Prosthetics

We deliver personalized care and custom-crafted solutions designed to restore your mobility, confidence, and independence.
Leading the nation in prosthetic care, we help thousands of individuals with limb loss or limb difference achieve mobility, independence, and a better quality of life each year. Our clinicians’ ongoing training and shared expertise translate into exceptional, personalized care.
Lower Limb
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Supported by the largest network of expert prosthetists and the latest prosthetic technology, we create custom lower-limb solutions that keep you doing what you love.

We leverage advanced materials and innovative designs to help people at every level of lower limb loss or limb difference restore mobility and independence.

Below the Knee

Below-knee (BK) limb loss—also known as transtibial amputation—refers to the loss or amputation of the leg below the knee. If you are facing this type of amputation, it’s important to understand your options and know that returning to an independent, active lifestyle is achievable.

As you begin your journey, you’ll work closely with a prosthetist who specializes in designing, fabricating, and fitting below-knee prosthetic limbs. Open communication is essential—discuss your goals, expectations, and any concerns so your prosthetist can tailor care to your individual needs. When possible, meeting with your prosthetist before surgery can help you feel informed, prepared, and confident about what lies ahead.

Your prosthetist will collaborate with your physician and rehabilitation team throughout your recovery, monitoring your progress and supporting you as you work toward key milestones.

Below is an overview of what you can expect during your below-knee limb loss care journey.

Above the Knee

Above-knee (AK) limb loss—also known as transfemoral amputation—refers to the loss or amputation of the leg above the knee. While surgical approaches and recovery timelines may vary from person to person, individuals with an above-knee amputation typically begin the prosthetic fitting process several weeks after surgery.

As you move through rehabilitation, you will work with a prosthetist who specializes in the design, fabrication, and fitting of prosthetic limbs. Open communication is key—sharing your goals, expectations, and concerns allows your prosthetist to tailor solutions to your unique needs. Your prosthetist will collaborate closely with your physician and rehabilitation team to monitor your progress and support you in reaching important recovery milestones.

Below is an overview of what you can expect during your above-knee limb loss care journey.

Foot or Partial Foot

Complications from diabetes are the leading cause of amputations involving the foot, partial foot, or toes. In other cases, injury may require the removal of some or all of the foot. Regardless of the cause, if you are preparing for—or have already experienced—a foot amputation, you are not alone.

Surgery and Rehabilitation

Because amputations at this level are often planned in advance, you typically have the opportunity to speak with your surgeon and care team about your options. Together, you will discuss the appropriate amputation level and future prosthetic or supportive treatment. Your surgeon will recommend a care plan based on expected healing, balance and mobility considerations, and the potential use of prosthetic or assistive devices.

Once healing has progressed, rehabilitation will begin. This phase may include being fitted with a prosthesis to support balance and mobility. During rehabilitation, you will learn how to care for your limb and how to safely use a prosthesis or assistive device as you regain strength, balance, and confidence.

Adjusting to walking and balancing with a device can take time. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek support throughout the process.

Prosthetic Solutions

Your prosthetist will collaborate with you, your medical providers, and your rehabilitation team to design a solution that aligns with your goals. With today’s advanced technology and clinical expertise, individuals who experience partial or full foot amputation can lead active, fulfilling lives with minimal compromise.

At the Hip

Amputations at or just below the hip—commonly referred to as hemipelvectomy, hip disarticulation, or transpelvic amputation—are most often the result of trauma, cancer, or severe infection. While this level of limb loss presents unique and complex challenges, the right combination of clinical expertise, prosthetic technology, and support can make an independent and fulfilling life possible.

What to Expect on Your Journey

Because this level of amputation involves the loss of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, it is essential to work with healthcare professionals who have experience treating high-level amputations. A collaborative care team focused on your long-term goals can help guide you through recovery, rehabilitation, and adaptation. Your team may also connect you with peer support groups, offering insight and encouragement from others who have walked a similar path.

Sitting and Standing

Using a prosthesis after a hip-level amputation changes how you sit and stand. Learning safe and effective movement strategies for these activities is an important early milestone in your recovery.

