Prosthetics & Orthotics in Hyderabad: Restoring Mobility and Independence

Losing a limb or living with movement disorders that require bracing can be life-altering. At DakshinRehab in Moosapet, Hyderabad, we understand the physical, emotional, and social challenges faced by amputees and individuals needing orthotic support. Our in-house prosthetics and orthotics workshop, led by Dr. Mohanagandhi (Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist), provides custom-fabricated devices and comprehensive rehabilitation programs that restore mobility, independence, and quality of life. Our comprehensive prosthetics and orthotics services include diabetic foot offloading, CROW walker management, and advanced prosthetic limb fitment. For patients requiring intensive post-amputation rehabilitation, our inpatient rehabilitation facility provides comprehensive care including socket fitting and gait training.

What are prosthetics? Prosthetics are artificial limbs that replace missing body parts—legs, feet, arms, or hands—lost due to amputation from trauma (accidents, war injuries), disease (diabetes, vascular insufficiency, cancer), or congenital limb deficiency. What types of prosthetics are available? Modern prosthetics range from basic functional devices to advanced microprocessor-controlled limbs mimicking natural movement. At DakshinRehab Moosapet, Hyderabad, we provide custom-fabricated prosthetics for optimal fit and function.

Orthotics are external braces or supports worn on the body to correct alignment, support weakened structures, prevent deformity, or assist with movement. Common examples include ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for foot drop, knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) for knee instability, spinal braces for scoliosis or post-surgery support, and wrist-hand orthoses for stroke or nerve injuries. Unlike prosthetics that replace missing parts, orthotics augment existing but impaired function.

We provide transtibial (below-knee) prosthetics, the most common lower limb amputation level. Modern below-knee prosthetics allow excellent functional outcomes—most users walk without assistive devices and return to normal activities. Transfemoral (above-knee) prosthetics are more challenging, requiring greater energy for walking due to loss of the knee joint. We use advanced prosthetic knee components—mechanical or microprocessor-controlled—to optimize gait and safety.

Transradial (below-elbow) and transhumeral (above-elbow) prosthetics for upper limb amputees range from passive cosmetic hands to functional myoelectric prostheses controlled by residual muscle signals. For Hyderabad's diabetic population—diabetes is a leading cause of amputation in India—we provide specialized diabetic foot care and prosthetic services with comprehensive rehabilitation.

The Prosthetic Fitting Process at DakshinRehab: Post-amputation, there's a healing phase (4-8 weeks typically) during which the residual limb matures—swelling decreases, wounds heal, and soft tissues stabilize. During this period, we provide preparatory care including compression therapy to shape the limb, early mobilization and strength training, psychological support and education, and phantom limb pain management (experienced by up to 80% of amputees).

Once the limb is ready, we take a plaster cast or 3D scan to create a precise mold. Using this mold, our technicians fabricate a custom socket—the interface between residual limb and prosthetic components. Socket fit is critical for comfort, function, and skin health. We conduct multiple fittings, adjusting the socket until it's perfect.

The prosthetic limb is then assembled with appropriate foot/ankle/knee components (for lower limb) or terminal devices (for upper limb) based on your activity level and goals. Initial prosthetic training focuses on donning/doffing (putting on/taking off the device), weight-bearing tolerance, basic transfers and balance, and gait training with parallel bars progressing to walkers, crutches, canes, then independent ambulation.

Advanced gait training uses our 3D gait analysis system to objectively measure walking symmetry, efficiency, and deviations. We identify and correct compensatory patterns that could lead to long-term joint problems. Many Hyderabad amputees appreciate this technology-driven approach—seeing their progress in data and video feedback is motivating and educational.

Orthotics Services at DakshinRehab: Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are our most prescribed orthotic devices. Foot drop—inability to lift the foot during walking—occurs after stroke, spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, or neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis. An AFO holds the foot in a neutral position, preventing tripping and improving gait safety and efficiency. We fabricate custom AFOs from thermoplastic materials, carbon fiber for athletes requiring lightweight devices, or metal and leather for heavy-duty applications.

Knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) provide stability for patients with knee weakness or instability—common after polio, spinal cord injury, or severe stroke. These braces extend from the thigh to the foot, controlling knee motion while assisting with walking. Spinal orthoses including thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs) for mid-back support, lumbosacral orthoses (LSOs) for lower back pain or post-surgery, and cervical collars for neck support.

Hand and upper limb orthoses serve various purposes: resting hand splints prevent contractures in stroke or brain injury patients, dynamic splints assist with movement in weak hands, thumb spica splints support arthritic or injured thumbs, and wrist supports for carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. For Hyderabad's IT workforce, we frequently prescribe ergonomic wrist supports for repetitive strain injuries.

