Prosthetics - Premier Surgical https://www.premiersurgical.com Premier Surgical Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:40:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7 https://www.premiersurgical.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-PSA_Star_Fav-32x32.png Prosthetics - Premier Surgical https://www.premiersurgical.com 32 32 202253197 Premier Prosthetic Patient Aims For Boston Marathon https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/premier-prosthetic-patient-aims-for-boston-marathon/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/premier-prosthetic-patient-aims-for-boston-marathon/#respond Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:43:50 +0000 http://www.premiersurgical.com/?p=4030   In 2001, 57-year-old John Gardner of Knoxville was involved in a tree cutting accident that crushed his ankle and left him with one leg shorter than the other. Over the next thirteen years, Gardner fought with limited mobility issues and depression about how his lifestyle was being compromised because of his injured leg. Then […]

The post Premier Prosthetic Patient Aims For Boston Marathon first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
JohnGardner

John Gardner, left, finishing the Peachtree Road Race 10K in Atlanta, July 4th.

 

In 2001, 57-year-old John Gardner of Knoxville was involved in a tree cutting accident that crushed his ankle and left him with one leg shorter than the other. Over the next thirteen years, Gardner fought with limited mobility issues and depression about how his lifestyle was being compromised because of his injured leg.

Then he met his friend Larry, who had a prosthetic leg and could easily outpace Gardner on the golf course. “He showed me that you can really enjoy life and be active with a prosthesis,” Gardner says, “And I knew it was time to lose the injured leg that was slowing me down so much.”

Gardner consulted with the prosthetist at Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center in Knoxville, and two years later, is running strong. “The key has been working as a team with my prosthetists, and doing the rehab exercises they said to do. So many people get a prosthesis and don’t do what they’re supposed to, but you’ve got to get up and do it. I’ve broken two prosthetic legs, but that’s ok because it means I’m using them.”

Premier Prosthetist Jason Hayden continues to work with Gardner so that he has the right fitting sports oriented prosthesis suitable for running.  “Jason is committed to giving me the time I need to get where I want to be,” he says. “It takes you working together as a team.”

“I’m pushing myself to get back to where I used to be,” Gardner says, referring to the peak shape he was in after serving with the Joint Special Operations Command with the U.S. military. “When I got hurt, I wasn’t able to do physical things like I used to do. I gained weight and fought depression, but now I’m going to keep pushing until I can achieve my physical goals.”

Most recently, Gardner completed the 10k Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta on July 4th, and he has two more 10k’s plus two triathalons on his calendar this summer. A financial advisor at a large firm in Knoxville, Gardner’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon in 2018.

“I would advise any new amputee not to compare their progress to others, because everyone is different and everyone’s goals are different. It worked for me to make big goals, break them down to smaller goals, and then do the activities that will lead me to those goals,” he says.

Gardner credits his wife, Donna, and his daughters, Amanda and Beverly, for being a driving force of his success and his biggest cheerleaders at every event. He’s also inspired by other world class athletes, such as double-amputee Scott Rigsby and Paralympic track athlete Sarah Reinertsen.

“They have failures as well as successes, just like me,” Gardner says. “I’ve had many failures, but I keep going. Amputees don’t need to hide in the shadows. I say get out there and show your metal! It’s important to get out and meet positive role models and move. Just keep moving.”

Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center patients partner with a physician and a prosthetist to accomplish a common goal – restored vitality. We offer patients in Knoxville and surrounding East Tennessee communities the latest in prosthetic technology to achieve their vitality goals, whether those be living independently at home, spending quality time with grandchildren, or pursuing sports interests.

If you are currently facing amputation, struggling with a poorly fitting prosthesis, or something in between call Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center in Knoxville today at (865) 474-7096 or schedule a free consultation online.

The post Premier Prosthetic Patient Aims For Boston Marathon first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/premier-prosthetic-patient-aims-for-boston-marathon/feed/ 0 4030
Reda Update: Premier Prosthetic Center’s Mascot Continues to Thrive https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/reda-update-premier-prosthetic-centers-mascot-continues-to-thrive/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/reda-update-premier-prosthetic-centers-mascot-continues-to-thrive/#respond Wed, 06 Jul 2016 16:54:34 +0000 http://www.premiersurgical.com/?p=3917 In March, we wrote about Reda — the three-year old chocolate lab with a new lease, or should we say leash, on life. By thriving despite a disability, Reda quickly became a favorite of the staff and patients of Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center in Knoxville, so we checked in with her new owner to see […]

The post Reda Update: Premier Prosthetic Center’s Mascot Continues to Thrive first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
Reda- July 2016In March, we wrote about Reda — the three-year old chocolate lab with a new lease, or should we say leash, on life. By thriving despite a disability, Reda quickly became a favorite of the staff and patients of Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center in Knoxville, so we checked in with her new owner to see how she’s been doing.

