Amputee & Paraplegic Slings: Help with bi-lateral above knee amputee needed

I have a patient who is a bi-lateral, above knee amputee who falls out of his
wheelchair and bed occasionally. What are the options for this gentleman to lift himself from the floor to the wheelchair or bed?

Tony Rogers
Manchester Primary Care Trust (UK)

Dear Tony:

In the Lift Doctor’s estimation the ideal solution for your patient is an overhead or ceiling-mounted system in combination with a hygiene sling with safety belt. This combination would provide adequate safety (i.e., the straps prevent the patient slipping out of the sling) while enabling your patient to place the sling into position by himself if the need arises.

• The overhead track system can be either single-rail or traverse (X-Y positioning).


• The lift motor should be capable of being self-propelled (enabling the patient to call the motor to his location in the even he falls onto the floor).


• There should be two hand controls: 1) a hard-wired or tethered control, 2) an infrared control carried by the patient and thus continuously available.


• The sling should be chosen for maximum safety (refer to Liko Model 45, or Model 46 if back support is required).