Knowing your body mass index - BMI - can be helpful when determining your health and fitness level. But calculating BMI for a person who has suffered from limb loss can be challenging. How do you determine your BMI while missing a limb?

Here is a simple guide to BMI and calculating this figure with a missing limb or limbs.

What Is BMI?

As you probably already know, BMI is a measurement of your weight divided by your height. Typically, this is measured in kilograms over meters.

Contrary to popular belief, your BMI number does not indicate your body fat. Rather it can help determine what weight category you fall into which correlates with your level of health. Categories include underweight, normal, healthy, overweight, and obese.

As dictated by the Center of Disease Control, a Body Mass Index below 18.5 is considered underweight. A BMI over 25.0 is overweight, and above 30.0 is obese. Ideally, healthy weight status occurs when your BMI is between 18.5 and 25.0.

How is My BMI Affected by Limb Loss?

Those with limb loss often find it difficult to determine your BMI. Amputations result in patients inherently losing some weight, on average around 1 to 5 kilograms depending on the limb.

As someone with limb loss, you can calculate your body weight by dividing your body weight by the percentage of the amputated limb subtracted from a total of 100. Therefore, your body weight would be given by this simple formula:

For example, if you were to lose 5% of your body weight as a result of amputation, your body weight as calculated by this formula would be your present weight divided by 95, then multiplied by 100. Don’t worry about including the weight of your prosthetic or orthotic device.

Finally, to calculate your BMI, you would take that number and divide it by your height.

Let BioTech Limb and Brace Help

Losing a limb can make calculating your BMI a bit confusing. If you are having difficulty figuring it all out, our expert team is here to help!

Your quality of life and health are very important to us. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace today. Let us help you recognize your possibilities!

At BioTech, we are committed to helping our patients receive excellent, personal, and affordable care. Although prosthetic and orthotic devices can significantly help improve functionality and comfort, we realize that they can be an expensive investment.

Take a minute to learn more about insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices from the BioTech Limb and Brace team.

Does My Insurance Cover That?

Depending on your health insurance provider, your pre-existing conditions, and a variety of other factors, coverage for these devices vary. Most insurance companies have policies that will cover some of your costs; however, devices that are used primarily for cosmetic appearance rather than for practical function are typically not covered.

Similarly, developed devices that require advanced technology may be more expensive and therefore may not be covered by your insurance company.

With any policy, there are often limitations on what is covered. Therefore, the best thing to do is to consult with both your personal prosthetist and your insurance company to determine what your insurance will cover and what you may have to pay for out-of-pocket.

How Do I Get My Coverage?

To get your device covered, you will have to file a claim with your insurance company. This often involves an extensive process that takes a good bit of time and paperwork.

At BioTech Limb and Brace, we will try our best to help you make that process as simple and stress-free as possible. We are here to help you get the treatment you need to recognize and achieve your possibilities.

BioTech participates with most major insurers. Learn more about cost and insurance  when you work with BioTech Limb and Brace - we will always work with you and provide you with a custom evaluation and rough estimate so that you are prepared when you talk with your insurance company.

Let BioTech Help You!

To prepare for your new prosthetic or orthotic device, speak with one of our experts. We are here to answer all your questions about healthcare insurance. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace for more information today.

Have a prosthesis? It’s essential to keep it clean. BioTech Limb and Brace is here with tips for cleaning your device and helping to protect the skin that comes into contact with your socket.

Cleaning the Socket

The inside of your socket should be cleaned at least once a month to prevent bacterial growth. The best and easiest way to manage this is with a canister of antibacterial wipes. If you run out of wipes or you find that your skin reacts negatively to any particular product, try a light hypoallergenic soap and a minimal amount of water.

Then, pat your prosthesis dry with a towel, then let it air dry until it is completely dry. Make sure to let your prosthetic leg dry completely before wearing it again or else you could trap in moisture.

You also don’t want the gel liner to harbor any type of bacteria. Therefore, remember to clean this area by turning it inside out and spraying it with isopropyl alcohol. As with the rest of your device and then allow it to air dry.

Use Baby Powder

To help maintain your device and keep it from retaining moisture, you can use a little baby powder (if you are not allergic to talc).

Sometimes maintenance may no longer be sufficient and it is time to get a new prosthetic device. Read one of our latest blogs to learn when you need a new custom prosthesis and then turn to BioTech Limb and Brace in Birmingham, Alabama to get the perfect fit!

Need Help? Consult An Expert

If you need to make any adjustments beyond basic cleaning, then make sure you turn to our team at BioTech. Let us help with adjusting and caring for your prosthesis.

