Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Orthopedic Prosthesis and Orthotics Program Head Instructor. Kübra Akkalay gave information about what to do and the use of prosthesis for those who lost their limbs after the great earthquake in Kahramanmaraş on February 6th.
It was announced that 6 people lost their limbs in the earthquake disaster that occurred in Kahramanmaraş on February 850th. Lecturer Kübra Akkalay, who stated that the loss of limbs occur due to bone fractures, muscle crushing and soft tissue injuries in individuals under the debris, emphasizes that the environment of the patients should be arranged according to their new situation and that they should be provided with access to physical and mental health services. Drawing attention to the importance of limb care after amputation, Akkalay points out that patients should be informed about this in order to enable the use of prosthesis.
After the amputation, the individual should be rehabilitated and started to use prosthesis.
Akkalay said that amputation is the surgical removal of part or all of the bone along with the bone of an extremity. It is necessary to quickly heal the rest of the extremity and rehabilitate the individual to start using prosthesis.” said.
850 people lost their limbs in the Kahramanmaraş earthquake
Reminding that hundreds of people lost their limbs in the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake disaster that took place on 6 February and affected 11 provinces, Akkalay said, “After the 7.8 and 7.7 magnitude earthquakes, 850 people lost their limbs among those who were rescued from the rubble. These losses occurred due to bone fractures, muscle crushes and soft tissue injuries in the individuals who were under the debris.” made the statement.
The environment should be arranged according to the new situation and orientation to social life should be accelerated!
Pointing out that the functional status of the patient should be determined and the adaptation potential of the patient to the rehabilitation program should be determined with a detailed examination, Akkalay said, “Especially the citizens affected by the earthquake should be provided with access to physical and mental health services. After the earthquake, the needs of individuals in need such as orthoses, prostheses and wheelchairs should be met. Required resources should be provided to provide psychological support opportunities, orthoses and prostheses for earthquake victims who lost their limbs. Considering their new situation, their environment should be arranged so that they can be protected from dangers. Necessary service areas should be opened for the production and application of prostheses and orthoses in hospitals.” made suggestions.
Care after limb loss is important
Emphasizing that there may be early complications such as wear and abrasion on the remaining limb, Akkalay said, “Patients should be informed about limb care for possible complications. Elastic bandage application should be taught to the patient for shaping the stump and controlling edema. Correct sitting and lying positions should be shown to prevent contracture formation in the joint. said.
Akkalay listed the things that the patient should pay attention to in terms of stump care as follows:
“The stump should be observed every day in terms of redness and abrasions, and every part of the stump should be seen using a mirror. Band-aid should not be attached to it. It should be washed with soap and dried daily. Stump stockings should not be burnt or torn. The recommended exercises should be done regularly.”
Limb loss is more common in men
Reminding that loss of limbs can occur after work accidents, occupational diseases, congenital anomalies, congenital, accidents or natural disasters, Lecturer. See. Kübra Akkalay said, “Considering the causes of limb loss, it is seen that men are more likely to die, except for disasters that affect communities such as earthquakes. Limb loss due to work injuries and occupational diseases is more common in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. In children, it is seen that limb losses occur due to congenital or congenital anomalies.” said.
Developing technology brings patient-specific health solutions
Noting that the devices and materials used in the field of prosthetics and orthotics have also undergone changes and innovations with the development of technology, Akkalay said, “Developments and innovations are rapidly becoming widespread for the production of prostheses, lighter and functional orthoses that are suitable for human anatomy and offer many functionalities at once. It is possible to design the products to be used with software technology, and to design three-dimensional products controlled by computer support. With the developing technology in orthosis-prosthesis science, further development of patient-specific health solutions becomes easier.” he said.
Every stage of the prosthesis, from manufacturing to repair, should be performed specifically for the patient.
Expressing that they prefer to plan and implement personalized treatment methods, Akkalay said, “Personalized medical products must be produced and applied with measurements and rehearsals in order to be used on a particular patient. The manufacture, sale, application, maintenance and repair of these prostheses should be performed specifically for the patient. For the use of prostheses, patients should be rehearsed and adapted.” made the statement.
Prosthesis parts are decided according to the patient's conditions.
Temporary prosthesis can be used immediately after amputation, or prosthesis can be used after the sutures on the stump heal and take proper shape. said Lecturer. See. Kübra Akkalay concluded her words as follows:
“The sockets of the patients who go to Prosthetic Orthotics Production and Application Centers are created by taking measurements according to the person. Prosthetic parts are decided by evaluating the patient's functional status and occupational status. By combining the socket and prosthetic parts, static and dynamic adjustments are made. The patient is rehearsed for the use of the prosthesis and adaptation is provided. Patients are informed by the Prostetist Orthotist about care and the issues to be considered.