Her rehabilitation has been remarkable, especially considering the shape she was in just nine months ago. In November last year, Reda was anonymously turned into the Blount County Animal Center in Maryville. She was in poor physical shape and her lower hind leg had recently been amputated and had not healed properly. The Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation and 4 Chics and a Cat began a fundraising campaign to raise money for her vet costs and a prosthesis, and when a local TV station aired their story Tim Muncy of Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center was watching.

Tim knows what it’s like to be an amputee. He lost his leg in 2012 due to a car accident and  came to Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center first as a patient. His strength and determination to make the best of his situation inspired other prosthetics patients, so Tim became a patient advocate for Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center. Eventually, he was hired as an assistant to help Premier’s Prosthetist build and refine artificial limbs.

With both personal and professional experience, Tim understands what’s involved in maintaining and wearing a prosthesis. He and his wife, Denise, also happen to be a dog lovers, so they offered to become Reda’s owners. She officially became part of their family on February 19th.

IMG_1068“She continues to do great,” says Tim. “She’s made herself right at home and is a part of the family. It’s actually like she’s in charge,” he says, laughing about how she constantly wants to play with their other dog, a 100-pound Chocolate Lab named Buck, even when he wants to rest.

Underweight when she first arrived, Reda has gained 15 pounds and no longer needs the anti-anxiety medication she had been on. She was recently a hit during a special Amputee Support Group outing at The Gentle Barn in Knoxville, along with Dudley, a cow with a prosthetic foot.

Reda has also become quite popular at Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center. “People saw her on TV and call to ask how she’s doing,” Tim says, adding, “Two new patients started coming to us because of her story. They recognized that compassion must be one of our big priorities, which it certainly is.”

Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center patients partner with a physician and a prosthetist to accomplish a common goal – restored vitality. We offer patients in Knoxville and surrounding East Tennessee communities the latest in prosthetic technology to achieve their vitality goals, whether those be living independently at home, spending quality time with grandchildren, or pursuing sports interests.

Are you currently facing amputation, struggling with a poorly fitting prosthesis, or something in between? Call Premier Surgical Prosthetic Center in Knoxville today at (865) 474-7096 or schedule a free consultation online.

The post Reda Update: Premier Prosthetic Center’s Mascot Continues to Thrive first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/reda-update-premier-prosthetic-centers-mascot-continues-to-thrive/feed/ 0 3917
East TN Amputee Creates Golf Event to Showcase Abilities of Disabled Athletes https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/east-tn-amputee-creates-golf-event-to-showcase-abilities-of-disabled-athletes/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/east-tn-amputee-creates-golf-event-to-showcase-abilities-of-disabled-athletes/#respond Mon, 06 Jul 2015 04:00:43 +0000 http://www.premiersurgical.com/?p=2456 Thirty years ago Dean Jarvis of Maryville had his leg amputated above the knee. After a battle with osteosarcoma earlier in his teens, Jarvis was determined he wouldn’t quit playing baseball and basketball despite the steel rod that now ran from his ankle to his hip. After three years of pushing himself, the rod snapped […]

The post East TN Amputee Creates Golf Event to Showcase Abilities of Disabled Athletes first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
East-TN-Amputee-Creates-Golf-Event-to-Showcase-Abilities-of-Disabled-AthletesThirty years ago Dean Jarvis of Maryville had his leg amputated above the knee. After a battle with osteosarcoma earlier in his teens, Jarvis was determined he wouldn’t quit playing baseball and basketball despite the steel rod that now ran from his ankle to his hip. After three years of pushing himself, the rod snapped and Jarvis knew it was time for his leg to be amputated. Routine maintenance and basic service on his prosthesis brought Jarvis to Premier Prosthetic Center in Knoxville in Knoxville 4 years ago.

