Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Prosthesis In Nigeria.

Interested in knowing all about a prosthesis? Want to probably get an artificial limb but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

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There are many factors to consider when getting an artificial limb, or prosthesis. Here are some things you might want to know:

What are Prostheses?

A prosthesis is an artificial device that is used to replace a missing body part, such as the hand, fingers or legs. There are many different types of prostheses available, and the specific design of a prosthesis will depend on the specific needs of the user.

Prostheses can be very effective in helping individuals who have lost a body part to regain some of their mobility and independence. However, it is critical for individuals to consult with a trained prosthetist to ensure that the prosthesis fits properly and meets their specific needs.

Types of Prosthesis?

One common type of prosthesis is a limb prosthesis, which is used to replace an arm or a leg that has been amputated. These prostheses typically consist of a socket that fits over the stump of the amputated limb, a series of mechanical joints are required, that allow the prosthesis to move in a similar manner to a natural limb, and a control system that allows the user to operate the prosthesis. Limb prostheses are designed to be cosmetic, meaning they are meant to look like a natural limb and more importantly to be functional, meaning they are meant to allow the user to perform specific tasks as their mobility needs requires. It could be for a lower or Upper limb amputation.

Lower limb prostheses:

They are also different levels as well to represent the different segments of the lower limb.

Transtibial prosthesis: Replaces the foot and ankle, and extends to just below the knee.
Transfemoral prosthesis: Replaces the foot, ankle, and part of the leg, extending to above the knee.
Knee disarticulation prosthesis: Replaces the foot, ankle, and leg, and extends to just below the hip joint.
Hip disarticulation prosthesis: Replaces the foot, ankle, leg, and part of the pelvis, and extends to just above the hip joint.

Upper limb prostheses:

They are of different levels to represent the different segments of the upper limb.

Transradial prosthesis: Replaces the hand and part of the arm, extending to just below the elbow.
Transhumeral prosthesis: Replaces the hand, part of the arm, and part of the shoulder, extending to just above the elbow.
Shoulder disarticulation prosthesis: Replaces the hand, part of the arm, and part of the shoulder, extending to just below the collarbone.
Elbow disarticulation prosthesis: Replaces the hand, part of the arm, and part of the elbow, extending to just below the shoulder joint.

Cranial Prostheses:

These are prostheses which are used to replace missing portions of the face due to trauma, surgery, or congenital defects. These prostheses can be made of a variety of materials, including silicone, acrylic, and polyethylene, and are custom-made to match the specific features of the individual.

Scalp prosthesis: Replaces a portion of the scalp.

Eye prosthesis: Replaces a missing or damaged eye.

Ear prosthesis: Replaces a missing or damaged ear.

Nose prosthesis: Replaces a missing or damaged nose.

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other types of prostheses available.

How Prosthesis Work?

Prostheses typically consist of a socket that fits over the residual limb (also known as a stump); a suspension system to anchor on the residual limb; a frame or skeleton that provides structure and support, and a cover or cosmetic finish. Some prostheses also have mechanical components, such as motors or hydraulics, that allow for movement and functionality. The prosthesis is basically designed to mimic the appearance and function of the lost part.

How are Prosthesis Made?

The process followed to make custom prosthetic limbs require utmost attention to detail and continuous patient communication and follow up.

In Tuff Care we ensure our processes are seamless, efficient, effective and result-oriented.

Medical evaluation: The first step in getting an artificial limb is to be evaluated by a medical professional, such as a doctor and a prosthetist. They will assess your amputation level, stump health, any medical conditions you may have, and your functional needs in order to determine the type of prosthetic device that would be most appropriate for you.

Prosthetic assessment: After your medical evaluation, you will be assessed by a prosthetist exclusively, who is a professional trained in the design, manufacture and fitting of artificial limbs. The prosthetist will seek to understand your mobility goals & prosthetic expectations, as well as your financial budget from which a treatment plan will be drawn. They will take measurements of your residual limb and use them to create a model of your prosthetic socket. They will also fit you with a test socket and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

Prosthetic fabrication: Once the prosthetist has created the model of a properly fitted and comfortable prosthetic socket, the next step is to fabricate the prosthetic device. This typically involves attaching the appropriate components, such as a knee joint or ankle joint, adapters and other necessary parts.

Prosthetic fitting and training: After the prosthetic device has been fabricated, you will return to the prosthetist for a final fitting. They will ensure that the device fits properly, and make any necessary adjustments. They will also teach you how to properly use and care for your prosthetic device. This may require multiple fittings and adjustments. Once the goals of the project has been achieved, the cosmetic finishing will be done.

Maintenance: Even after you have received your prosthetic, you may need to go back to the prosthetist for adjustments or maintenance on your device. The prosthetic devices are not like other items, they have to be properly maintained, checked and adjusted to ensure they continue to work properly and fit comfortably over time.

It’s worth mentioning that the process of obtaining a prosthetic in Nigeria might be different from other places, and also the prices for prosthetic devices in Nigeria can vary widely, so it’s important to consult with prosthetists and other medical professionals to get a better understanding of the costs and the options available.

Cost of Prosthesis In Nigeria

The cost of a prosthesis can be significant, and it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if it can be covered. Prosthetic Insurance is still a big issue in Nigeria, hopefully we get it right soonest. Some organizations may provide financial assistance or fundraising support such as The Irede Foundation and the Feet of Grace Foundation.

What is the best Prosthetic leg?

It is impossible to say which prosthetic leg is best overall because they are highly individualized to the patient and their lifestyle. Because of this, one prosthetic leg may be perfect for one person but not be a great fit for someone else. There are many prosthetic leg categories on the market, and each one has its own use case, which an expert will match to a patient depending on their lifestyle, mobility needs, stump conditions, budget and other factors to be considered during assessment.

Can You Wear a Prosthetic Leg all Day?

Once you’ve completed your prosthetic training and fitting and you are not in any form of pain or discomfort. You can totally wear the prosthesis all day. Although as a first time user, it’s ideal that you check for redness or blisters on your stump as often as possible. Your prosthesis is a part of you and will enable you carry out your activities of daily living optimally.

Questions are a natural part of choosing a prosthetic leg, which is why many people choose Tuff Care . We have highly trained professionals who are committed to help you select the right prosthesis for your mobility and lifestyle needs, teach you how to use it optimally in your day-to-day activities, and support you through out this journey. Questions are welcome at Tuff Care, and we look forward to answering yours.