Patient Care

Amputee

Through innovative treatment and cutting-edge prosthetic design, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) helps adults and children who have experienced the loss of a limb, adapt physically and psychologically, so they can return to an active an independent lifestyle as quickly as possible.

RIM's team of rehabilitation professionals are proficient in the many new and exciting prosthetic advances for those who have lost an upper or lower extremity as the result of disease, trauma or birth defect. Patients have access to custom-made prosthetics including electronic upper limbs, life-like cosmetically appealing prostheses and specialized limbs designed for specific sports or activities.

RIM supports patients through the initial stage of amputation and provides subsequent ongoing support. Studies show the earlier those that have an amputation begin treatment the better, so many patients begin RIM's Amputee Program immediately following surgery, while still hospitalized. Others enter directly into RIM's Amputee Program as outpatients. Whether beginning as an inpatient or outpatient, specialists are there to help determine the program and treatment that's right for each patient.

Another unique aspect of RIM's Amputee Program is its affiliation with the Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University. Because RIM is part of a large academic health care system, patients have access to a variety of medical specialists and resources. Each patient's care is managed from the initial acute care stage, through the initial rehabilitation stage, to an outpatient setting where follow-up services continue to help patients maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle.



What To Expect


The first component of inpatient treatment, the pre-prosthetic phase, focuses on education for skin and stump care, exercises to improve strength, mobility and endurance, and new strategies for completing daily life tasks. Once the limb has healed, patients will be measured for a temporary prosthesis. Intensive inpatient or outpatient training will begin with the temporary prosthesis.

After training with the temporary prosthesis, the patient and treatment team will work side-by-side with the prosthetist to design and fabricate a prosthesis made to the exact specifications of the patient and their individual activity and lifestyle goals.

The diverse needs of persons with limb loss require the efforts of an interdisciplinary team working closely with the patient and family to make decisions about the course of treatment, prosthesis selection and therapy options. The team is composed of rehab professionals who have specialty training and extensive experience in treating persons with limb loss. The treatment team is led by a physiatrist (a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation). The team also includes specialists in Physical Therapy; Occupational Therapy; Prosthetics; Psychology and Neuropsychology; Rehabilitation Nursing; Therapeutic Recreation; Internal Medicine; Nutrition, and Social Work

RIM also serves as a regional resource for amputee services and provides a number of specialized services to assist patients and their families, including:

• On-site Prosthetic fittings, Consultation and 
  Training
• Assistive Technology
• Drivers Education
• Orthotics
• Home Evaluations
• Vocational Counseling
• Wheelchair Seating and Positioning
• SportsAbility Program


As an academic teaching facility, RIM is committed to patient and family education. Throughout the rehab process, patients and their caregivers receive detailed training and instruction on homecare management. The goal is to create a smooth and safe transition into the home environment.

For inpatient information and referrals, call RIM's Referral Department at 313-745-1000