While he enjoyed baseball and basketball immensely, citing his time playing college baseball at Cleveland State Community College under Steve Longley as his most enjoyable sports experience ever, Jarvis was searching for a way to remain in competitive sports when he turned to golf. When he learned golf wouldn’t be included in the 2016 Paralympics, Jarvis set his mind to finding a way to get golf included in the Paralympics. Jarvis created the Amputee Long Drive Championship, which has since expanded to accommodate athletes with numerous other disabilities as The ParaLong Drive Cup.

“Golf and ParaLong Drive are great for rehabilitation and can easily accommodate many different disabilities,” explains Jarvis.

The sport of long drive consists primarily of a large grid, measuring 60 yards wide and about 400 yards long, into which athletes attempt to drive the ball the greatest distance. In contrast to regular golf, where it may take several strokes to cover a 250 yard hole, drives of over 350 yards are not uncommon. ParaLong Drive, though only started in 2013 , is experiencing rapid growth with several events throughout the year and divisions that include athletes with almost any disability from traumatic brain injuries and paralysis to blindness and post traumatic stress disorder.

“I just want to showcase great athletes and show people disabilities don’t determine your ability to be successful,” says Jarvis.

The ParaLong Drive Cup will be held Thursday, July 9, at Tennessee National Golf Club in Loudon. In addition to the long drive competition, the July 9th event will also feature an innovative prosthesis technology and its inventor, Parker Owen of Columbiana, Alabama. Owen designed and built his “Cycle-Leg” using a $25 second hand bicycle. Since building the prototype, Owen has since improved on his design and been granted a provisional patent.

Jarvis is proud of how the event has grown and looks forward to expanding it further in the future. For details about the ParaLong Drive Cup, the featured athletes and how you can get involved, please visit: http://www.amputeelongdrivechampionship.com/

The post East TN Amputee Creates Golf Event to Showcase Abilities of Disabled Athletes first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/east-tn-amputee-creates-golf-event-to-showcase-abilities-of-disabled-athletes/feed/ 0 2456
Walking a Mile in their Shoes https://www.premiersurgical.com/03/walking-a-mile-in-their-shoes/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/03/walking-a-mile-in-their-shoes/#respond Wed, 04 Mar 2015 19:29:33 +0000 http://www.premiersurgical.com/?p=1410 When Tim Muncy gets dressed for a day on the job at Premier Prosthetic Center in Knoxville, the most important thing he puts on isn’t his medical scrubs uniform, it’s his prosthetic left leg. Muncy, like the patients he works with, is an amputee. As a Prosthetist Assistant, Muncy helps fit those who have lost […]

The post Walking a Mile in their Shoes first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
When Tim Muncy gets dressed for a day on the job at Premier Prosthetic Center in Knoxville, the most important thing he puts on isn’t his medical scrubs uniform, it’s his prosthetic left leg. Muncy, like the patients he works with, is an amputee.

As a Prosthetist Assistant, Muncy helps fit those who have lost leg or arm with a prosthetic limb that will allow them to best meet their mobility and activity goals. He also helps encourages patients as they adapt to life as an amputee. It’s a journey Muncy knows well.

“From a peer support perspective, it’s definitely a benefit to patients,” explains Premier Prosthetic Center Prosthetist Orthotist Carey Bunch. “Tim has personally been through that process.”

While living in Kentucky February of 2009, Muncy’s leg was severely injured in a car crash when he swerved to miss a deer. He didn’t lose his leg immediately.

Tim reached his goal of completing the Komen Race for the Cure with his son Jordan and wife Denise

Tim reached his goal of completing the Komen Race for the Cure with his son Jordan and wife Denise

“I kept hoping it would heal. I had eleven surgeries and fought for three years to save it,” remembers Muncy. “Basically, I had a dead foot and it was eventually amputated.”

After the amputation, Muncy was fitted with a prosthetic leg, but it wasn’t a good experience.

“I wasn’t happy with the heavy socket and the fit,” explains Muncy. “Since I was a new amputee and didn’t know there were different types of foot options for different activity levels.”

When Muncy and his family moved to Knoxville in 2013, he learned of the Premier Prosthetic Center and consulted with Prosthetist Carey Bunch to develop a lighter socket and foot system that better suited his lifestyle.

“Tim is an incredibly active guy. He hikes and spends time outdoors with his family,” explains Bunch. “His prosthesis was a good everyday foot, but was not designed for active use. Tim isn’t satisfied with a sedentary life and wanted to be able to run in races. So we looked for a foot system that would allow him to reach his goals.”

