PROSTHETIC SERVICEs
The heart of Robard Bionics is to provide easy care for the patient and family. We specialize in mobile prosthetic care—that is, we bring our prosthetic services to the patient’s home or supporting healthcare facility. This type of care is not only more convenient for our clients, but it also allows us to factor in the their daily environment to custom create a plan that ensures success.
Listed below are the types of amputations we treat, including basic details on the prostheses associated with them.
LOWERE EXTERMITY CARE
Transtibial - Below Knee Amputation (BKA):
Transtibial or BKA amputations are performed between the knee and ankle joints. The prosthesis for this type of amputation includes a socket to contain the residual limb and a foot component. A lightweight pylon and connecting elements are included in the leg construction as well. Our practitioners will choose a foot component for the patient based on his or her activity level. However, patients are welcome to inquire about components that may have peaked their interest.
Transfemoral - Above Knee Amputation (AKA):
Transfemoral or AKA amputations are carried out between the knee and hip joints. The prosthesis for an AKA amputation includes a socket to contain the residual limb; a knee and foot component; and connecting elements to tie everything together. Depending on the patient’s activity level, our practitioners will choose the best knee and feet components for optimal functionality. If there are particular components that has the patient’s interest, he or she is welcome to inquire about them with our practitioners. Robard Bionics has developed a key socket shape for this type of amputation that anchors the prosthesis to the ischial tuberosity (the bottom portion of the pelvis), creating superior stability for the patient in his or her prosthesis.
Hip Disarticulation and Hemipelvectomy:
Hip disarticulations are amputations performed through the hip joint, and, similarly, hemipelvectomies are performed through the pelvis. At the top of the prosthesis is a socket to interface with the pelvis or, in the case of a hemipelvectomy, to partially replace the pelvis as well. Below the socket are the hip, knee, and foot components along with the connecting elements. With the loss of three joints, these patients face arguably the greatest mobility challenges among lower extremity amputees. Robard Bionics has treated hundreds of these patients, however. We understand the walking dynamics of this type of amputation down to a science, and with our expertise the patient will have the means to walk again. Our practitioners will choose the most suitable devices with which to construct the prosthetic, and they will happily consider requests of the patient for particular components.
—Component Details: Simple, leaf-spring-type feet are available for low activity patients. This type of foot is lightweight and low in cost. Likewise, lightweight prosthetic knees that operate under the control of friction are available for low activity amputees as well. For more active amputees, we offer knee and feet components that utilize hydraulic fluids and bionic technology to increase the functionality of the prosthesis.
UPPER EXTREMITY CARE
Wrist Disarticulation:
A wrist disarticulation is an amputation performed through the wrist joint. Prostheses for this type of amputation are constructed with a socket to contain the residual limb, a terminal device (e.g. a hand, hook, or Greifer), and connecting elements. Our practitioners will choose the terminal device(s) based on the patient’s functional needs. Our practitioners will happily consider any interest the patient might have in certain terminal devices.
Transradial - Below Elbow Amputation (BEA):
Transradial or BEA amputations occur between the wrist and the elbow joints. The prosthesis for a transradial amputation includes and socket to connect to the residual limb, a wrist component, a terminal device (e.g. a hand, hook, or Greifer), and connection elements. The wrist component and terminal device will be prescribed by our practitioners based on the functional needs of the patient; however, the patient is welcome to make requests for certain devices.
Transhumeral - Above Elbow Amputation (AEA):
Transhumeral or AEA amputations are performed between the shoulder and elbow joints. Transhumeral amputation prostheses are built with a socket for the residual limb, elbow and wrist components, a terminal device (e.g. a hand, hook, or Greifer), and connecting elements. Depending on the functional needs of the patient, our practitioners will choose the appropriate terminal device and elbow/wrist components. The patient is welcome to make requests for particular devices that may have his or her interest too, however.
Shoulder Disarticulation:
An amputation through the shoulder joint is called a shoulder disarticulation. The prosthesis for a shoulder disarticulation includes a socket that fits around the remaining portion of the shoulder; shoulder, elbow, and wrist components; a terminal device (e.g. a hand, hook, or Greifer); and connecting elements. The appropriate joint and terminal devices will be chosen by our practitioners based on the patient’s functional needs. Our practitioners are happy to consider requests by the patient for particular devices too, however.
—Component Details: We offer myoelectric-controlled (controlled by electrical signals generated naturally in the muscles) shoulder, elbow, wrist, and terminal components. Passive joint components that the patient controls manually are available as well. Additionally, life-like prostheses intended more for cosmetic purposes can be fabricated for the patient too.