in lieu of talking about jackās disability/prosthesis; iāve put together a list of facts specific to him/amputees in general. in ended up being kind of long, so feel free to skip if you want to. but hereās some info i thought could help all of us fic writers out there !!
- jack is missing his leg BELOW the knee. around the mid-calf area. his prosthesis is called a transtibial. his specific make/model is unknown. though it looks most like a conventional prosthesis. edit: iāve been informed his prosthesis is an Enchelon Endolite, not sure what specific model, though itās a few years old.)
- people with leg prosthetics will often shift their weight on their feetāsometimes almost constantlyāto keep their balance. it can also SOMETIMES be called a Trendelenburg gait, and will only worsen over time. but a Trendelenburg gait can also be completely unrelated and different/occurs more at and in the hip area. (thank you to the person who sent in the information about that, it was very helpful !! you can find that here.)
- jack is missing his lower limb which means: he removes it/changes it before bed, showering, swimming, running etc.
- jack/amputees often have a rail or bench specifically made for showering for better accessibility and to keep themselves steady in the shower if they are standing/not wearing a waterproof prosthesis.
- he can sleep with it on, but itās usually not comfortable & most amputeeās let their limbs air out overnight to reduce swelling, sores/irritation, chafing, etc. itās feasible that heād take his limb off right after a shift, and if he doesnāt; be in more pain/uncomfortable with the leg on.
- fluid fluctuates in the limb during the day cause the residual limb to swell/decrease in size, they require the addition or removal of sock āpliesā to make sure the limb keeps a snug fit.
- his limb will require daily inspection and massage to check for blisters/keep proper blood flow to the limb.
- also requires daily cleaning of the limb and prosthetic liner to prevent skin breakdown and infection.
- amputation often causes anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges; itās reasonable to perceive that jack suffers/has suffered from one or more of these. he goes to therapy canonically.
- phantom pain is a thing !! nerve endings can still fire and cause pain/sensation of a lower limb even after itās missing. it never goes away. jack has been portrayed with this at the end of pittfest in season 1 !! he absolutely suffers from it, and itās important to represent !!
facts about prosthetic legs/prosthesis:
- first off; prosthetic vs prosthesis; a prosthetic is the field of study, design, and fitting of the device. a prosthesis is the artificial limb itself.
- the socket is the most critical part; itās custom molded to fit each person, it connects the prosthesis to to the body.
- the suspension is how the prosthesis is held on; can be put in place by suction, vacuum, or locking pins.
- the pylon in the internal frame or pipe that provides the structural strength.
- modern prosthetic legs feature advanced materialsādepending on the amputation levelāthatās specialized in knee and ankles.
- temporary prosthetics are given right after amputation, permanent prosthetics are fitted 2-6 months after amputation, when the swelling has gone down.
- all prosthesis are fitted and customized based on each personās lifestyle and activity level, and physical capabilities; including foot/shoe size.
- a prosthesis and parts usually need replacements over time from wear and tear, even though they are durable. (most last around five years.)
- poor fit can cause blisters, pain, swelling, and skin sores.
- prosthetic weight varies; thermoplastic models often being the lightest.
- amputation often causes anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.
- most prosthetics are made of titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber.
- most regular/everyday prosthetics are not designed to get wet/be submerged and will rust.
- all amputees have to wear a sock or stump shrinker, it prevents swelling in the limb and when the prosthesis is not attached. itās basically a carbon fiber cup. if the sock does not fit correctly, it can cause restricted blood flow; forcing blood into the distal end and cause more swelling.
- swelling in the residual limb called edema (occurs especially when irritated) can cause the sock and prosthesis to not fit/fit uncomfortably.
- there are special types of prosthesis; including waterproof, adjustable, and microprocessor controlled.
-
different types of below knee prosthesis;
- conventional:
conventional prosthesis are the most traditional prosthetic legs, and are the most common form of below-knee prosthesis. they consist of a plain socket, pylon (the supporting rod), and foot. They are strong and cost-effective, making them a popular option for most users.
a conventional prosthesis is usually constructed from lightweight materials; such as plastic and metal. they are plain with few moving parts, have basic mobility, are ideal for everyday use, and usually cost-effective compared to advanced alternatives.