Walking

Walking with a prosthesis at this level can be challenging at first. Being fitted with an appropriate prosthetic system and working closely with an experienced physical therapist are critical steps toward safely resuming walking and improving mobility.

Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Fit Considerations

Rehabilitation generally follows a standard amputation recovery timeline, but hip-level amputations require special attention to prosthetic design and fit.

A well-designed socket is the foundation of a successful prosthesis. It must be comfortable, properly support your body weight, and avoid interfering with bodily functions. Each prosthesis is custom-made to fit your body and goals, with considerations including thigh segment length, knee mechanism selection, shin length, and foot and ankle components. Learning to use your prosthesis takes time, and adjustments are often made as you gain experience and identify what feels most comfortable and effective.

Prosthetic Hip Joints

Unlike the natural hip joint, a prosthetic hip joint is typically positioned toward the front of the body. This placement helps keep body weight behind the joint, improving stability and reducing the risk of falls.

Prosthetic Knee Joints

Knee stability is a primary concern at this amputation level. Prosthetic knee components are carefully selected for their ability to provide reliable stability and safety during movement.

Prosthetic Feet

Prosthetic feet also play an important role in overall balance and stability. Selection is guided by the need to create a safe, secure, and functional prosthetic system.

Rest

Time spent out of your prosthesis is especially important after hip-level amputation. A sitting socket can help maintain proper pelvic and spinal alignment, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues such as scoliosis. Crutches and other assistive devices can support mobility at home and in the community while lowering fall risk when the prosthesis is not worn.

You Are Not Alone

Hip-level amputations can be challenging to fit due to the combined loss of multiple joints and the increased energy required to use a prosthesis. Some individuals are discouraged from pursuing prosthetic use, while others may choose wheelchairs or crutches after frustrating experiences. If you or a loved one faces these challenges, know that experienced prosthetic care can make a meaningful difference.

Our lower extremity prosthetic specialists have extensive experience fitting high-level amputations. Many individuals with hip disarticulation or transpelvic amputations successfully walk with a prosthesis and participate fully in daily life. We are committed to working with you to help you reach your personal goals.

At Hanger Clinic, we are with you every step of the way. Through clinical expertise, rehabilitation partnerships, and peer support networks, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your highest potential.

Prosthetic Feet

There are a variety of prosthetic foot options, each offering different features and benefits. Your clinician will help you choose the solution that best meets your individual needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Hydraulic Ankle Feet

Hydraulic ankle feet combine a traditional prosthetic foot with a hydraulically controlled mechanical ankle, creating a more natural “rocking” motion during walking. This design can help reduce pressure within the socket, improve comfort, enhance stability, and allow for smoother movement across a wider variety of surfaces and elevations.

A range of hydraulic ankle feet options are available, typically selected based on the design and performance of the foot component. More basic models offer reliable support for individuals with lower activity levels, while dynamic designs provide increased responsiveness and functionality for more active users.

Your clinician can help determine which hydraulic ankle foot technology is best suited to your goals, lifestyle, and mobility needs.

Microprocessor Feet

Microprocessor feet are an advanced type of hydraulic ankle-foot system that use embedded sensors to continuously monitor movement and adjust the ankle’s angle and stiffness in real time.

This technology enhances ankle motion and foot control on uneven terrain, slopes, and stairs, which may help reduce pressure within the socket, lower the risk of stumbling, and improve overall prosthetic mobility.

It’s important to consider that microprocessor feet are typically heavier than many other foot options and require regular charging to operate.

Many individuals find that microprocessor feet work especially well when paired with microprocessor knees, creating a more coordinated and responsive prosthetic system.

Powered Feet

Powered prosthetic feet use battery-powered technology to deliver active propulsion, or “push-off,” at the end of each step, helping reduce the effort required for walking.

For active individuals who frequently navigate hills, ramps, and uneven terrain, powered feet may offer meaningful benefits. However, these systems are typically bulkier and heavier than other foot options due to the motors and batteries they require.

Your clinician will carefully consider your mobility goals, lifestyle, and needs to recommend the prosthetic solution best suited for you.

Dynamic-Response Feet

Dynamic-response feet are energy-storing prosthetic feet designed for active and moderately active individuals who want to maintain a full, everyday lifestyle. Made from advanced composite materials such as carbon graphite, these feet provide enhanced responsiveness and natural movement. By storing and releasing energy with each step, they support walking at varying speeds while helping reduce stress on the opposite leg.

