Prosthetic Leg Facts

1. There is no such thing as one size fits all. Each prosthetic is custom made for the individual.  Callie can definitely wear hand me downs–in clothes, but not prosthetics!  Prosthetics are custom molded to the individual so she can’t share or wear anyone else’s prosthetic.

2. The average life span of a prosthetic is 5 years. An amputee has to change it out after five years regardless if its worn out and it can also be replaced much quicker than that in the case of kids–they grow really fast!  Callie gets a new prosthetic about every two years.

3. They are really expensive. Prosthetics can cost upwards of $100,000.

4. Sports blades and athletic feet are not covered by insurance and are considered a luxury.  We were lucky enough to have ours gifted to us by Hanger Clinic and Blatchford!

5. You need a different foot for different activities like running, dancing, snow boarding and swimming.

6. There is not a “back up leg” if your prosthetic is broken. Amputees have one leg to use and have to resort to crutches or a wheelchair if their leg is damaged.

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