Prosthetics and Orthotics

Prosthetics is the making and fitting of artificial limbs after amputation or for limb difference. Orthotics is the making of external supports: insoles, ankle foot braces, knee braces, spinal braces and hand splints. Both are provided by a certified prosthetist orthotist working with a rehabilitation doctor and physiotherapist.

This page is about external devices. Joint implants placed inside the body, such as a hip or knee prosthesis, are covered under joint replacement. A device only helps if it fits and you are trained to use it, and sockets and braces need repeated adjustment as your body changes.

Conditions this service looks after

• Below knee and above knee amputation
• Partial foot, hand and arm amputation
• Congenital limb difference
• Foot drop after stroke, nerve injury or disc disease
• Diabetic foot at risk of ulcers
• Knee osteoarthritis and ligament injuries needing a brace
• Adolescent scoliosis needing a brace
• Osteoporotic spinal fractures
• Cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular conditions

Tests you may be offered

• Residual limb assessment: Shape, skin, scar, volume stability, pain, strength and joint range.
• Mobility grading (K level): Predicts activity and guides the choice of knee and foot components.
• Casting or 3D scanning: Captures limb shape for a socket or custom brace.
• Gait analysis: Video or instrumented assessment to align the device.
• Foot pressure mapping: Identifies high pressure areas in diabetic and deformed feet.
• Skin, circulation and sensation check: Determines safe materials and wearing schedule.

Treatments available

• Preparatory prosthesis: First limb fitted about 6 to 10 weeks after amputation, once the wound has healed and swelling is controlled with a shrinker sock.
• Definitive prosthesis: Custom socket with suspension by pin lock, suction or vacuum, and components matched to activity.
• Microprocessor knees and energy storing feet: Improve safety on slopes and stairs for suitable users.
• Upper limb prostheses: Cosmetic, body powered or myoelectric hands.
• Ankle foot orthoses: Carbon or plastic braces for foot drop; functional electrical stimulation is an alternative for some.
• Custom insoles and therapeutic footwear: Pressure relief for diabetic and rheumatoid feet.
• Spinal and knee bracing: Scoliosis braces, fracture braces and unloader knee braces.
• Gait training: Physiotherapy to learn weight shifting, stairs, falls recovery and skin care.

When to ask for a specialist opinion

• Before a planned amputation, to discuss level and expectations
• Your socket has become loose, painful or causes skin breakdown
• Your foot catches the ground and you trip
• You have diabetes with numb feet, calluses or a healed ulcer
• Your child's brace or prosthesis has been outgrown

Travelling to Türkiye for this care

Making a prosthesis involves casting, a test socket, dynamic alignment and gait training, usually 2 to 4 weeks of frequent appointments. That can be done in one stay, but the residual limb changes shape during the first 12 to 18 months and sockets need refitting, so you need a prosthetist at home who will service components from the same manufacturer. Ask for component names, warranty terms and alignment records. Simple orthoses and insoles can be made within a few days.

Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.

Frequently Asked Questions