S.N.A.P.P's

Stands for;  Short Non-Articulated Prosthetic Pylon's

These limbs come in pairs. They are specifically designed for bilateral transfemoral (double above knee) knee amputees.
I have looked after many individuals during my career that have arrived at bilateral transferral amputation for a variety of reasons from disease to trauma. This is a very challenging combination of amputations & when coupled with illness and/or advanced age, the challenges are so great that realistic limb wearing is impossible. For those that do not have the ability to wear full length limbs the choice is limited to either cosmetic only limbs or SNAPP's. Some individuals feel strongly about restoration of body image but carry on daily activities from their wheelchair. Some users with limited ability but who are able to move from sit to stand, having good upper body strength and of course someone at home who is able to help when needed, - might require some respite from the results of being bed bound followed by continued sitting - i.e. bedsores or similar sores aggravated by extended periods of sitting. For this group a pair of SNAPP's might be useful, allowing short periods of standing in a controlled environment which will improve GDH & help the sores to heal. It is not expected that this second group of users will walk any distance further than a few steps around the chosen room in the home. A third group are those younger individuals that came to amputation through trauma. Having age and more often, strength on their side, it is easier for members of this group to move from sit to stand easier. They will often be full time, full length limb users, mostly with the help of microprocessor knees. Each is of course individual in their needs & abilities but all will at some time wish to remove the full length limbs & wear the shorter SNAPP's (previously called stubbies) as 'slippers' at home after a challenging day, finding it easier to move around lower to the ground on a lighter pair of limbs. Over the years the design of these limbs has changed somewhat, from a basic pair of circular ended sockets to the newly available dynamic feet. My pictures here show the progression in design of this very basic, not very cosmetic set of devices, designed with the users abilities in mind, my subjects shown here range from young military personnel who are otherwise extremely fit, to the more  elderly suffering ill health.

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