Prosthetics
A wide range of different types of prostheses suited to your unique requirements.
Prosthetics
A wide range of different types of prostheses suited to your unique requirements.
prosthetics
Prosthetics refers to the replacement of a missing limb or body part. Each patient is carefully evaluated at Germishuys and van den Berg Orthotics and Prosthetics to determine their prosthetic needs before measuring, manufacturing and fitting begins. Thereafter, we spend as much time as needed training our patients in the use of their prosthesis.
At Germishuys and Van Den Berg O&P you will receive advice on a wide range of different types of prostheses suited to your individual needs.
These include upper limb, lower limb and breast prostheses.
Prosthetic arms and legs are always custom made according to an individual’s needs.After an evaluation, we determine the most appropriate design and componentry needed for a prosthesis. A test socket is manufactured and tested for several weeks or months until both the patient and Prosthetist are satisfied with the result and fit. We exclusively use componentry and materials from our industry’s leading suppliers.
prosthetics
Prosthetics refers to the replacement of a missing limb or body part. Each patient is carefully evaluated at Germishuys and van den Berg Orthotics and Prosthetics to determine their prosthetic needs before measuring, manufacturing and fitting begins. Thereafter, we spend as much time as needed training our patients in the use of their prosthesis.
At Germishuys and Van Den Berg O&P you will receive advice on a wide range of different types of prostheses suited to your individual needs.
These include upper limb, lower limb and breast prostheses.
Prosthetic arms and legs are always custom made according to an individual’s needs.After an evaluation, we determine the most appropriate design and componentry needed for a prosthesis. A test socket is manufactured and tested for several weeks or months until both the patient and Prosthetist are satisfied with the result and fit. We exclusively use componentry and materials from our industry’s leading suppliers.
Upper Limb Prosthetics
The loss of an arm is a traumatic event to any individual and their families. To replace a hand or arm is a difficult task to achieve.
There are many different systems available on the market generally categorized as cosmetic, body powered systems and myoelectric. To determine the best option for an individual with an upper limb amputation your Prosthetist will carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each category. It is important for you to communicate all your concerns and questions to your us for the best outcome possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Upper Limb prosthetics
The loss of an arm is a traumatic event to any individual and their families. To replace a hand or arm is a difficult task to achieve.
There are many different systems available on the market generally categorized as cosmetic, body powered systems and myoelectric.
To determine the best option for an individual with an upper limb amputation your Prosthetist will carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each category. It is important for you to communicate all your concerns and questions to your us for the best outcome possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Breast Prostheses
Breast reconstruction may not be an option for everyone and an external breast prosthesis can help you look balanced without surgery. Many women who have been treated for breast cancer have had a lumpectomy, modified or simple masectomy, or radical masectomy.
To obtain a breast prosthesis is a fairly simple and exciting process. One of our certified prosthetists would usually rearrange a test fitting with the patient to confirm the correct size and shape of breast prosthesis and bra.
Some prostheses can be weighted and some are not. One of its advantages is that it helps your body be symmetrical again and remain in balance. Breast prostheses can come in many shapes, sizes, and materials: silicone gel, foam, or fiberfill interior. these prostheses slip into a pocket in a specially designed bra or camisole.
Breast Prosthetics
Breast reconstruction might not be an option for everyone and an external breast prosthesis can help you look balanced without surgery. Many women who have been treated for breast cancer have had a lumpectomy, modified or simple mastectomy, or radical mastectomy.
To obtain a breast prosthesis is a fairly simple and exiting process. One of our certified prosthetists would usually arrange a test fitting with the patient to confirm the correct size and shape of breast prosthesis and bra.
Some breast prostheses can be weighted and some are not. One of its advantages is that it helps your body be symmetrical again and remain in balance. Breast prostheses come in many shapes, sizes, and materials: silicone gel, foam, or fiberfill interior. These prostheses slip into a pocket in a specially designed bra or camisole.
Prosthetic Hygiene & Care
Patients are advised to clean the prosthesis daily.
Silicone liners should be washed with a colourless and odourless soap and water and hand dried on the inside. The outer material can also be washed as needed. Some liners are machine washable. Please ask your Prosthetist if you are unsure.
The inside of the socket should also be washed daily. We usually advise patients to wipe the inside of the socket with a moist cloth.
It is very important to note that the prosthesis should not be submerged in water unless otherwise stipulated. If it should happen accidentally, please make an appointment with the your Prosthetist so that we can take the prosthesis apart to dry it thoroughly.
Prosthetic Hygiene & Care
Patients are advised to clean the prosthesis daily.
Silicone liners should be washed with a colourless and odourless soap and water and hand dried on the inside. The outer material can also be washed as needed. Some liners are machine washable. Please ask your Prosthetist if you are unsure.
The inside of the socket should also be washed daily. We usually advise patients to wipe the inside of the socket with a moist cloth.
It is very important to note that the prosthesis should not be submerged in water unless otherwise stipulated. If it should happen accidentally, please make an appointment with the your Prosthetist so that we can take the prosthesis apart to dry it thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not possible to determine the cost of a prosthesis without consultation due to the infinite number of componentry combinations and designs available. We have to consider the patient’s needs and available budget to provide a quotation.
Assuming administration is complete, we should have a test socket ready to fit by the third or fourth appointment. Depending on the availability of our patients to attend appointments, stock delivery times and manufacturing time it should roughly be within two or three weeks.
Some initial discomfort is to be expected as your body gets used to various pressure points used to support your weight although the prosthesis is never supposed to hurt you. Fortunately, we always start off a prosthesis with one or multiple test sockets in ensuring the final prosthesis is perfect.
A prosthesis will not be as heavy as the limb that was amputated. A prosthesis user will however find that the perceived weight of the prosthesis is often related to how effective the prosthesis is suspended (kept onto) on your body.
In most cases your medical aid should have specific benefits for appliances, prosthesis and wheelchairs. With some medical aids orthotics and prosthetics are covered by day-to- day funds, savings or, when appropriate, as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB). Medical aids and their respective plans differ greatly and their “rules” change from time to time on what will be covered. Our experienced and friendly administrative staff will happily do the necessary administration or confirm benefits on your behalf.