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Follow-up Care and Instructions

New or Replacement Devices:

Once your device is complete, your orthotist or prosthetist will set up a recheck appointment within 90 days to monitor the fit and function of your device.  We want to be sure that your device continues to fit appropriately and that it remains in good condition. If we find anatomical changes or changes in your functional ability, we will adjust the device and/or recommend changes to the device. 

When you receive your finished prosthesis or orthosis, you will get verbal and written instructions for the care and use of your device. If you need a refresher, or misplaced your instruction sheet, you can view and print the care and use Instructions that follow. Remember that these are just guidelines—call your prosthetist or orthotist with any additional questions.

Follow-up Care Beyond the Initial Recheck Period:

Beyond the 90-day recheck period, regular follow-up appointments are necessary to identify changes in your anatomy or condition before they cause a problem. If we find anatomical changes or changes in your functional ability, we will adjust the device and/or recommend changes to the device. We recommend that you return at least every six months for follow-up care, or sooner if you notice changes in your weight or activity level. Your clinician will let you know if your device requires more frequent follow-up care or specific maintenance. Some major adjustments or replacements require a doctor’s evaluation and prescription. Your prosthetist or orthotist will let you know if you need to contact your doctor before your device is adjusted or parts are replaced.

Orthotic Devices:  Prosthetic Devices: 
Orthosis Wearing Schedule (PDF) Prosthesis Wearing Schedule (PDF)
FO (Foot Orthosis) (PDF)  RRD (PDF)
AFO (PDF) AK Shrinker (PDF) 
KO (Knee Orthosis) (PDF)  Lower Limb Prosthesis (PDF)
KAFO (PDF) Upper Limb Body-Powered Prosthesis (PDF)
TLSO (PDF) Upper Limb Myoelectric Prosthesis (PDF)
LSO (Corset) (PDF)    

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These are general instructions for commonly prescribed orthotic and prosthetic devices. Depending upon the specific design of your prosthesis or orthosis, your prosthetist or orthotist may give you additional instructions as well.

Prosthetic & Orthotic Patient Stories

Greta Neimanas

Greta Neimanas

Greta came to RIC as a young girl to work on maximizing the function of her left arm, which was misshapen since birth.

Read Greta's patient story

 

Page Updated Tuesday, September 29, 2009