The professionals at BioTech Limb and Brace are here to help make the process as easy as possible. Get the care and professionalism you deserve. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace today.

Getting custom orthoses or prostheses can seem like an overwhelming process. Don’t worry, BioTech is here to describe what your first appointment will be like to help ease your mind.

At BioTech, we are committed to a comfortable, expectation-surpassing experience every single time you visit. We truly view our patients as family and will do everything in our power to help you get the help you need for achieving your dreams!

What Should I Expect?

We take our work personally. We are here to make sure that every part of the process is tailored to your needs and desires. For this reason, the first appointment is dedicated to getting to know you as a patient and as a person.

We will ask you a series of questions. We need some insight to your personality and lifestyle. Depending on how active you are, we can provide the right orthoses and custom prostheses. We will analyze your needs and work our hardest to provide the most appropriate and effective solutions.

Is a Fitting First?

It depends on your residual limb. If you have recently experienced limb loss, the swelling of your residual limb will need to time to decrease and heal. A fitting involves measuring your limb and creating a cast as a mold for your new device. For the most accurate measurements, it is important to wait until the swelling has gone down.

At BioTech Limb and Brace, we offer expedited fittings. With advanced technology, we are able to get you in and out of the office in no time. These expedited fittings for patients coming from out of town are key! We want to make sure that we are efficient and timely.

During the fitting, we will use image capture interface model development and utilize diagnostic socket fitting and alignment to help you get the perfect fit. Then, we deliver your finished device, orthosis or prosthesis with care.

Make Your First Appointment Today!

Recognize your possibilities with BioTech Limb and Brace in Birmingham, Alabama today. We are here to help you achieve your dreams with a custom fitted prosthetic or orthotic device. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace today to learn more about how we can help you realize your possibilities with our dedicated team.

Custom prosthetics design can transform lives. We see it every single day as we work with our incredibly and inspiring patients. But we also see some patients run into situations with their prostheses that require a bit of care and planning.

To help you with your prosthetic devices, check out these tips below.

Be Wary of Water

Your prosthesis is not waterproof. Therefore, swimming or taking a shower should not be done while wearing your prosthesis. Custom prosthetic design usually involves metal components. Those parts can rust and therefore become damaged if exposed to water. If your prosthetic device does get wet, dry it off and take it to your prosthetist immediately for evaluation.

Do Not Walk Barefoot

Your lower prosthetic device is meant to be worn with a shoe. Therefore, walking barefoot increases stress on your prosthesis, which can cause mechanical problems and irritation around your residual limb. Additionally, doing so can void your warranty.

Alignment is Important

To operate at optimal performance, it is important that your prosthesis remain properly aligned. If your custom prosthetic device ever feels uncomfortable, talk to your prosthetist first. Never try to make adjustments on your own.

Listen to What You’re Hearing

If you are hearing sounds from your prosthesis, such as squeaking or crunching, you should check on your device immediately. Noises usually indicate mechanical problems that you should let your prosthetist analyze. For your safety and comfort, talk to a professional as soon as possible.

Have a Safety Chair

Many times those with limb loss can wake up in the middle of the night to get a drink or use the restroom without being fully awake and aware. They may try to take a step without first putting on their device and then fall on their residual limb which can cause injury. For this reason, placing a chair next to your bed can help bump you awake and act as a safety net if you do fall.

Learn about proper prosthetic care at BioTech Limb and Brace. Let our team help you improve your functionality and comfort with a custom prosthetics design.

We specialize in custom prosthetic and orthotic devices. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace to make an appointment or give us a call today to learn how we can help you recognize your possibilities.

Your prosthesis is a unique tool that provides you with comfort and functionality. However, like any tool, your custom prosthesis can simply lose its effectiveness with time, especially due to a changing fit. Therefore, replacing your prosthesis is vital.

Replace Sooner than Later

Most professionals recommend replacing your device every three to five years. Depending on your lifestyle, how much daily wear and tear your device experiences, and your personal preferences, your replacement may need to be made sooner.

Many invest in a new custom prosthesis sooner than later to avoid inconvenient maintenance visits and fees. Repairs add up over time. When parts are worn, your prosthesis does not function as it should. It can also be uncomfortable and require you to exert more energy.

To improve the efficiency of your device, your first socket should be replaced within the first three to six months. The socket will most likely have to be replaced two or three times within in the year. Frequent changes are best.

Recognizing Residual Limb Change

The longer you have your prostheses, the better you will get at recognizing residual limb changes. Your prosthetist will always have the best recommendations. Every three months, it is best to check in with your professional for preventative care.

