"We bring the best that the field has to offer         

              to Maine and if the solutions that you need 

              don't exist, we'll create them for you."

         Voted "Best In Portland" 2008     

There's a lot of confusion out there about artificial arms and legs.  It can be difficult for you or someone you know because if you are new to the experience, you don't know what it should be like; if you already have a prosthesis you don't have much to compare it to--you almost have to accept what you're told by others. 

Let's see if we can help answer some of the questions and eliminate the "myths" that circulate about what you should expect. Here are some questions you may have asked yourself...

•     Should my prosthesis hurt?

•     Does it have to limit what I can do? 

•     Is this as good as it gets?

•     Are the hi-tech things I hear about in the news only for rich people?

•     My leg doesn't seem right for me anymore, do I really have to wait 5 years before I get a new one?

Sound familiar?  We hear these questions a lot when we're meeting people and, surprisingly, the answer to all of these questions is simple: NO!

Not all artificial limbs are the same.  Prosthetics has come along way in the last couple of decades but not everyone providing care for people is familiar with some of the latest concepts and technologies.  There really isn't any "standard" for artificial limbs--what you've been told or received is more about how a particular company is used to doing things.  This means there can be really big differences between one leg or arm and another.

It comes down to expectations.  Without much experience it's hard to know what to ask for or what to expect.  Usually, you have to rely on your prosthetist to drive the bus.  Now a days though, you have access to a lot of information from the web and TV, etc.  You can find out for yourself, so keep asking those questions and if you're not hearing the answers that you think you should, look elsewhere.

The bottom line is choice.  That's right, you may have been pretty much "told" who your prosthetist was going to be initially, but your right to chose for yourself is guaranteed.

So lets get to your questions, thanks for reading along.

Should my prosthesis hurt?

There are many approaches to how we can comfortably and safely support your weight in your prosthesis. Which one do we prefer? All of them!

We use them all because no two people are the same and we want to design the best limb for you. 

Your prosthesis shouldn't hurt, in fact, it should feel like a part of you. 

    Does it have to limit what I can do?

How about a leg just for swimming with an ankle that can change from flexed to extended at the touch of a button?  Now you can walk down to the beach, put on some flippers and go for a swim.  Sound good? 

How about a swivel joint at the knee so you can kneel, or a foot made for running, or a quick disconnect for getting in and out of the car--the possibilities are endless.--what do you want to do?

Is this as good as it gets?

No! We're constantly doing researching and developing new approaches and products inspired by our patients. We've received state and federal grants to develop our innovative new products.

Here we're using computers to analyze the impact of fit on a patient's gait. Documenting clinical outcomes will help all prosthetists improve by creating those standards that the field lacks now.

Are the new, hi-tech things I hear about in the news only for rich people?

No again!  Technology isn't about "luxury upgrades", its about helping you function at your best possible level. With state-of-the-art technology we're striving to re-create normal human function.  We're just trying to get you back to doing everything you want to do.

Heard of the C-leg? Its been in the news a lot--its a computer programmed leg that the soldiers returning from Iraq have been getting.  It's definitely good, we've been using it for our patients for years but how about a whole new generation of computer legs using an amazing technology called magneto-rheological fluid.  For some people this is even better and we are the first to bring it to Maine for our patients.

My leg doesn't seem right for me anymore, do I really have to wait 5 years before I get a new one?

Here's the big secret: insurance reimbursement is based on "medical necessity". What does that mean? It means if you need it, they have to cover it. 

Have you changed physically? Is your limb a different size or shape? Do you now have the potential to do things that you didn't have before? If any of these things suggest that you need a new or different prosthesis, then insurance has to cover it.

It takes a lot of work on our part to both document changes and to fight for your rights, but we want to do it and, more importantly, we're good at it.

We will get you back to doing everything you want to do.

We're here to help.  If you are a new amputee or facing the possibility of amputation we understand that this is a difficult time.  Often the largest source of stress is the unknown.  We can meet with you just to talk about what's ahead or we can get you together with one of our Amputee Peer Counselors, people who have gone through it and who have made a commitment to help others facing this challenge.

Bottom line? Your artificial limb shouldn't hurt, it shouldn't limit you and we will guide you through the complex process of securing the prosthesis that best suits you.  And finally, if you're wondering if your prosthesis should be better, then you already know that it can be better. We'll schedule time to talk with you and find out how we can help, at no charge to you.

Thanks for your interest, we look forward to meeting you.

To schedule your free consultation to talk about your options please call us toll free at 1-877 538 8825 or email our office.