Muncy is reaching goals. In October, he and his family completed the Komen Race for the Cure, participating on the Premier Surgical Associates team. And, in addition to getting a new leg, Muncy has also found a new career, working with patients at Premier Prosthetic Center. For Muncy, it’s a perfect fit.

“I tell patients, ‘Don’t let your amputation hold you back.’ It’s too easy to stay in a wheelchair or recliner. Don’t give up. Keep moving and your possibilities are endless.”

For more information about Premier Prosthetic Center, visit www.premierprosthetic.com or call 865-474-7096 to schedule a free consultation.

The post Walking a Mile in their Shoes first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/03/walking-a-mile-in-their-shoes/feed/ 0 1410
What Everyone Should Know About Prosthetic Legs https://www.premiersurgical.com/02/what-everyone-should-know-about-prosthetic-legs/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/02/what-everyone-should-know-about-prosthetic-legs/#respond Tue, 10 Feb 2015 18:20:47 +0000 http://blog.premiersurgical.com/?p=1267 By Carey Bunch, CPO/L , Prosthetist Amputation and prosthetic limbs are common enough that the average person is likely familiar with them on some level, but rare enough that most people have many questions and misunderstandings to clear up when faced with the prospect of requiring a prosthesis for the first time. Here are five […]

The post What Everyone Should Know About Prosthetic Legs first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
By Carey Bunch, CPO/L , Prosthetist

Amputation and prosthetic limbs are common enough that the average person is likely familiar with them on some level, but rare enough that most people have many questions and misunderstandings to clear up when faced with the prospect of requiring a prosthesis for the first time. Here are five things everyone should know about prosthetic legs.

1. Each prosthetic leg is unique

Due to the myriad of differences in people and amputations, each prosthetic leg is a unique system of parts designed to ensure the best possible fit and level of mobility. The prosthesis begins with a custom socket, which provides a proper fit on to the residual limb to maximize mobility and comfort level, and allows a prosthetist to adjust the prosthesis to properly align and balance it to limit fatigue and other issues.

2. Prosthetic legs are not nearly as limiting as you’d think

The entire focus of the prosthesis fitting, is getting you back to the level of mobility you desire. Whether this is simply walking around your garden or running a marathon, the prosthesis can be designed to allow you to do the things you want to do. At times, adjustments need to be made, but our goal is to make sure you don’t feel limited by your prosthesis.

3. It will take time to get used to your prosthetic leg

Prosthetic limbs are as much an art as they are a science and there is always a period of adjustment. This is true of physical adjustments as much as it is mental. There will be a period of time post amputation before you get used to your prosthesis, but eventually, you’ll find it feels like a natural extension of yourself. It’s important during this time to consult with a qualified prosthetist to ensure the best possible fit and minimize the amount of unfamiliarity you have with your new prosthetic limb.

4. You may eventually need a new prosthesis

As with any mechanical system, parts may wear out, you may outgrow certain components of your prosthesis or sometimes newer and better components come along that may increase your mobility. In any case, one thing is certain, you will eventually need to visit your prosthetist to discuss replacement of one component or the entire prosthesis. This is an important place to revisit your relationship with your prosthetic limb and take a critical look at how it is helping you reach the level of mobility you desire.

5. Premier Prosthetic Center offers comprehensive care to restore your mobility

From preoperative patients expecting an amputation and hoping to achieve the best possible outcome to someone looking to replace an aging prosthesis, Premier Prosthetic Center has a lot to offer you. Our team strives to offer comprehensive care to patients at all stages and ensure superior fit and function of your prosthesis to allow you to meet your desired levels of mobility and activity.

If you’re facing amputation, struggling with a poorly fitting prosthesis, or anywhere in between, give Premier Prosthetic Center a call at (865) 474-7096 or schedule a free consultation online to discuss how our comprehensive care can benefit you.

