prosthesis. Please feel free to call us if you are having any issues including but not limited to tears in your liner, or pain wearing your prosthesis. A simple adjustment might be all that is needed to keep you comfortable.
No. Even though the components are made of durable materials, they are not meant to last forever. Eventually parts and materials break down. You may need several prostheses over your lifetime.
Call Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics immediately! It is extremely important we know about any damaged parts as soon as possible. Even if it is after hours, you can leave a message with our answering service and the on call Prosthetist will receive the message, so we can schedule you an appointment. The Prosthetist will take care of your situation to keep you comfortable and safe.
Rehabilitation needs will be assessed by your physician and your Prosthetist. We will work with your physician to determine if rehabilitation would benefit you. If you do require rehabilitation, your Prosthetist will coordinate follow up visits for adjustments with your physical therapist.
To clean your prosthetic liners (sleeves), turn the liner inside out so the gel is facing you. Wipe down the gel side of the liner with mild soapy water, and let air dry. It is important to keep your liners clean to keep your skin healthy.

Resources

Donning a Prosthetic Socket

Watch Ottobock's in-depth tutorial on how to don a prosthetic socket

How to Clean a Liner

Learn some quick tips and best practices for keeping your liner clean

Hip Exercises

Exercises for optimizing gait with lower limb orthoses and prostheses

Amputee Coalition

Find valuable resources, local support communities, and news in amputee community through the Amputee Coalition