Q : 

 How soon after an amputation can one begin to use a prosthesis?

A : 

 		The stump must be ready first in the following ways 
1.  There must be no ulcers and the surgical incision well healed. 
2.  The stump must be completely shrunk. If it is not, it will continues to
      shrink after donning the prosthesis. The prosthesis will become
      loose fitting and friction will cause stump ulcers.
3. The stump must be strong enough to control a prosthesis.Therefore the
     patient must be diligent to exercise the muscles which control 
        the stump often.
4. The stump must be completely flexible. To achieve this, the patient be
    diligent to flex and extend it when even he/she thinks of it, many
    times a day.    
5. The body must be strong enough to have good balance, especially 
     elderly persons.