The post What Everyone Should Know About Prosthetic Legs first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/02/what-everyone-should-know-about-prosthetic-legs/feed/ 0 1267
Prosthetic Technology Puts Amputee Back on the Run https://www.premiersurgical.com/10/prosthetic-technology-puts-amputee-back-on-the-run/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/10/prosthetic-technology-puts-amputee-back-on-the-run/#respond Thu, 25 Oct 2012 20:12:00 +0000 http://blog.premiersurgical.com/?p=888 A motorcycle accident left Michael Spence with a severed leg in 2006. This year, he will run in the Knoxville Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K – his first run since the accident. Technology is incredible. In prosthetics, technology allows us to restore mobility and vitality to a person who has lost a […]

The post Prosthetic Technology Puts Amputee Back on the Run first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>

Premier Prosthetist Orthotist Carey Bunch (right) measures a new running blade prosthetic device against the standard walking prosthetic worn daily by amputee Michael Spence. With the new prosthetic, Spence plans to run in area races including the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure and will be able to add running to his exercise regimen.

A motorcycle accident left Michael Spence with a severed leg in 2006. This year, he will run in the Knoxville Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K – his first run since the accident.

Technology is incredible. In prosthetics, technology allows us to restore mobility and vitality to a person who has lost a limb. We can reduce limitations to the point that the only limits are those that patients put on themselves. Michael doesn’t accept limitation.

Before his accident, running was part Michael’s exercise regimen. He ran to keep in shape and to support nonprofits in local events like Buddy’s Race Against Cancer. When he lost his leg, he gave up running. The prosthetic he uses daily gives him great mobility, but is not suitable for distance running.

He has recently found, however, that as he ages it is more difficult to keep in shape without the ability to run. He wanted to get back into the sport, not only to get back in shape, but to be ready for the new baby he and his wife are expecting.

“It will be hard to teach my son how to ride a bike if I can’t run alongside,” he said.

However, Michael had two concerns: He thought that he had lost too much leg to be fitted for a running prosthetic, and he was concerned about cost. While most insurance will cover the cost of a prosthetic limb, a specialized device deemed not medically necessary is not always covered.

I was able to help Michael on both issues. First we connected him with Amputee Blade Runners, a nonprofit company that provides components free of charge to qualifying individuals who commit to putting them to good use. Then we went to work designing and building a device that would work for him.

Amputee Michael Spence tests his new running prosthetic outside Premier Prosthetic Center. The device was designed for Spence by Prosthetist Orthotist Carey Bunch with components donated by Amputee Blade Runners, a nonprofit focused on helping amputees regain the ability to run.

Michael is truly a can-do guy. He made a personal commitment to ramp up his training and run three races a year. The same day as the fitting, he was up and running, doing a timed trial to monitor his improvement in the days leading up to his first race.

Staying is shape is important. Exercise combined with a healthy diet is the best way to avoid obesity, one of the biggest health problems in America today. If someone has the desire to exercise and is willing to put in the work with a prosthetic device, I am determined to help them achieve that goal. At Premier Prosthetic Center, I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to create solutions that help people live life to the fullest.

For more information and to request an appointment with Premier Prosthetic Center, click here.

Connect with Us

“Premier Edge” email newsletter: http://www.premiersurgical.com/connect/newsletter
Premier on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/premiersurgical
Premier on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/premiersurgical

The post Prosthetic Technology Puts Amputee Back on the Run first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/10/prosthetic-technology-puts-amputee-back-on-the-run/feed/ 0 888
Vitality Restored: The Science of Prosthetic Patient Care https://www.premiersurgical.com/09/vitality-restored-the-science-of-prosthetic-patient-care/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/09/vitality-restored-the-science-of-prosthetic-patient-care/#respond Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:11:41 +0000 http://blog.premiersurgical.com/?p=865 I had a choice to make: Did I want to design things, build things, and develop new technology? Or did I want to go into the medical field and help people? My two interests were leading me in opposite directions . . . until I discovered the field of prosthetics. As the Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist at […]

The post Vitality Restored: The Science of Prosthetic Patient Care first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
I had a choice to make: Did I want to design things, build things, and develop new technology? Or did I want to go into the medical field and help people?

My two interests were leading me in opposite directions . . . until I discovered the field of prosthetics.

As the Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist at Premier Prosthetic Center, I have the opportunity to combine my ability to design and adapt technology to help patients and improve quality of life.

Growing up in South Carolina, I always enjoyed helping my dad tinker with various jobs in the shop – cars, boats, and even rebuilding motor cycles. I loved taking things apart and seeing how they worked. As that early experience piqued my interest in technology, I decided to study biology and physics at the College of Charleston. While attending college, I volunteered as an emergency medical technician and discovered a passion for clinical patient care. I then focused my attention on biomedical engineering and transferred to The George Washington University.