For utmost comfort, wearing more than one sock can help. However, having to wear thicker ply socks is a sign of limb shrinkage. This can affect how well your socket fits your residual limb. Our BioTech comfort sockets help provide the most comfort and functionality.

Any red or sore area should be tended to immediately. That is usually a sign of the residual limb changing shape.

Let the Experts at BioTech Help Today!

Learn about proper prosthetic socket care at BioTech Limb and Brace. Let our team help you improve your functionality and comfort with a custom prosthesis today!

We specialize in custom prosthetic and orthotic devices. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace to make an appointment or give us a call today to learn how we can help you recognize your possibilities.

There are many reasons why your prosthesis may be giving you trouble. Usually it has to do with your residual limb. If you allow yourself to get frustrated, you may tighten your muscles, which only makes the problem worse. So, just try to relax and follow these simple tips:

#1: If your residual limb is swollen, it may be because you are not wearing your shrinker sock overnight. Try putting your shrinker on for about half an hour and then try again.It could also be a result of your sock ply. The thicker the ply, the more difficult it may be to get the prosthesis on in the morning. If you usually sleep with a five ply sock, try wearing a three or four ply to make it more comfortable.

#2: If your prosthetic socket has a silicone liner with a locking pin, ensure that the pin is straight before putting on your prosthesis. If it is angled, it will not engage the mechanism and therefore will not lock.It is also possible for the lock release button to get stuck if dirt or other materials enter the hole where the pin goes.

#3: If your prosthetic won’t come off, do not panic. First always contact your personal physician or therapist for assistance. If it is after hours or you are traveling with your prosthesis, and you need to remove your prosthesis socket yourself, you first need to remove your residual limb from the suction liner.Get a cup of water and soap. Warm the soapy water, and then slowly pour it all around inside between the liner and your skin. Then, remove your residual limb by twisting the liner off very gently. If the liner still does not come off, you will need to make an emergency appointment immediately because your residual limb should not stay wet in the liner for very long.

#4: If the release button is broken, because it has fallen out or simply won’t work, try using a screwdriver or pliers to push where the button should be in order to release the lock. Then, contact professional limb and brace services immediately to get the button replaced.Remember that all prosthetic supplies, including covers, skins, shrinkers, suspension sleeves, and gel liners require a prescription for a reason. Make sure that every piece of your prosthesis is custom fit to your needs to avoid pain and discomfort.

Let the Experts at BioTech Help Today

Read more about proper prosthetic socket care at BioTech Limb and Brace.

Let our team help you improve your functionality and comfort with a custom designed prosthetic device today!

We specialize in custom prosthetic and orthotic devices. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace to make an appointment or  give us a call today to learn how we can help you recognize your possibilities.

In 2006, Danielle Brooke was jetskiing with her middle school friends at Lake Martin during the summer. A tow rope used to pull a float was coiled up and left in the footwell on the jet ski.

Danielle was excited to be in the water and  stepped onto the jet ski and took off - without realizing that the rope was still in the well. The rope caught around her ankle, and due to the high speed, leading to her limb loss from the calf down.

During her stay at Children’s Hospital following the accident, Danielle met Eric at BioTech Limb and Brace. By August that same year, Danielle was walking on her new custom prosthetic leg.

Like many of our amazing and inspiring patiences, merely walking was only the start of her incredible journey and aspirations. She had her sights set on more.

Not long after receiving her prosthesis, Danielle was ready to jump into high school athletics - always having the heart, perseverance, and passion of a true athlete. To excel, she needed a running prosthesis.

Danielle Gets Her First BioTech Running Prosthesis

BioTech helped develop custom running prosthesis for Danielle that allowed her to join the school track team and run for two years.

To help Danielle get used to the new device, fellow amputees at the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama talked her through the process, helped her adjust to the new lifestyle, and showed her how to run on her new leg.

By sixteen years old, Danielle was barrel racing with horses and realized that she needed to modify her current running prosthesis in order to get a better fit.

With her new leg, Danielle was simply excelling, she even joined her high school cheerleading team. With BioTech’s help, Danielle got a knee brace that increased the comfort and function of her running prosthesis to make it a better fit for her new love for cheerleading.

Throughout Danielle’s entire journey, the BioTech team has loved helping Danielle to recognize and achieve her possibilities with proper fitting and functioning prosthetic devices.

Realize Your Possibilities with BioTech Limb & Brace

Danielle has been with BioTech for nine years and most recently become the mother of an adorable six-month-old baby. She has gone from chasing after gold medals to chasing after her a little one.

