Amputation Program
Madonna’s Amputation Program helps individuals return to the best possible level of function following an amputation. Our expert rehabilitation, clinical research conducted in a state-of-the-art gait and mobility lab, and advanced technology give our patients the foundation to achieve their fullest potential; and our lifelong commitment to patient support and advocacy empowers our patients to move beyond what they thought was possible.
Medical Care
Each patient’s care is directed by a physician who specializes in physiatry (physical medicine and rehabilitation) and/or a physician with specialization in internal medicine. Specialized care is also available for a variety of associated conditions, such as diabetes management, pain management, preventative care for the residual limb, cardiovascular management, wound care, skin care and nutrition.
Rehabilitation Nursing
Rehabilitation nursing staff are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Staff are specially trained in providing care for the residual limb as well as in reinforcing self-care and mobility tasks.
Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy for strengthening, mobility, prosthetic training, self-care and community re-entry.
Prosthetic/Orthotic Providers
Madonna is pleased to partner with Hanger Prosthetics for inpatient care. Located on-site, the certified prosthetist is available for consultation throughout a person’s stay in the hospital or as an outpatient, collaborating with other rehabilitation professionals regarding such areas as conditioning of the residual limb, preparation for prosthetic fitting, fit and use of a prosthetic device, including an Immediate Post-Operative Prosthesis (IPOP), education regarding management of amputation and prosthetic use, and referral to certified prosthetists throughout the region.
Diagnostic Services
A variety of diagnostic services are available either on-site or by arrangement with other medical facilities in the area, which address the following: vascular disease, diabetes management, trauma, and oncology.
Limb Loss Education
Patients and their family members or caretakers are provided with training on a variety of topics, including:
- Adaptive techniques and equipment for completing activities of daily living (ADL)
- Coping with limb loss
- Appropriate use of assistive devices
- Community re-entry
- Community resources and how to access them
- Techniques for desensitization of the residual limb
- Donning/doffing a prosthesis
- Driving
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and wellness
- Health risks
- Home modifications
- Minimizing potential hazards in the home
- Nutrition and hydration
- Personal life roles and participation
- Medications
- Mobility
- Managing phantom limb pain
- Creating and maintaining a portable health profile
- Prevention of secondary complications associated with limb loss
- Proper fit of a prosthesis
- Prosthetic options
- Self-advocacy
- Skin care for the unaffected limb
- Care of the residual limb
- Pressure wrapping
- Return to work
- Care of incisional wounds or other open areas
- Scar management of the residual limb
- Management of diabetes where appropriate
Peer Support
Madonna has identified persons with limb loss who are available to talk with individuals who have recently experienced limb loss and is also involved with a community-based support group.
Counseling
Rehabilitation psychology staff and spiritual services staff are available to assist patients and families with coping strategies as they adjust to their limb loss. Screening for issues related to chemical use/abuse is provided on-site and Madonna has a relationship with a community provider should chemical use and abuse counseling be necessary.
Sports and Recreation
Participation in a variety of adaptive sports and recreational outings can be integrated into therapy or just for fun.
Medical Fitness Center
As part of Madonna’s continuum of care, specialized programming for persons with limb loss is provided at Madonna ProActive. See the Madonna TherapyPlus Structured Independence Programand ProActive LifeGuide for Adaptive Training Class to learn more.
Amputee Clinic
The purpose of the Amputee Clinic is to provide outpatient interdisciplinary assessment and recommendations regarding the rehabilitation management of amputation, regardless of whether the patient has or plans to use a prosthetic device. Led by Dr. Paul Krabbenhoft, a physiatrist with experience in amputation, the patient may also be seen by a physical therapist, occupational therapist, prosthetist and other rehabilitation professionals as appropriate. To get started or for more information, contact the OP Clinic & Assessment Coordinator at 402-413-3799 or kgrabouski@madonna.org.
More Resources
View Amputation resources here.
Amputation Online Resources
The American Amputee Foundation Inc. (AAF) was established in 1975 as a national information clearinghouse and referral center serving amputees, their families, and care providers. The foundation researches and gathers information on amputation including studies, product information, available services, self-help publications, and hundreds of articles concerning amputation and related conditions.
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is a national, nonprofit amputee consumer educational organization representing people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences. The ACA includes individual amputees, amputee education and support groups for amputees, professionals, family members and friends of amputees, amputation or limb loss related agencies, and organizations.
Amputees in Motion International (AIM) is a nonprofit organization in California that provides a list of resources and information.
The National Amputation Foundation was founded in 1919 by veterans with amputation. More recently, it has expanded its services to include civilians with amputation. The organization provides peer support, information and manages an equipment loan closet.
Oandp.com provides orthotics and prosthetics information for professionals and consumers, with the goal of improving the quality of care provided by O&P professionals and the quality of life of their patients.
Support Groups
Madonna offers a support and educational group as part of the amputation program. It meets at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month in the Lau Room on our Lincoln Campus. Contact Amber Herrington at by calling 402.413.3884 or send an email to aherrington@madonna.org
Peer Support
Madonna works with the Amputee Coalition, a national nonprofit whose mission is to “reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy and to promote limb loss prevention,” to train volunteers for peer support. Peer support visitors are volunteers who have adjusted well to limb loss and lead full lives. They have lived with limb loss for at least one year and believe that peer support is a vital part of the recovery process. If you are interested in being a peer visitor, please complete the application and return it to Amber Herrington.
Download the Application