Comprehensive Limb Loss Rehabilitation Program

The complete or partial loss of a limb or having a limb difference is a life changing event. Feelings of isolation, stigma, functional loss, loss of independence and management of complex medical needs are just some of the issues limb loss can present. Comprehensive rehabilitation is much more than simply providing a prosthesis. It takes a team approach to restore the best overall quality of life and prevent future complications.

The Sinai Rehabilitation Center (SRC) utilizes the best practices of an interdisciplinary team of expert clinicians that take a holistic, patient centered view of care. We assess and treat partial and complete upper extremity and lower extremity limb loss in teenagers age 16 and older and in adults. Our model has been up and going for over 35 years.

The Comprehensive Limb Loss Program is CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited and is a Partner Facility with the Amputee Coalition.

A physician working with a prosthetic limb

What to Expect While in Treatment

Your initial visit will typically include seeing the Physiatrist, Prosthetist and Physical Therapist. An individualized, comprehensive plan will be developed. We consider care for limb loss to be a lifelong relationship. If surgery is performed at Sinai Hospital, we coordinate the continuity of care through your acute hospitalization, inpatient or home care rehabilitation and transition to outpatient. We work with primary care physicians, surgeons, wound care specialists, podiatrists and other members of your health care team. We have longstanding relationships with the best prosthetic companies in the Baltimore area.

After an initial evaluation, further visits will continue to focus on:

Coordination of care for risk factors for vascular disease and skin problems such as diabetes, smoking, hypertension and neuropathy
Prevention of second amputation
Fall prevention
Skin and foot care including proper shoes
Direction for treatment of wounds
Monitoring of functional mobility
Prescription for prostheses and supplies including all necessary paperwork on an ongoing basis
Treatment for phantom and residual limb pain including painful scars, neuromas and skin breakdown
Treatment for excessive sweating
Psychological effects from limb loss including depression and adjustment to disability
Peer support resources
Driving training and vehicle modification referral
Referral to other Physiatry specialists in the department for arthritis, back and neck pain, neurorehabilitation and wheelchair needs

Advanced Medical Treatment

Our Nurse coordinator will stay in touch with you to ensure your care is proceeding as planned and to follow up on any intermittent medical, psychological or functional changes in your condition. Our program utilizes advanced technologies for assessment and treatment of complex conditions and includes:

The Division of Rehabilitation Research and Engineering, which utilizes a state-of-the-art gait lab to assess certain abnormalities of walking. We custom design and 3D print assistive and adaptive equipment that is not commercially available
Botox injection for excessive sweating
Fall prevention
Interventional pain blocks and neurostimulation procedures for severe phantom pain
Neuroma injection
Nerve conduction and muscle testing (NCS/EMG)
Outcomes measurements and ongoing research in limb loss care

Our Goals

We aim to prevent further amputation, restore quality of life and make the process of obtaining the most appropriate prosthetic devices efficient and timely. Our documentation is structured to meet the requirements of Medicare and other insurers. If you are already working with a prosthetic company, we are available to coordinate with them for your needs.