Overview of Prosthesis Removal Surgery
Prosthesis removal surgery can be a complex medical procedure with various factors at play. There are numerous reasons why someone might need to undergo this surgery. For instance, the prosthesis may be causing chronic pain due to improper fitting, nerve damage might have occurred that is exacerbated by the presence of the prosthesis, or there could be an infection around the implant site. In the bustling metropolis of New York City, patients have access to some of the finest medical facilities in the world, each offering specialized services for prosthesis removal and related treatments.
Let's take a closer look at some of the popular hospitals in New York City that are renowned for their expertise in prosthesis removal surgery.
NYU Langone's Center for Amputation Reconstruction
Comprehensive Care Services
The Center for Amputation Reconstruction at NYU Langone stands out as a premier destination for patients in need of prosthesis - related treatments. With locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Westchester County, it offers easy accessibility to a wide range of patients. The center has a dedicated team of experts, including board - certified orthopedic surgeons, microsurgeons, prosthetists, occupational therapists, and mental health professionals. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive holistic care, addressing not only the physical aspects of limb loss but also the psychological and emotional well - being.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Surgeons at NYU Langone are well - versed in the most advanced surgical techniques and prosthetic technologies. Some of the procedures they offer to enhance the outcome after amputation and in relation to prosthesis use include:
- Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR): This surgical procedure is designed to minimize chronic pain and improve prosthesis control. By reinnervating muscles, it allows for better signal transmission and a more natural movement of the prosthetic limb.
- Creation of Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces: These interfaces within the amputated limb stimulate nerves, which helps in managing pain and improving the overall function of the prosthesis.
- Revision Surgery of the Amputated Limb and Nerve Procedures: If a prosthesis is ill - fitting and causing pain, these procedures can alleviate discomfort by addressing nerve and tissue issues.
- Osseointegration: NYU Langone has added this revolutionary procedure to its repertoire. It involves permanently implanting a titanium device into the bone for direct attachment to an artificial limb. This technique offers several benefits such as improved mobility, enhanced comfort, and reduced pressure, eliminating problems related to skin irritation or limited ambulation with the prosthesis. The Osseoanchored Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees (OPRA) implant system, developed by Integrum, is used for this purpose, and it's the first and only FDA - approved technology for bone - anchored prostheses in the United States. The center successfully completed its first set of osseointegration surgeries in 2022.
- Fitting of a Myoelectric Prosthesis: This type of prosthesis uses electrodes to pick up and respond to electrical impulses created when muscles are flexed, providing a more intuitive and natural movement of the prosthetic limb.
Rehabilitation Support
After surgery, patients can be referred to Rusk Rehabilitation, where a team of specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, psychology, social work, and vocational rehabilitation provides comprehensive limb - loss rehabilitation. This helps patients continue their recovery and regain the maximum level of movement and function, enabling them to re - integrate into their daily lives.
Continuing Medical Education
NYU Langone also plays an important role in medical education. It regularly hosts Continuing Medical Education (CME) events. For example, the Bionic Reconstruction Conference (BReCon) focuses on the future of integrated upper - limb surgical and prosthetic innovation. These events help doctors and other medical professionals develop, maintain, and increase their knowledge and skills in the field of amputation and prosthesis - related treatments.
Contact Information
Patients or those seeking more information can call 646 - 987 - 9129 or email Elaine Crerar, MS, OTR/L, the clinical program manager, at elaine.roxanne.crerar@nyu langone.org.
Mount Sinai - New York's Amputation & Prosthetic Training Program
Personalized Treatment and Support
Mount Sinai understands the challenges faced by individuals who have lost a limb. Its Amputation & Prosthetic Training program offers a full range of rehabilitation and support services. The team of compassionate and highly skilled specialists and therapists creates a personalized treatment plan. This plan takes into account the patient's physical condition as well as their life outside the rehabilitation setting, with a strong emphasis on providing emotional support. In fact, Mount Sinai is New York City's first amputation and prosthetic training program to be accredited by CARF, which demonstrates its commitment to continuously improving the program and meeting the individual needs of patients.
Inpatient Services
The inpatient program at Mount Sinai is designed to support patients from the initial surgery through their return to the community. The rehab professionals work closely with patients and their surgeons to establish an individualized plan of care. The main objectives of the inpatient program include:
- Coordinating follow - up care with home care agencies, transitioning to outpatient therapy, and referring patients to a prosthetist.
