Post-Op Prosthetic Care Flashcards
What type of treatment offers the best result post-op?
co-treatment
What is the primary goal of skilled care prior to surgery?
education and prevention of further adversity
What is the most important thing following amputation?
reducing edema and promoting healing
The main goal is to shape the stump to fit into the prosthesis, what deformity is present following surgery that is a major setback to this?
“Dog ears”
What seems to be the best post-op option in regards to reducing edema and preparing for the prosthesis?
Immediate postoperative prosthesis (IPOP) pneumatic
What was once the standard for edema reduction that has since been ceased due to its ineffectiveness?
soft dressings such as ACE bandages
What is now being used as a replacement for ACE wrap?
Stockinet or Tubigrip
What is the major difference between non-removable and removable IPOPs?
Removable allows for the wound to be monitored while non-removable does not. Both improve the physiological and psychological response to amputation.
Describe a stump shrinker
It is an elastic compression bandage that provides significantly more distal compression than proximal
What type of contracture is most common? Why?
hip flexor
Pain can cause the flexor withdrawl reflex
What position should a patient be positioned in in bed?
Prone lying is best as it is a position that avoids hip and knee flexion
What wheelchair adaptation is helpful in preventing contractures?
A stump board which avoids dependent positioning of the affected extremity
Why is prevention of knee flexor contracture imperative for optimal prosthetic fit and ambulation?
Knee extension is essential to establish terminal stance
What special test can be used to determine whether or not a patient may be developing a flexion contracture?
Thomas test
What is a reasonable plan of care for post-op amputees?
prone lying, modified Thomas test, mobility exercises