Your daily activities play an important role in determining the most appropriate prosthetic foot. Individuals who need to adjust their walking pace throughout the day or navigate stairs, slopes, and uneven surfaces often benefit from dynamic-response feet.

Our clinical experts are here to help you choose the right solution for your lifestyle. Whether you’re navigating a busy airport, staying active in sports, or enjoying a long evening walk, your care team is committed to supporting your goals every step of the way.

Axial Feet

The ability to adapt to uneven terrain plays a key role in building confidence when using a prosthesis. Axial feet are designed to mimic natural ankle movement, helping provide safe, stable alignment while adapting to irregular surfaces. This design also helps reduce the stress that would otherwise travel up the prosthesis to the residual limb.

Single-Axis Feet

Single-axis feet feature a solid forefoot enclosed within a molded rubber foot shell. A mechanical ankle joint allows the foot to move up and down, enabling it to quickly achieve a stable, flat-foot position. This design is well suited for limited walkers, particularly when navigating activities that can affect knee stability, such as walking down ramps or other inclined surfaces.

Multi-Axis Feet

Similar in weight, durability, and cost to single-axis feet, multi-axis feet incorporate additional rubber bumpers to allow for more complex movement. In addition to up-and-down motion, they can move side to side and absorb rotational forces, helping limited walkers better adapt to uneven or irregular terrain.

SACH Feet

The Solid Ankle Cushion Heel (SACH) foot is a basic, durable, and cost-effective prosthetic foot designed for individuals who walk at a limited pace and encounter minimal variation in terrain. It features a soft material molded over a rigid internal structure that mimics the shape of a natural foot. SACH feet are often used as a patient’s first prosthesis following amputation.

The large heel cushion provides adequate shock absorption for limited walkers. However, because the SACH foot is not flexible and cannot easily adapt to uneven surfaces, it is generally not suitable for moderate to highly active individuals who want to engage in more than household activities.

Your clinician will work with you to select the prosthetic foot that best aligns with your mobility needs and personal goals.

Partial Feet

Partial foot prosthetic solutions vary depending on the size of your residual foot and your individual goals.

Shoe Insert

For amputations limited to the toes or a small portion of the midfoot, a custom shoe insert may be sufficient. This insert supports the remaining foot structure and can fill in areas of the missing foot to improve comfort and function.

Ankle-Foot Orthosis

If your amputation involves the midfoot or higher and you want to maintain an active lifestyle, combining a custom shoe insert with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) may be recommended. The AFO helps restore functional foot length during walking and other sustained activities, supporting stability and mobility.

Laminated Prosthesis

For amputations approaching the rear foot, and for those seeking a more active lifestyle, a laminated prosthesis may be the best option. This design features a rigid carbon foot plate laminated beneath a carbon fiber socket that typically extends up the front of the leg. Forces generated under the prosthetic toes are transferred to the front of the lower leg, helping restore a more natural and dynamic gait.

Prosthetic Knees

There are several types of prosthetic knees, each designed to provide stability, safety, and support. Your clinician will help you choose the option that best aligns with your mobility goals and lifestyle.

Microprocessor Knees

Microprocessor knees—also called computer-controlled knees—use advanced technology to provide safer, more efficient walking. They help users navigate hills, ramps, and uneven terrain with greater stability and less effort.

Built-in sensors continuously monitor movement and timing, allowing the knee to adjust its resistance in real time. This includes detecting stumbles and automatically modifying stiffness to help prevent falls.

Microprocessor knees are particularly well suited for individuals with moderate to active lifestyles, those who encounter uneven terrain, and people with bilateral limb loss. The responsive adjustments help users feel more confident and secure during daily activities.

It’s important to note that microprocessor knees are generally slightly heavier than other knee types and require regular battery monitoring and recharging. Many users also find that pairing a microprocessor knee with a microprocessor foot provides the most seamless and natural movement.

Hydraulic & Pneumatic Knees

Hydraulic and pneumatic knees use fluid or air to adapt to different walking speeds as the leg swings forward and backward. Some designs also allow the knee to lock, providing added stability while standing for extended periods or navigating unfamiliar or challenging environments.