- Developing coping skills to help patients emotionally handle the stresses associated with amputation.
- Setting goals and preparing patients for prosthetic prescription and training.
- Managing pain or discomfort.
- Preventing post - operative complications and providing education on how to care for the residual limb.
- Implementing a program to increase patients' independence in mobility and self - care.
Outpatient Services
The outpatient therapy program at Mount Sinai is tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. The program includes:
- Care of the residual limb to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
- Community reintegration programs to help patients return to their normal social and work lives.
- Mobility and balance training to improve the patient's ability to move safely.
- Pre - prosthetic training to prepare the patient's body for the use of a prosthesis.
- Prosthetic prescription and training in partnership with an expert prosthetist.
- Self - care and activities of daily living (ADLs) training to help patients regain their independence in performing daily tasks.
- Strength training to build the necessary muscle strength for using the prosthesis effectively.
Limb Loss Support Group
Mount Sinai is proud to offer a limb loss support group. Led by a psychologist, the group meets monthly to discuss various issues such as body image, social acceptance, and techniques for maintaining a positive attitude. This peer - support system can be invaluable for patients as they navigate the emotional and physical challenges of limb loss.
Contact Information
For inpatient rehabilitation, the address is 1450 Madison Avenue at 99th Street, New York, NY 10029, and the phone number is 212 - 241 - 5417. For outpatient therapy, the address is 5 - 17 E. 102nd Street, New York, NY 10029, and the phone number is 212 - 241 - 4477. The phone number for Mount Sinai Doctors Faculty Practice (physicians) is 212 - 241 - 6321.
Other Considerations in New York City Hospitals for Prosthesis - Related Care
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
HSS in New York City is a well - known hospital for orthopedic surgeries, including hip replacement surgeries where prostheses are involved. Although it may not be primarily focused on prosthesis removal, its expertise in orthopedics and prosthetic implants can be relevant in some cases. It is ranked the #1 hospital for orthopedics in the United States by U.S. News and World Report as well as the #1 orthopedic hospital in the world in Newsweek's "World's Best Specialized Hospitals." The hospital has low infection rates for hip replacement surgeries, which is an important factor when considering any prosthesis - related procedure.
Other High - Performing Hospitals for Orthopedics
US News Best Hospitals ranks several hospitals in New York City as high - performing for hip replacement, which may also have experience with prosthesis - related surgeries. These include Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health, St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center, Morristown Medical Center, South Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health, and Staten Island University Hospital at Northwell Health. While hip replacement is a different procedure from prosthesis removal, the expertise in orthopedics and prosthetic use at these hospitals can potentially translate to high - quality care for prosthesis removal as well.
Choosing the Right Hospital for Prosthesis Removal Surgery
When choosing a hospital for prosthesis removal surgery in New York City, patients should consider several factors:
- Expertise and Experience: Look for hospitals with a team of experienced orthopedic surgeons, prosthetists, and rehabilitation specialists. Check the hospital's track record in performing similar surgeries and its success rates.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: A hospital that offers a multidisciplinary team, including mental health professionals, can provide more comprehensive care. Limb loss can have a significant emotional impact, and having support in this area is crucial for the patient's overall well - being.
- Available Technologies: The availability of advanced surgical techniques and prosthetic technologies, such as osseointegration, can lead to better outcomes. Research the hospital's investment in these areas.
- Rehabilitation Services: Adequate post - operative rehabilitation is essential for a successful recovery. Consider the hospital's rehabilitation facilities and the expertise of its rehabilitation team.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Reading reviews from other patients who have undergone prosthesis removal surgery at the hospital can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, the patient experience, and the overall results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City is home to several world - class hospitals that offer excellent services for prosthesis removal surgery. NYU Langone's Center for Amputation Reconstruction provides a comprehensive range of advanced surgical techniques, rehabilitation support, and multidisciplinary care. Mount Sinai's Amputation & Prosthetic Training program focuses on personalized treatment and emotional support, with both inpatient and outpatient services. Other hospitals like HSS and those ranked high for hip replacement also bring significant orthopedic expertise to the table.
If you or someone you know is considering prosthesis removal surgery, it is crucial to thoroughly research these hospitals, consider the factors mentioned above, and consult with medical professionals. Don't hesitate to reach out to the hospitals directly to learn more about their services, ask questions, and schedule consultations. Share this article with others who may be in need of this information and continue exploring related topics to make an informed decision about your healthcare journey.
