Living with a Below-Knee Amputation: A Unique Insight from a Prosthetist/Amputee

Living with a Below-Knee Amputation: A Unique Insight from a Prosthetist/Amputee provides an insightful look at the entire spectrum of the below knee experience from amputation to rehabilitation. As a prosthetist for 22 years, author Richard Riley uses real life examples to answer many of the questions facing amputees.

The information is structured in a manner that permits quick, easy access to an array of topics. Living with a Below-Knee Amputation not only discusses the psychosocial and physical issues; it also clearly explains the role of the medical professional and the complexities of constructing a prosthetic device during each phase of rehabilitation. Images are also included to display all of the available options and components of an artificial leg.

Some topics inside Living with a Below-Knee Amputation include amputation surgery, pain, postoperative care, therapy, purpose and design, fittings, maintenance and hygiene, integration of the prosthesis, child amputees, and recreation and sports.

The unique perspective used by the author helps physical therapists, occupational therapists, physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation professionals better identify and relate to their patients. By understanding the amputee’s emotions and expectations, the professional can cohesively work together with their patients to identify ways for reintegration into their lifestyle.

Richard Lee Riley, CP, BS

Richard Lee Riley, CP, BS has been an amputee for 30 years and a prosthetist for over 22 years. His experiences in life from the perspective of the prosthetist/amputee provide a unique insight into life as an amputee. As he turns 50, he can look back over a life filled with rich and rewarding experiences. He has a degree in education from Miami University of Ohio and has taught elementary school in Mexico and Egypt. He bicycled the Alps and went on safari in Kenya. He built a house and decided to change careers. Eight years after the motorcycle accident that resulted in his amputation, he became a prosthetist and got married.

He attended Northwestern University's Prosthetic Program and founded an Atlanta-based handicapped sports association. He became an avid sportsman and began skiing, both downhill and cross-country. In 1983, he became a member of the U.S. Disabled Nordic team for the next 6 years. Rick took a job with a prosthetics firm in New Hampshire and he and his wife moved north. He competed in two Olympics and one World Championship, as well as the U.S. National Biathlon Championships.

Richard and his wife divorced and he headed west to Nevada. He started a business from scratch in Reno and eventually moved outside of town into nearby Washoe Valley. His business grew and he remarried and began a family. Rick's business flourished as he hired mostly amputees to work for him. In 2000, he sold his business and moved with his wife and two sons to Spain for a year.

He now lives with his family in their home in Washoe Valley where he writes and provides consulting services. He is a member of Rotary International and continues to remain active in the prosthetics industry.