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Beverly Hills
9301 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90210
West Hills
7301 Medical Center Drive
West Hills, California 91307
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Hand or Finger Amputation & Prosthetic
Amputation & Prosthesis Process
Prosthesis Use & Types
Prosthesis Manufacture
Recovery from Amputation
Amputation results in the complete removal of a deformed or injured
part of the body. It can be used after a catastrophic injury or when
a finger or hand needs to be removed. Sometimes fingers that are removed
after a traumatic injury can be reattached. However, reattachment
isn't always possible. When reattachment is not a possibility, fingers
are amputated to save someone's health because of a tumor or some
other condition.
| Amputation & Prosthesis Process |
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After determining that an amputation is required, a physician will
remove the injured part and prepare what remains for the use of a
prosthetic device. To accomplish this, one of our physicians must
carefully prepare the remaining bone and its associated nerves, tendons,
skin, and muscles so that the prosthesis can be worn comfortably.
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| Prosthesis Use & Types |
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The length of your remaining finger or hand, as well as how you plan
to use the prosthesis and your lifestyle, will determine the type
of prosthesis you will receive. To make sure the right type of prosthesis
is provided, you need to let both our surgeon and the prosthetist
know what activities are most important to you.
The prosthesis can extend the length of a finger that has been partially
removed or can restore the ability of a thumb and finger to pinch.
Prosthetic hands can permit you to hold objects steady with fingers
that can bend. You may get a full arm prosthesis if your hand is removed
through or above the wrist, and these devices can feature either an
electrical or mechanical hand.
Some people, for personal reasons, may choose not to have a prosthesis
after their surgery.
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| Prosthesis Manufacture |
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A cast is made from the part of the finger or limb that remains and
matching parts from the undamaged hand, and between these two an identical
replica of the whole hand can be made. The prosthetic finger or hand
is formed out of flexible silicone rubber and is colored to match
the individual, which makes the result look and feel like real skin.
The finger or hand is held in place through suction, and the flexibility
of the silicone lets the body keep its normal range of motion.
The fingernails on the prosthesis are colored individually before
they are attached to the finger, so they match nearly perfectly, and
can later be painted with any nail polish that can be removed with
a gentle-action remover. If the prosthesis is later marred by ink,
the stain can be easily removed with either soap and water or alcohol.
The silicone prosthesis, if properly cared for, can last up to five
years, and its creation usually starts about three months after the
swelling caused by the surgery has subsided and everything has assumed
its final shape. To fully use the new prosthesis, you may need instruction
and therapy.
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| Recovery from Amputation |
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There will probably be some pain for the first couple weeks after
the amputation, which can be managed with pain medication. During
the healing process, you will be taught how to bandage and care for
the area of the amputation, and future office visits will usually
be scheduled. In many cases you will be given some exercises that
will build strength and keep the affected area's range of motion intact.
To keep your skin mobile and less sensitive, you may be asked to massage
the area of the surgery gently.
When a part of a body is lost, it typically is a very emotional experience.
When that body part is as frequently used as a finger or hand, it
can be even more unsettling. It will take time to become accustomed
to the changes in function and appearance. Many patients find that
talking about these feelings with one of our doctors and other trusted
individuals can be very helpful. Your sense of loss may be very powerful,
and you may want to us for a counselor to help you adapt to your new
life.
The important thing to bear in mind is that, over time, you will adapt
and find new ways to complete what you need to do. Resources exist
to help you deal with the changes in your life, including the Amputee
Association of America. While you're recovering, both physically
and emotionally, these resources can help you keep up your strength.
As with all other life events, patients' attitude and expectations
significantly impact their quality of life. Getting and using a prosthesis
is an important first step toward recovery for many patients. However,
the way that they handle the emotional and physical changes that they
experience, is often a far stronger predictor of adjustment after
surgery.
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We serve the following cities within Los Angeles,
which are in close proximity to our offices:
Agoura Hills, Brentwood, Canoga Park, Century City, Chatsworth,
Culver City, Glendale, Granada Hills, Hollywood, Los Angeles,
Marina Del Rey, North Hollywood, Northridge, Rancho Park, Reseda,
Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Tarzana, Valencia, Van
Nuys, West Hills, West Hollywood, West L.A., Winnetka, Woodland
Hills
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