Prosthetic Doesn’t Slow Down this Senior

Premier Prosthetic Center patient Jimmy Anderson prepares to hit one out of the rough as prosthetist Zach Weber adjusts the mode on his C-Leg via a remote. Anderson’s leg has modes easily changed by the remote (see inset) that help the wearer perform best, whether being active or stationary.

For about the past three months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jimmy Anderson, a 73-year-old patient from South Knoxville with a great attitude and a “can-do” spirit. Jimmy had emergency surgery to amputate all but four inches of his leg earlier this year as a result of a popliteal (behind the knee) aneurysm.

My goal for all Premier Prosthetic Center patients is to get them back to where they were before the amputation. In Jimmy’s case, I knew it would be difficult and that we would need to make special accommodations because his leg was cut so high. Remarkably, only two weeks after I fit him with a C-Leg with a microprocessor knee, Jimmy was walking with a cane.

The following is Jimmy’s story in his own words: (more…)

Proper After-care Ensures Best Prosthetic Experience

As a prosthetist, I take great care to ensure that every patient leaves my office with a proper fitting prosthesis that is comfortable enough to wear all day and restores patient vitality. Many components come into play to make that happen – proper surgical techniques, thorough patient evaluations and the use of the newest technology, to name a few.

Once patients leave my office, there are important steps necessary to maintain a proper-fitting, fully functional prosthesis. The following are a few tips for success: (more…)

Innovative Prosthesis is Restoring Patient Vitality

As an amputee, I know firsthand the link between a perfect fitting and functioning prosthesis and the ability to lead a normal lifestyle. As a prosthetist, one of the biggest joys of my profession is helping amputees restore their vitality.

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with patient Judy Berhow. Hers is a story that illustrates well why I am so passionate about this profession. (more…)