Custom vs Off-the-Shelf Devices: Off-the-shelf devices—pre-fabricated orthotics available in standard sizes—work for simple conditions and temporary use. They're more affordable and immediately available. However, custom-fabricated devices offer superior fit, comfort, and function. They're precisely molded to your unique anatomy, designed for your specific condition and goals, and adjustable as conditions change.

At DakshinRehab, we provide both options, recommending custom fabrication when optimal outcomes justify the additional cost and time. For amputees, prosthetics are virtually always custom—each residual limb is unique, requiring individualized socket design. Many patients initially try off-the-shelf AFOs or braces but eventually transition to custom devices for better comfort and function.

Pediatric Prosthetics and Orthotics: Children with congenital limb differences or those who've experienced amputation require special consideration. Growing bodies need frequent prosthetic replacements (every 12-18 months for young children). We design prosthetics and orthotics that accommodate growth, are durable for active play, and consider psychosocial factors—children may prefer colorful, decorated devices rather than realistic skin-tone prosthetics.

Our pediatric rehabilitation programs involve families comprehensively. We provide training for parents and caregivers on device maintenance, monitoring for fit issues, and encouraging age-appropriate independence. For Hyderabad families, we understand cultural contexts—extended family involvement, traditional activities, school environment considerations—and design devices and rehabilitation plans accordingly.

Advanced Prosthetic Technologies: Modern prosthetics have advanced dramatically. Microprocessor-controlled knees adjust resistance in real-time, providing natural gait and preventing stumbles. Myoelectric prosthetic hands use muscle signals to open/close and grasp objects with proportional force. Osseointegration—a surgical technique where prosthetics attach directly to bone—eliminates socket-related problems though it's still emerging in India.

While cutting-edge technologies exist internationally, availability and affordability in India remain challenges. At DakshinRehab, we stay current with prosthetic innovations, offering the most advanced devices feasible within our healthcare context. We also connect patients with organizations providing financial assistance for prosthetics—several NGOs and government schemes support amputees in India.

Maintenance and Long-term Care: Prosthetics and orthotics require regular maintenance. Daily cleaning of sockets and devices prevents skin problems and material degradation. Residual limb skin care is critical—amputees must inspect for sores, blisters, or irritation daily. Prosthetic components wear over time: prosthetic feet (1-2 years), knee mechanisms (3-5 years), and sockets (3-5 years or when limb size changes significantly).

We provide follow-up care including regular check-ups to assess fit and function, adjustments as needed for comfort or performance changes, component replacements when worn, and re-fabrication of sockets after weight changes or limb volume fluctuations. Many Hyderabad patients appreciate our long-term commitment—prosthetic care isn't one-and-done but an ongoing relationship ensuring optimal function throughout life.

Psychological and Social Support: Limb loss and the need for orthotic support affect more than just physical function—they impact body image, self-esteem, social participation, and emotional well-being. At DakshinRehab, we recognize these challenges and provide comprehensive support including peer support connections with other amputees, counseling referrals when needed, family education and involvement, and advocacy for workplace accommodations and accessibility.

We've seen remarkable resilience in our Hyderabad patients—from accident victims returning to work, diabetic amputees regaining mobility, stroke survivors using AFOs to walk independently again, to congenital limb-deficient children thriving in school. While the journey is challenging, with proper support and quality devices, meaningful recovery is achievable.

Cost and Insurance Coverage: Prosthetics and orthotics costs vary widely based on complexity. Basic below-knee prosthetics range ₹40,000-₹1,00,000, advanced microprocessor components ₹3,00,000-₹10,00,000+, custom AFOs ₹8,000-₹25,000, and basic KAFOs ₹20,000-₹50,000. These figures include device fabrication plus initial rehabilitation but not long-term follow-up and replacements.

Most health insurance policies in India cover prosthetics and orthotics, though coverage limits and approval processes vary. We assist with insurance documentation and pre-authorization. Several government schemes—Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), state disability welfare programs, and NGO partnerships—provide subsidized or free devices for economically disadvantaged patients. We help navigate these resources, ensuring financial constraints don't prevent access to necessary care.

Located in Moosapet near KPHB Metro, we're accessible from Kukatpally, Miyapur, Madhapur, and surrounding areas. Our facility is fully wheelchair-accessible with ample parking. Most importantly, we treat patients as individuals, not just cases—your goals, concerns, and circumstances guide our recommendations and care.