Foot Care and Limb Design Centre is home to the first Prosthetics & Orthotics and Podiatry Services in Singapore. Our Prosthetics & Orthotics (P&O) service specialises in designing and fitting custom-made artificial limbs (prostheses) and supportive devices (orthoses). We help restore function and independence for patients who have experienced limb loss or require lower limb or spinal bracing for various medical conditions.
Our skilled Prosthetists/Orthotists are all certified Category 1 International Society of Prosthetic & Orthotics (ISPO) status. They use advanced technology and materials to create comfortable, functional devices tailored to each patient's lifestyle needs. Our Prosthetists/Orthotists are supported by a highly specialized team of P&O Associates and Technicians who perform the fabrication work for customised prostheses and orthoses in our on-site specialised Orthopaedic Technology Workshop.
Foot Care & Limb Design Centre is certified with Good Distribution Practice for Medical Devices (GDPMDS) " Import, Storage, Distribution, Installation and Servicing of Technical Aids for the Disabled Persons". This ensures that the prostheses and orthoses we manufacture comply with mandatory quality standards.
Amputee Clinic
About Our Clinic
The Amputee Clinic operates every Wednesday morning at the Foot Care & Limb Design Centre (FLC). Our multi-disciplinary team includes:
- Rehabilitation Physician
- Prosthetist/Orthotist
- Podiatrist
- Physiotherapist
- Medical Social Worker
All consultations are by appointment only. New patients require a referral letter from their doctor. Find out more
Who We See
We provide care for both new and existing amputee patients. For first-time patients, our team conducts a comprehensive assessment of your medical, functional, social, and financial circumstances to determine suitability for prosthetic prescription. For follow-up patients, we review prosthesis fit, function, and maintenance needs.
Your Treatment Journey
Pre-Prosthetic Phase
- Initial Assessment
- Our multi-disciplinary team will evaluate your needs and recommend suitable prosthetic options
- Our Medical Social Worker will conduct financial assessment if needed
- Preparation
- Your Prosthetist/Orthotist will take measurements and create a cast of your residual limb
- Our team will then begin fabricating your prosthesis
- You will attend fitting sessions to ensure proper socket fit
- Early Rehabilitation
- Before the fitting session, you will undergo physiotherapy sessions at FLC
- For lower limb amputees, training includes use of a Pneumatic Post-Amputation Mobility Aid (PPAM)
- PPAM aids in:
- Reducing residual limb swelling
- Preparing for prosthetic socket use
- Improving posture during standing and walking
Post-Prosthetic Phase
- After being fitted with your prosthesis, you will work with your Prosthetist/Orthotist and Physiotherapist for:
- Prosthesis adjustments
- Gait training
- Rehabilitation exercises
Prosthetics Services
What is Prosthetics?
Prosthetics is the specialised field of designing, creating, and fitting custom-made artificial limbs. This service helps patients who have lost limbs due to:
- Medical conditions (such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or tumours)
- Traumatic injuries
- Congenital conditions (present from birth)
Understanding Prosthetic Limbs
A prosthetic limb is an artificial device designed to replace a missing limb, restoring both function and appearance as much as possible. Each prosthesis is uniquely crafted using advanced technology and skilled expertise. Our Prosthetist/Orthotist carefully designs each prosthesis considering:
- Your physical condition
- Daily activity levels
- Functional requirements
- Personal goals
Prosthesis Replacement and Maintenance
General Replacement Guidelines
- Adult patients typically need a new prosthesis every 3 years
- Children require more frequent replacements due to growth
- Regular maintenance includes adjustments, repairs, re-alignment, and component replacements
First-Time Prosthetic Users
- Most first-time amputees will need a socket replacement within 6 to 18 months
- Your residual limb will naturally change in shape and size during the healing and rehabilitation process
- These changes vary between individuals and may cause the socket to become loose
- Often, only the socket needs replacement while other prosthetic components can be reused.
- Your Prosthetist will advise you on which components need to be replaced.
Our Specialised Services
We provide prosthetic solutions for various levels of amputation:
Lower Limb Prostheses
- Below knee
- Above knee
- Through knee
- Hip disarticulation
Upper Limb Prostheses
- Various levels of upper limb amputation
- Myoelectric prostheses (controlled by muscle signals)
Orthotics Services
What is an Orthosis?
An orthosis (also called a brace) is a supportive device designed to:
- Maintain proper biomechanical alignment
- Prevent potential injuries
- Support recovery after injury
- Aid in rehabilitation
- Reduce pain and discomfort
- Enhance mobility and independence
Orthoses can be either pre-fabricated or custom-made to meet individual patient needs.
Our Specialised Services
We provide measuring and fitting services for various types of orthoses:
- Foot orthoses (insoles)
- Ankle foot orthoses (AFO)
- Knee orthoses
- Knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO)
- Fracture braces
- Spinal orthoses
- Cranial helmets
- Sports bracing
Who Benefits from Orthoses?
Orthoses can help manage various conditions including:
- Neurological conditions (e.g., drop foot after stroke)
- Post-polio syndrome
- Fracture management and recovery
- Muscle weakness
- Spinal conditions (e.g., scoliosis)
- Positional head shape deformities of infants (e.g., plagiocephaly)
- Congenital conditions (e.g., clubfoot)
- Sports injuries affecting the ankles and knees
- Diabetic foot ulcers
Your Treatment Journey
Initial Assessment
- Your Prosthetist/Orthotist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your condition and take measurements using techniques such as physical casting or 3D scanning
- Your Prosthetist/Orthotist will manually modify the cast based on your anatomical landmarks. Adjustments will be made according to your specific needs
- Your Prosthetist/Orthotist will use Computer Assisted Design (CAD) techniques to modify your 3D scan.
- Your orthosis will be fabricated using Computer Assisted Manufacture (CAM) mould carving and vacuum draping or through additive manufacturing processes (3D printing).
- Our team of technicians will add finishing touches to your orthosis in our Workshop before it is fitted to you.
Fabrication Process
Traditional casting
- Your Prosthetist/Orthotist will manually modify the cast based on your anatomical landmarks. Adjustments will be made according to your specific needs
- Your Prosthetist/Orthotist will use Computer Assisted Design (CAD) techniques to modify your 3D scan.
- Your orthosis will be fabricated using Computer Assisted Manufacture (CAM) mould carving and vacuum draping or through additive manufacturing processes (3D printing).
- Our team of technicians will add finishing touches to your orthosis in our Workshop before it is fitted to you.
Digital manufacturing
- Your Prosthetist/Orthotist will use Computer Assisted Design (CAD) techniques to modify your 3D scan.
- Your orthosis will be fabricated using Computer Assisted Manufacture (CAM) mould carving and vacuum draping or through additive manufacturing processes (3D printing).
- Our team of technicians will add finishing touches to your orthosis in our Workshop before it is fitted to you.
Using Your Orthosis
Your Prosthetist/Orthotist will provide information on your orthosis:
- Detailed wearing instructions (frequency and duration)
- Proper donning / doffing techniques
- Guidance on checking for pressure points
- Care and maintenance instructions
