Patients on St. Croix now have access to a monthly support group for amputees through Hangar Clinic: Prosthetics & Orthotics, a nationwide leader in prosthetic technology with more than 800 locations across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. The local clinic, located at ProHealth Urgent Care, held its first gathering Saturday, where the morning was filled with demonstrations, open conversations, and encouragement for patients.
During the event, clinic manager Peter King and ABC Certified Prosthetist Orthotist Sarah Thomas showcased new technologies designed to improve mobility and independence. One of Hangar’s greatest advantages is its extensive network, which ensures continuity of care for patients.
“If you’re on vacation in Florida or Arizona and something happens with your prosthesis, you can simply walk into a Hangar Clinic, and they’ll have all your information on file,” King explained. “They’ll take care of you, and you can go back to enjoying your time away.”
That kind of seamless care has been especially meaningful for Virgin Islanders who travel often or divide their time between the mainland and the territory. But Hangar’s growing presence on St. Croix also means fewer patients have to leave the island for adjustments and treatment.
One of the most exciting advancements has been the introduction of 3D printing technology. Using a digital scan, clinicians can now create test sockets for prostheses directly on St. Croix.
“Earlier this week, I scanned a patient’s limb, and by the next day we had a test socket ready,” Thomas shared. “That patient will soon be walking with her new prosthesis — something that would have taken much longer if everything had to be shipped off-island.”
The clinic also provides home visits for patients unable to travel and collaborates with local health care facilities, including Frederiksted Health Care, to ensure smooth coordination between doctors and prosthetic providers. Because prescriptions are required for prosthetic devices, this teamwork is an essential part of the process.
For patients, however, the impact goes far beyond logistics. The work is about restoring dignity, independence, and quality of life. One patient, Joseph, recalled being told years ago that he was “too old” to qualify for an advanced prosthetic hand. Today, he proudly uses a myoelectric hand that responds to his own muscle signals, allowing him to open, close, and grip objects naturally. “I’m so happy with it,” he said as he demonstrated how the device could hold a bottle securely.
Clinicians also emphasize that prosthetics are about long-term health as much as functionality. Without them, patients often develop shoulder injuries, carpal tunnel, or other complications from overcompensation. “Having two hands where two hands should be keeps the whole body in balance,” said Thomas.
Hangar’s presence on St. Croix represents more than just convenience — it’s about equity in health care. Amputees on St. Croix now have access to the same technology and support available in the U.S. They also have a place to share experiences, learn from one another, and know they are not alone on their journey.
For more information on the next support group session, you can call the Hanger Clinic at 855-210-0349.