To all of those who have suffered limb loss, she offers a few words of inspiration:

Life does not end just because you lose a limb. I’ve done way more after my accident than before with help from BioTech technology.

We are proud of Danielle and her accomplishments and are ecstatic that we have been able to be part of her incredible journey.

At BioTech, we treat all of our patients like family. Let us help you recognize your possibilities and achieve your dreams with a custom fitted prosthetic or orthotic device.

Meet Quin, a good-humored, baseball-playing, thirteen year old from Alexander City with an incredible attitude and heart. After being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bones, Quin’s leg had to be amputated above the knee.

Brian Horton with BioTech, met Quin in Children’s Hospital while he was being treated with radiation therapy. After forming a personal relationship with him, Brian discovered Quin’s affinity for sports, particularly baseball. Quin’s mother shared videos of him helping local baseball teams with drills and Brian was inspired and was determined to help Quin continue to achieve his dreams and pursue his love for sports.

A Custom Running Prosthesis for Quin

Since Quin’s limb loss was above the knee, BioTech was met with the challenge of getting the prosthesis to fit and remain adjustable. Why? During and between radiation treatments the size and shape of Quin’s leg would fluctuate slightly, which required frequent readjustments to keep the prosthesis comfortable and allow Quin to continue functioning at an optimal level.

Brian knew that the right running prosthesis was essential to help Quin get back on the field, which was the ultimate goal. Brian worked with the BioTech team to develop custom-fit prosthetic device to provide Quin with utmost comfort and flexibility.

Using a shrinker for fitting (a compression sock), Brian measured the circumference of Quin’s leg and began to design the new running prosthesis as they waited for Quin’s sutures to heal.

The Ottobock running prosthesis was made in house at BioTech Limb and Brace, shaped like a J, made with carbon pylon, which was chosen due to its light weight.

Within hours of the first fitting, Quin was making his way up and down stairs and across the parking lot in his evaluation socket, getting used to the feel of a new running prosthesis. By August, a mere two months later, he was out and running around without any trouble.

Quin has become known at BioTech for his personality and perseverance. He’s even formed a relationship with another well-known BioTech patient, Noah Galloway, along the way. Noah invited Quin to watch him live in LA on Dancing with the Stars. There, he met celebrity basketball star, Kobe Bryant (and told him his favorite basketball player was LeBron James!). Bryant did not hesitate to tell Quin that he taught LeBron “everything he knows” - to which Quin replied, “Not everything.”

We are so very proud of how far Quin has come and are thrilled to have him as part of the BioTech family. He truly is an inspiration to all of us every single day.

The BioTech Advantage

At BioTech, we strive to make every person who walks in our door feel like family. Our goal is simple - to help people recognize and then achieve their possibilities!

Experience the difference of a proper fitting prosthesis today! Contact BioTech Limb and Brace.

If you have suffered from limb loss, then we think it is important to understand that you are not alone! Although everyone has different experiences and specific situations that led to amputation, there is an amazing community that will be there to help you along the way.

BioTech Limb and Brace has put together some helpful tips for those dealing with limb loss to help you adjust. Check them out below.

The Feeling You Get Immediately After Surgery WILL Pass

One of the most important things to remember is that every amputee goes through the common stages of dealing with their situation. Many report waking up after the operation with a variety of feelings. Rest assured that the feelings of uncertainty, fear, and being overwhelmed will pass.

Turn “What If” Into Optimistic Thinking

Thanks to modern technology, living life as someone dealing with the loss of a limb has an absolutely amazing outlook. It is important that you try to combat negative and “what if” thinking with optimistic, positive outlooks. There are hundreds - no thousands - of incredible stories of amputees that are accomplishing their dreams - the same exact dreams they had before becoming an amputee. You can do it and reminding yourself that on a regular basis is important when you have experienced limb loss.

Seek Out Other Amputees

One of the best ways to see for yourself all of the incredible possibilities ahead of you is to engage with other amputees. Get tuned into your new community - there are amazing individuals who have been exactly where you are and would love to welcome you as part of the family.

When you’re dealing with limb loss, you are never alone. The community is absolutely incredible! Check out the Amputee Coalition website. Follow BioTech on Facebook and other social media platforms. Plug into community and regional events.

Additional Helpful Information

For additional information on adjusting to your new life, check out the links below:

• Post-Op Amputation Self-Care Tips by BioTech Limb and Brace
• Information for Lower Limb Amputees and Their Families by Ottobock
• Traveling with a Prosthesis by BioTech Limb and Brace
• Tips for Taking Care of Your Limb by Amputee Coalition