Both systems mimic the natural function of knee muscles by responding to variations in walking speed. Hydraulic knees, which rely on fluid, are typically heavier than pneumatic (air) knees but can provide a smoother walking pattern across a wider range of speeds. Both types require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

These knees are best suited for moderately active individuals who want the ability to vary their walking pace. Your prosthetist will review the benefits and considerations of each option and help you select the solution that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

Basic Knees

Basic prosthetic knees represent a class of knee joints that do not incorporate microprocessors, real-time sensors, hydraulic resistance, or fluid cylinders. These simpler knee mechanisms are intended for those who walk at a single walking speed and are often smaller and lighter than more advanced knee options.

A primary distinction among basic knees is whether they are single-axis or multi-axis (also called polycentric or four bar).

Single-axis knees are built with a single hinge point. This type of knee is both durable and lightweight, but offers a limited range of adaptability to different gait speeds. It uses an adjustable friction setting to prevent the leg from swinging forward too fast, allowing for one optimal walking speed. Most single-axis knees include the ability to lock the knee in place for standing or walking when the user requires additional security in their prosthesis.

Polycentric knees bend through multiple hinge points, making it less likely that the knee will buckle during standing. In some designs, this mechanism will also shorten the prosthesis as it swings beneath the user, reducing the risk of tripping and falling. Polycentric knees can meet the needs of people with varying degrees of activity, with simpler versions better for light activity and more advanced versions better suited to heavy activity.

Your clinician will help you determine which knee is best suited to your unique needs.

Upper Limb
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Our upper limb specialists design custom prosthetic solutions for individuals who need prosthetic arms, hands, or fingers. Each prosthesis is tailored to your unique needs, goals, and lifestyle, whether you require basic functionality, advanced dexterity, or cosmetic realism.

We work closely with you to ensure your prosthetic supports daily activities, improves independence, and enhances overall quality of life. From lightweight, functional devices to advanced myoelectric hands, our team is committed to finding the solution that fits your abilities and aspirations.

Meet Our Upper Limb Prosthetic Specialty Team

With 7 specialized upper limb prosthetists across Central Florida, our team has the advanced training and experience to provide world-class prosthetic care close to home. We work with you to design a custom solution tailored to your needs, ensuring you receive the highest quality care and the best possible outcomes.

Sockets, Liners, & Accessories
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Proper socket design, along with the use of liners and other accessories, is essential for getting the most out of your prosthesis. These elements help ensure comfort, stability, and optimal function, allowing you to use your prosthesis effectively throughout daily activities.

Sockets

The socket is the portion of your prosthesis that wraps around your residual limb. A properly fitting socket allows you to use your prosthesis comfortably and confidently. Benefits of a well-fitting socket include comfort, stability, and proper distribution of weight-bearing forces.

Socket designs vary by amputation level and are tailored to the unique shape and needs of each user, taking into account how and where weight-bearing forces are distributed through the limb.

Liners

Liners are placed directly over the skin to serve as a protective barrier between the residual limb and the prosthetic socket. Common types of liners include:

  • Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) or Gel Liners – Soft and flexible, ideal for sensitive skin and new amputees.
  • Silicone Liners – Less flexible but more durable, suitable for active individuals who are not allergic to silicone.
  • Urethane Liners – The stiffest and least flexible, offering high durability and even pressure distribution, ideal for high-activity users and compatible with active vacuum sockets.

Suspension Options

Suspension refers to how the socket is attached to your limb. Your prosthetist will recommend the best suspension method based on the location, shape, and condition of your residual limb, as well as your activity level.

  • Locking Liner Suspension – A pin at the end of the liner locks into a shuttle lock at the bottom of the socket. The mechanism must be released to remove the prosthesis.
  • Suction Suspension – A silicone sleeve rolls over the outside of the prosthesis and your limb, creating an airtight seal. A one-way valve expels air, holding the socket firmly to your residual limb.
  • Active Vacuum Sockets – Similar to suction suspension, but includes a vacuum pump that actively removes air, creating stronger adherence and maintaining the vacuum effect for a secure fit.