During my senior year, I discovered prosthetics and orthotics on a tour through Walter Reed Medical Center. What I saw inspired the senior design project in the engineering program. Collaborating with the professionals at Walter Reed, I designed prosthetic componentry – a single-axis knee with torsion spring extension assist along with a spring steel running foot.

Helping to improve quality of life for amputees through the use of the latest technology is important to me. I suffered a serious spinal injury while skydiving and the long, difficult rehabilitation from that injury stretched my faith as well as my direction in life. I became focused on helping others. Now this experience allows me to relate well to my patients and their concerns about life-altering medical procedures.

Premier Prosthetic Center has a unique business model. I am able to work closely with both the surgeons of Premier Surgical Associates and my patients – from the time patients make the surgical decision with their physician until they are fitted and comfortable using their new prosthesis. Together, we discuss goals to match the lifestyle, review the many prosthetic options available and determine the best technology for each individual case.

For some patients, the goal is purely cosmetic, they want the device to look as natural as possible and there are many options to improve the cosmesis of the prosthesis. However, some people have more functional or performance-related goals and want to maximize their activity level. Whatever the goal, my aim is to match the proper prosthetic device to the patient’s needs, optimizing their vitality and quality of life. I encourage open lines of communication to determine what works best in each case. It is important to help patients understand that while amputation may change their life, it doesn’t have to make it worse or limiting.

As the former clinical director at Southern Ortho Care in Morristown, I appreciate the ability to focus primarily on prosthetics at Premier Prosthetic Center. It is my passion to work in the science of patient care. I truly enjoy getting to know my patients and working with the excellent team at Premier Prosthetic Center to help patients achieve their goals and restore vitality and to enjoy life to the fullest.

For more information and to request an appointment with Premier Prosthetic Center, click here.

Connect with Us

“Premier Edge” email newsletter:http://www.premiersurgical.com/connect/newsletter
Premier on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/premiersurgical
Premier on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/premiersurgical

The post Vitality Restored: The Science of Prosthetic Patient Care first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/09/vitality-restored-the-science-of-prosthetic-patient-care/feed/ 0 865
Prosthesis ‘Works’ for Patient https://www.premiersurgical.com/12/prosthesis-works-for-patient/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/12/prosthesis-works-for-patient/#respond Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:06:55 +0000 http://blog.premiersurgical.com/?p=643 If the average person suffered frostbite in a work-related accident and subsequently had to undergo a below-the-knee amputation, I’m guessing they would be less than enthusiastic about going back to work. Premier Prosthetic Center patient David Hay, however, is not the average person. When I first met with Hay, one of the main things he […]

The post Prosthesis ‘Works’ for Patient first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
If the average person suffered frostbite in a work-related accident and subsequently had to undergo a below-the-knee amputation, I’m guessing they would be less than enthusiastic about going back to work. Premier Prosthetic Center patient David Hay, however, is not the average person.

When I first met with Hay, one of the main things he talked about was going back to work. The 45-year-old was very adamant that he not only wanted to go back to work, but that he needed a prosthesis that would allow him to keep up with the rigors of being a heavy equipment operator.

Hay’s surgeon and I worked together to determine the appropriate amputation level based on the patient’s condition and his strong desire to resume work.

After surgery, I put Hay on a rehab program. In Hay’s words, “Zach started a rehab program for me the first day he met me. He told me that when my leg was built I would be walking out of the office the first day. He didn’t lie.”

After he had time to heal, Hay came to see me for an evaluation. One appointment later, I was able to cast and fit him in the same day. He came to the office using a walker and left carrying the walker over his shoulder. It was a beautiful sight to see.

I fit Hay with a custom urethane liner with sub-atmospheric suspension, which helps eliminate skin irritations, abrasions, blisters or callus formation. This vacuum componentry also maximizes proprioception (awareness of the position of one’s body) and reduces stress on joints.

We are now coordinating Hay’s rehabilitation with a physical therapist and are pleased to see that he is well on his way to getting back to a normal lifestyle. Hay’s focus is on rehabbing the prosthesis and using it to his maximum ability. He says that he doesn’t have to pattern his life around the daily struggles with a prosthesis due to pain in his is residual limb and that he’s excited to get back to work.

For video of Hay and other Premier success stories, visit http://www.facebook.com/premierprosthetic.

