Abstract
Experience derived from working as a physical therapist in a prosthetics facility provides the basis of determining whether an older adult with transfemoral amputation is a candidate for a prosthesis. In addition to the client's physical status, the clinician should consider the client's emotional status and previous activity level. Prosthetic selection is based on the client's K level, the functional prognosis defined by Medicare. Training techniques within the clinic and at home are aimed at helping the client meet personal goals as well as the therapist's goals of enabling the client to accomplish daily activities as independently as possible, and become proficient in care of the residual limb and the sound foot.
WORKING as a physical therapist in a prosthetics facility for the past 13 years has given me many wonderful opportunities to work with people with transfemoral amputations. While I have treated clients of all ages in the clinic and in community settings, most of my experience has been with older adults. Consequently, I will review candidacy issues related to prosthetic usage by adults with transfemoral amputation, offer a prosthetic classification method, and provide training techniques for this population.