Prosthetics
This service is for people of all ages who have lost a limb, or part of a limb, for any reason, and for patients while they have or need a prosthetic limb.
Pre-amputation consultation
A few patients will know that a limb is going to be amputated, in which case they may see a specialist doctor from the service before amputation, to discuss what we can provide afterwards, and also to advise the surgeon what might be best from the point of view of a prosthesis.
Post amputation
Patients who have had an amputation recently are first seen in the Combined Prosthetic Assessment Clinic.
If considered appropriate, a limb is then made and provided, and the physiotherapy and other therapy needed will be organised. This is usually provided by a local service.
New patients
Any patient referred for the first time will be seen in a multidisciplinary clinic by a:
- doctor/nurse
- physiotherapist
- prosthetist
- occupational therapist
- psychologist.
After the clinic the different professions meet to agree on the best way forward. The person concerned will already have heard from the different professions what is most likely, and they will receive a copy of the letter outlining the plan.
Usually the process of providing an artificial limb starts within four weeks of limb loss and referral.
Existing patients
Existing patients who already have a prosthesis may come back at any time to have the prosthesis adjusted or repaired.
Patients who have, or develop, particular problems relating to the amputation itself, usually pain felt either in the residual stump or in the 'phantom limb', may be seen in a specialist medical clinic. However, most patients have vascular disease and diabetes, or other medical causes, and many of their medical problems relate to the specific underlying disease, and not to the amputation itself, so the patient is more appropriately seen in the relevant specialist clinic.
If you have a problem with a prosthesis, please contact the centre.
Contact us
Prosthetics Department
1st Floor, Oxford Centre for Enablement
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Windmill Road
Oxford OX3 7HE
- Administration team: 01865 227295
- Prosthetic Nurse: 01865 227295
- Prosthetic Occupational Therapy: 01865 227279
- Prosthetic Physiotherapy: 01865 227272
Referrals
Any person with a medical problem specifically relating to amputation, such as pain, can be seen in an outpatient clinic; their GP should make a referral.
Prosthetics Service referrals