For more information about how Premier Prosthetic Center restores patient vitality, click here.

Connect with Us

“Premier Edge” email newsletter: http://www.premiersurgical.com/connect/newsletter
Premier on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/premiersurgical
Premier on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/premiersurgical

The post Prosthesis ‘Works’ for Patient first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/12/prosthesis-works-for-patient/feed/ 0 1221
Prosthetic Doesn’t Slow Down this Senior https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/prosthetic-doesnt-slow-down-this-senior/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/prosthetic-doesnt-slow-down-this-senior/#respond Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:35:48 +0000 http://blog.premiersurgical.com/?p=360 For about the past three months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jimmy Anderson, a 73-year-old patient from South Knoxville with a great attitude and a “can-do” spirit. Jimmy had emergency surgery to amputate all but four inches of his leg earlier this year as a result of a popliteal (behind the knee) aneurysm. […]

The post Prosthetic Doesn’t Slow Down this Senior first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>

Premier Prosthetic Center patient Jimmy Anderson prepares to hit one out of the rough as prosthetist Zach Weber adjusts the mode on his C-Leg via a remote. Anderson’s leg has modes easily changed by the remote (see inset) that help the wearer perform best, whether being active or stationary.

For about the past three months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jimmy Anderson, a 73-year-old patient from South Knoxville with a great attitude and a “can-do” spirit. Jimmy had emergency surgery to amputate all but four inches of his leg earlier this year as a result of a popliteal (behind the knee) aneurysm.

My goal for all Premier Prosthetic Center patients is to get them back to where they were before the amputation. In Jimmy’s case, I knew it would be difficult and that we would need to make special accommodations because his leg was cut so high. Remarkably, only two weeks after I fit him with a C-Leg with a microprocessor knee, Jimmy was walking with a cane.

The following is Jimmy’s story in his own words:

I’m 73 and have been active and in pretty good shape my whole life. I worked out two or three days a week, played golf a couple of days a week, and had no real health issues until this incident with my leg.

On Feb. 28, I put in three miles on the stationary bike at the health club. I felt no pain when I left the club, but by the time I got home my right foot was numb. I told my wife that something was wrong with my foot, so we went to see my doctor. My doctor immediately sent me to the emergency room because I had no blood flow in my foot.

By then, I had intense pain in my entire leg. It felt like it would explode. At that point, I wanted to cut off my leg myself and throw it out the window.

After three unsuccessful attempts to clear the clot, the doctor said that I may lose my leg. My family wanted a second opinion. Dr. Callicutt (also with Premier Surgical Associates) came in to look at my leg and said I needed immediate surgery or I might die. He cleared his calendar of two previously scheduled surgeries so that he could take care of me.

When I woke up in ICU, I didn’t know where I was or what was going on. When a nurse told me where I was, I looked down at my leg. That’s when I realized it was gone.

I stayed at Parkwest Medical Center for 10 days and then spent 10 days at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center before I came home. When I got home, people in my church (Sevier Heights Baptist) had built ramps and helped prepare the house for me, and Hall’s Salvage had redone my bathroom. I was amazed at how much support I got from family and friends. It meant a lot to me.

I never got depressed. I figured my leg is gone and it’s not coming back, I better make the best of it. I also knew it’d be easier for my family if I had a good attitude.

Following therapy at Patricia Neal to get my body ready for the leg, I went to see Zach Weber, and he fit me with a C-Leg. I used crutches for five or six days, but my goal was to walk with a cane. Zach worked with me, and I’ve been using a cane ever since. Now my goal is to get rid of the cane.

Zach has been great to work with. I didn’t realize it when I first started working with him, but he also has a prosthesis. I think it helps because he has an idea of what I’m going through. He told me once, ‘If you come in my office and you have pain, I’ll never tell you to get used to it. We’ll do what we need to do to take care of it.’ Anytime something doesn’t feel right, I let him know about it and he works with me to get it right.

I won’t say it’s been easy, and I don’t wake up every day all sunshine and roses, but I have a good life and I’m getting more active all the time. I’m back on the golf course and starting to work out, and my wife Sandy’s glad that I’m able to help out with vacuuming, washing dishes and light housework.

I think the things that have helped me through have been my faith, my attitude, the prayers on my behalf, and my terrific family and friends. I have a wonderful wife, two sons and a daughter, and they’ve all been great. My four-year-old granddaughter, Abby Gail Thompson, is the joy of my life.

