Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services
Amputation System of Care (ASoC)
Veterans/Public Resources
Comprehensive Amputation Specialty Care Program
The VA Amputation System of Care (ASoC) is a comprehensive program designed to provide the best possible care for Veterans with amputations. The program focuses on the entire continuum of care, from prevention and pre-amputation care to post-amputation rehabilitation and ongoing management. Here are some key components of the VA ASoC:
Regional Amputation Centers (RACs) and Polytrauma Amputation Network Sites (PANS)
These specialized centers serve as hubs for the ASoC and offer expertise in complex amputation care. The amputation specialty care team brings together a team of specialists who coordinate care to create a personalized care plan supporting your health, independence, and quality of life.
Amputation Rehabilitation Coordinators (ARCs)
ARCs are healthcare professionals who are part of the RAC and PANS teams dedicated to coordinating the care of Veterans with amputations. They ensure that Veterans receive timely and effective rehabilitation services, facilitate communication among the care team, and provide support and education to Veterans and their families.
Integrated Care Teams
VA amputation specialty care relies on interdisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals, including physiatrists, rehabilitation therapists, prosthetists, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists. These teams work together to create personalized care plans for each Veteran based on their unique needs and goals.
Truly thankful for the Minneapolis VA Amputation Clinic- VA Health Care System story.
Prosthetics and Assistive Technology Services
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a variety of prosthetics and assistive technology services to Veterans with disabilities such as amputation. These services are designed to enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life. The ASoC provides access to state-of-the-art prosthetic devices and assistive technologies. Learn more.
Virtual/Telehealth Services
VA offers convenient phone and video appointments for some care to help meet Veterans where they are and prevent unnecessary trips to the medical center. Learn more at https://telehealth.va.gov/
Research and Innovation
VA is committed to advancing the field of amputation specialty care through research and innovation. This includes studying new surgical techniques, prosthetic technologies, and rehabilitation methods to improve outcomes for Veterans with amputations. Learn more.
Osseoanchored Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees (OPRA™)
Osseoanchored Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees (OPRA™) Implant System for use in patients with above knee (transfemoral) amputations. This procedure is not for all people living with limb loss at the transfemoral level, it may be appropriate for those who have experienced amputation due to trauma or cancer and for those who have or are anticipated to have rehabilitation problems with or cannot use a conventional (socket-based suspension) prosthesis. The OPRA™ Implant System includes a two-stage surgical approach over the course of six months and a time commitment to rehabilitation of greater than six months for a total time of over one year from surgery through recovery. The screening process starts with your local Amputation Care Team and is then referred to the Regional Amputation Center (RAC) or Polytrauma Amputation Network Site (PANS) for the secondary screening phase before referral to the surgical team. Learn more about the Portland VAMC, OR Osseointegration Program.
VA New Horizons in Health: Osseointegrated Prosthetics video: https://youtu.be/hD6E2uFaitA
If you would like to know more about this procedure, see the OPRA™ PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET (PDF). To learn more about the screening process, contact Clay Kelly, MD., National Medical Director for the VA Amputation System of Care clay.kelly@va.gov or Patty Young, MSPT, CP; National Program Manager for the VA Amputation System of Care patricia.young8@va.gov or by phone (804) 676-8929.
Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis (POP) Clinical Trial for Above Knee Amputees
The VA has recently begun a large, FDA approved, randomized, multi-center clinical trial for the Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis (POP) for above the knee amputees. This nationwide study is sponsored by the Cooperative Studies Program within the VA Office of Research and Development. The study has activated its first site in Salt Lake City, with plans to expand to five more VA hospitals (sites) over the next three years. Enrollment is open to Veterans from anywhere in the United States, and travel to a study site and lodging for enrolled participants are covered by the clinical trial.
The Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis (POP) is a prosthetic device that passes through the skin and attaches directly to the femur bone, similar to technology that anchors a tooth implant to the jawbone. It hopes to eliminate many of the complications associated with prosthetic socket technology. The POP stem is implanted in a two-stage surgical procedure. In the first stage, the stem is implanted into the bone, similar to a hip replacement. Six weeks later a post is attached through the skin and rehabilitation is started with their prosthetic leg the next day. Follow-up study visits will occur at 2, 6, 12 and 24 months after the second surgery. Patients are permitted to walk with an assistive device as early as two weeks after the second surgery and may be cleared to walk independently at the two-month follow-up visit. Participants randomized to the control group will work with a socket optimization team to assess and recommend adjustments to the fit and function of the socket system. After 12 months, participants in the control group will be allowed to switch to the POP implant group.
The results from this large clinical trial will be submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If you would like to know more about this procedure, see the [CSP2017 Poster]. To learn more about the screening process, contact 1-833-412-9359 or https://www.vacsp.research.va.gov/CSP-OI-Study/
Peer Support Programs
Veterans with amputations can benefit from peer support by connecting with other Veterans who have gone through similar experiences. These programs provide emotional support, mentorship, and practical advice. To learn more about support for those living with amputation, contact your VA amputation specialty care team or contact Amputee Coalition at www.amputee-coalition.org.
Athletic and Special Event Opportunities
The Amputation System of Care (ASoC) partners with the National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events can (NVSP&SE) to provide Veterans living with amputation opportunities to connect, build strength, and celebrate achievement. From the Creative Arts Festival to the National Veterans Disabled Golf Clinic, the NVSP&SE program provides endless opportunities for athletes to participate in these wonderful events.
Finding community while navigating his personal combat zone - VA News story.
Education and Training
The VA provides extensive education and training opportunities for healthcare providers in the field of amputation care. This ensures that VA staff are up-to-date on the latest best practices and technologies.
VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines
- https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/Rehab/ULA/index.asp
- https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/Rehab/amp/index.asp
- Department Of Veterans Affairs Amputation System Of Care: 10 Years Of Accomplishments and Outcomes*- (Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development (JRRD) Article)
Patient Education
- VA/DoW Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Upper Limb Amputation Rehab Patient Summary (PDF)
- Within Reach - The Rehabilitation Journey After Upper Limb Amputation (PDF)
- VA/DoW Clinical Practice Guideline for Lower Limb Amputation Rehab Patient Summary (PDF)
- Living Well with Limb Loss (PDF)
*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site. For other than authorized VA activities, the VA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these links.
ASoC
• Amputation System of Care (ASoC) – home
• ASoC Specialty Care Centers
• ASoC Public Resources
• ASoC About Us
• VA Osseointegration Study
Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Services
• VA Adaptive Sports and Arts
• VA Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service(PSAS)
