Lower-limb amputees know that finding the right prosthetic knee can be challenging. For several people, this means compromising between your day to day needs, your ambitions for the next couple of years, your spare time, interests, financial means, and health insurance plan.
Things can even get more complicated if you take into account that even the most appropriate prosthetic knee can only reach its full potential if fitted under a well-fitting socket, merged with a great foot that is suitable for your activity level.
Depend on others when making your decision
If you are new to the amputee life, choosing the right prosthetic knee for you sometimes means relying on other people to help you make the best decision. The most likely scenario is that you will be referred to a prosthetist after amputation. The practitioner will assess your situation in terms of your needs, physical conditions, and lifestyle.
Your prosthetist will then go through the available options, and explain the benefits and drawbacks of various prosthetic knees, and the cost implications like what is or not covered through your insurance plan or national health service.
What are your current and desired activities?
What are the activities you want to do that you can’t do now? This is a good question you may have to start with if you already own a prosthetic knee. For instance, if your activity level has not changed since first getting your X3 Prosthetic Knee Nashville, it makes sense that you stick with this product at your next replacement.
In addition to looking at what the prosthetic leg would allow you to do, it is essential to consider the limitations enacted by the prosthetic knee you are considering. For instance, there may be limitations to how the prosthetic knee performs on hills, stairs, ramps, and uneven terrain.
Financial considerations
There is a wide range of insurance plans coverage for prosthetic devices. However, insurance companies usually consider coverage for a new prosthetic knee if the important components of the prosthetic knee have failed, the ambulation status of the patient has changed, or the prosthetic limb has reached its limit. Whatever your reason for requesting a new prosthetic knee is, you should keep in mind that you may need to be persistent to get the coverage.
Choosing the right prosthesis knee
The type and style of prosthesis knee that is right for a patient is a decision that involves the prosthetist, patient, and other healthcare experts that are part of your rehabilitation team. Some of the things that you must consider include your shape, past medical history, the status of your residual limb, functional abilities, and other conditions that may affect your ability to use the prosthesis kneel.
Contact Human Technology Orthotic & Prosthetics for a free evaluation
At Human Technology Orthotic & Prosthetics, we offer free evaluations and understand every single patient’s conditions are different. If you want the best prosthetic knees, such as the X3 Prosthetic Knee Nashville, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss your individual needs.