Realizing I came so close to death brings me back to reality and makes me grateful to be here, and I’m also grateful for the terrific medical care I’ve gotten along the way.

Jimmy has been an inspiration to me and everyone at Premier who’s worked with him. He’s proof positive that a patient’s good attitude goes a long way in the healing process.

For a video showing Jimmy Anderson’s progress, visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/premierprosthetic. Like our page to learn more about the progress we make with our patients.

The post Prosthetic Doesn’t Slow Down this Senior first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/prosthetic-doesnt-slow-down-this-senior/feed/ 0 1199
Proper After-care Ensures Best Prosthetic Experience https://www.premiersurgical.com/05/proper-after-care-ensures-best-prosthetic-experience/ https://www.premiersurgical.com/05/proper-after-care-ensures-best-prosthetic-experience/#respond Mon, 23 May 2011 15:57:06 +0000 http://blog.premiersurgical.com/?p=280 As a prosthetist, I take great care to ensure that every patient leaves my office with a proper fitting prosthesis that is comfortable enough to wear all day and restores patient vitality. Many components come into play to make that happen – proper surgical techniques, thorough patient evaluations and the use of the newest technology, […]

The post Proper After-care Ensures Best Prosthetic Experience first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
As a prosthetist, I take great care to ensure that every patient leaves my office with a proper fitting prosthesis that is comfortable enough to wear all day and restores patient vitality. Many components come into play to make that happen – proper surgical techniques, thorough patient evaluations and the use of the newest technology, to name a few.

Once patients leave my office, there are important steps necessary to maintain a proper-fitting, fully functional prosthesis. The following are a few tips for success:

  1. Start slowly and stick with the plan. Although your schedule will be tailored to your specific situation, most patients start with as few as two hours a day and over the course of a few weeks progress to wearing the prosthesis all day. Don’t make the mistake of being too active too soon, which may lead to problems like skin irritation and soreness, or wearing it too little which will delay your progress toward becoming a full-time prosthetic user. If you have a lower limb prosthesis, start by using a cane or crutch so that you are able to gradually increase the amount of weight on your prosthesis.
  2. Take meticulous care of your skin. Clean your residual limb with a mild, scent-free antibacterial soap every day after wearing your prosthesis. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water and gently dry with a towel. Allow your residual limb to completely air dry before wearing your prosthesis. When you’re not wearing your prosthesis, wear your shrinker.Carefully examine your skin for redness and other signs of breakdown or infection at least once a day. Skin problems such as irritation, skin breakdown (the process of skin being worn away) and infection are common due largely to the fact that blood vessel disorders and diabetes – the disorders that put people at risk of amputation – decrease circulation to limbs and increase the risk of skin breakdown and infection. If you have diabetes or a neurologic disorder, stay particularly diligent because you likely have an impaired ability to feel pain and will be less likely to notice when your skin breaks down or infection develops.
  3. Watch for signs of infection. Infection is a common problem because the socket creates the perfect environment for bacteria growth — an airtight, warm, damp environment where your body oils and sweat collect. Contact your physician if you have signs of infection such as reddened skin, sores, a discharge of pus, a bad odor, tender spots or rashes.
  4. Pay attention to the fit. Your stump changes in shape and size throughout the day depending on various factors, such as the activities you’re participating in, what you eat and the weather. Changes in your weight can also affect fit. New vacuum technology and the practice of changing socks can help accommodate for minor changes. If the change in the shape and size of the stump varies too greatly, it is important to see your prosthetist for an adjustment.
  5. Visit your prosthetist at least once a year. An annual visit affords your prosthetist the opportunity to check your prosthetic for any signs of wear and tear, make sure you still have an optimal fit, and provide information about any new advancements or upgrades available.

While the above tips provide only a brief snapshot of steps you can take for success, following them will greatly enhance your prosthetic experience.

To schedule a free consultation with Premier Prosthetic Center, call 865-474-7096 or request an appointment online. We look forward to discussing our philosophy of care and how we restore vitality for our patients. No referral is necessary.

Visit us on Facebook for the latest updates and patient successes.

The post Proper After-care Ensures Best Prosthetic Experience first appeared on Premier Surgical.

]]>
https://www.premiersurgical.com/05/proper-after-care-ensures-best-prosthetic-experience/feed/ 0 1188