- endoskeletal prosthetic legs:
endoskeletal prosthetic legs have an internal support-build, usually with a cosmetic outer covering. they are usually made to appear more natural and provide better mobility and comfort.
endoskeletal prosthesis are usually lightweight and flexible, they can be made to look more natural, are usually easier to fit and alter, and are better for individuals who want a more realistic appearance.
- exoskeletal prosthetic legs:
exoskeletal prosthetic legs are usually made of a strong, long-lasting, rigid outer casing, but are not as commonly used today. the prosthesis lacks the internal frame that an endoskeletal prosthetics have. the main structure is instead the rigid outer casing.
exoskeletal prosthesis are usually very hard and long-lasting. they are more damage and wear-resistant. better for those with heavy-duty requirements. are usually less customizable in looks.
- dynamic response prosthetic legs:
also called specialized energy-storing feet, these are created to help more energetic/athletic people move easily. they store energy/movement better when each foot is on the ground release it when each foot is off the ground; making walking and running easier.
a dynamic response prosthesis usually allows for more natural movement, improves walking, can reduce stress on the other leg, and is better for very energetic people; like athletes.
- microprocessor-controlled prosthetic legs:
these legs use more diverse forms of advanced technology to improve mobility and stability within the prosthesis. they usually have sensors that detect movement and can adjust in real-time; they enhance the quality of balance and walking.
microprocessor-controlled prosthesis usually have advanced sensors that respond to changes in movement. they can make you steadier if the ground isnāt flat, put less stress on the joints, are best for active individuals who need movement control, and are rather pricey but still usually efficient.
- waterproof prosthetic legs:
are usually made from materials that are not susceptible to corrosion or wear down. they are intended for people who use their prostheses in aquatic/water filled areas; like pools, or showers.
waterproof prosthesis are made using waterproof materials, can be used in wet conditions, are strong and more resistant to rust, and are best suited for swimmers and water sports athletes.
- adjustable prosthetic legs:
adjustable prosthesis allow a person to change how the socket fits around their limb as needed. they are better for children or those with changing weight/strength.
adjustable prosthesis have an adjustable fit, are a good option for children and people with fluid retention, can provide more support and comfort, and help to prevent discomfort from poor fitting.
- blade prosthetic leg:
a blade prosthesis is a high-performance prosthesis made from carbon fiber, usually designed for running, jumping, and high-intensity sports. similar to a dynamic response prosthesis, but not the same.
blade prosthesis are typically shaped like a ācheetahās hind legā to maximize energy return, are lightweight, usually J-shaped, they store energy upon impact and expel to propel the person forward. they act as a type of spring rather than a walking foot.Ā the sole of a running shoe/sneaker can sometimes be glued to the bottom of the blade, as they can be slippery.
- below are pictures of different types of prosthesis:
- conventional prosthesis:
- endoskeletal prosthesis:
- exoskeletal prosthesis:
- dynamic response prosthesis:
- microprocessor-controlled prosthesis:
- waterproof prosthesis:
- adjustable prosthesis:
- blade prosthesis:
- jackās prosthesis:
if thereās any other questions you have, please let me know and iāll see if i can figure it out !! i hope this helps some of you and i canāt wait to (hopefully) see more representation of jackās prosthesis/disability !! i know im going to try my best to include some of this stuff !!
love you all so much !! <3 i hope to have more fic updates for you soon !! :)
Oh my god thereās nothing better than reading through my character notes n shit and realizing I fuckin COOKED with some of the characterās past experiences.
Like thereās a part of Wesās backstory that is absolutely a metaphor for how much working EMS affects your mental health, and how often itās stigmatized so you just try to push it down and hide it.
I didnāt even realize that I had written it to be an awesome mirror until literally JUST NOW.
Also hereās a quick lil sketch of Wes for your viewing pleasure :)
āPope Cody who has no idea heās good at sexā sure yeah. But Pope Cody who has no idea what his kinks are until you do something and he almost busts right there?
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