Amputee Program

Amputation is the loss of a limb due to a traumatic event (i.e. a car accident, work accident, etc.), a medical reason (i.e. diabetes, peripherialvascular disease (PVD), cancer, etc.), or for other reasons such as a break or wound that does not heal, frostbite, or being born missing a limb.

An Amputation can cause a person to feel that they are missing much more of themselves than simply a limb. When someone’s physical being is altered they are left to focus on a new self image and adapt to their new body’s capabilities. At Adventist Rehab, we are aware of how important it is to address these emotional changes in our patients as we work toward getting them back to life.

An Interdisciplinary Team Approach

At Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland, our interdisciplinary team helps post-amputee patients to adjust physically and psychologically after the loss of a limb and resume active and productive lives. Individuals may be treated as inpatients or outpatients, depending on their personal needs. Patients work to improve strength, coordination and endurance and also learn proper wound care. When ready, our patients are prescribed prosthetic devices that are both functional and comfortable to wear. Once tined with a new limb, the patient learns to use the prosthesis with confidence and to incorporate it into daily life.

Amputee Program Highlights

• We offer a continuum of care for our patients by providing inpatient care as needed with a smooth transition to outpatient care
• Interdisciplinary approach to acute rehab that utilizes the unique skills of a prosthetist who works with the patient to gain confidence and knowledge with the new limb
• Interdisciplinary approach to acute rehab that utilizes the unique skills of a prosthetist who works with the patient to gain confidence and knowledge with the new limb
• Our Amputee Program was the third program of its kind in the country to become Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) -accredited as of 2008
• Adventist Rehab is a member of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA)
• Promoting Amputee Life Skills (PALS)
• Peer Visitor Program to help patients connect with those who have experienced amputation already for support
• Amputee Support Group for patient and family/caregivers
• Simulated home environment with use of ADL apartment
• 20+ nurses with specialty certification in rehab nursing (CRRN)
• Comprehensive family training and education
• Therapeutic passes and community outings to assist with community reintegration
• Home checklist to determine home accessibility needs
• Lifetime follow-up through our Amputee Clinic
• Continuum of care from Inpatient to Outpatient rehab services

Prosthetics & Orthotics

Depending on the nature of the illness or injury, a patient may require a prosthesis to replace a missing limb or an orthosis (such as a brace) to stabilize a weak or paralyzed limb. Whatever the need, our certified prosthetists and orthotists are skilled at fitting the most advanced and appropriate devices, as prescribed by the physician and are available to make any equipment adjustments necessary.

We offer a prosthetic and orthotic clinic every other week at our Rockville location. For more information about the clinic, please call 240-864-6007.

Amputee Program Outcomes

Admissions

Please visit our admissions process page for more information on beginning your rehabilitation at Adventist Rehab!