The prosthesis is an artificial device that helps in replacing the missing part of the limb or the limb itself. This device helps in restoring the functionality of the body. The term prosthesis is the synonym for artificial legs and arms in the medical terms.
Prosthetics replace the missing part of the body and maximize the functionality of the body. Prosthetics are not the original body part, but they help in replacing the functions of the body. After the healing phase of the trauma, prosthetics professionals cast or scan the residual limb part for crafting a mold of the limb of the patient. After it, they continue the process of modification.
Several factors as bones, tendons, muscles, and walking gait contribute to the manufacturing of prosthesis for customized needs.
Types of prosthesEs
C-leg prosthesis
Several types of prosthetics are customizable according to individual requirements. With these prostheses, patients can also walk back in reverse positions according to their needs. In the newer and more innovative versions, there are other supports from iOS and Android app controls to link with the joints.
C-leg prosthesis includes:
• Trans humeral
• Tran radial
• Transfemoral
• Transtibial prosthesis
The prosthesis type depends upon the missing part of the body.
There are two significant types of prosthetics which are available:
• Cable-operated prosthesis
• Myoelectric limbs
Cable-operated prosthesis work by attaching a cable and a harness around the opposite side of the damaged limb. While myoelectric limbs work by:
• Sending the signals to the electrodes with the movement of muscles in the limb
Transfemoral prosthesis
A transfemoral prosthesis is an artificial device or limb which helps in the replacement of the missing limb above the level of the knee. It is difficult to regain natural walking among transfemoral amputation patients.
Generally, patients with transfemoral amputees tend to put in more than 80 percent of the effort in comparison to normal persons with healthy legs. This effort is due to the several complexities with associated movements with the knee joint.
In the new and modern designs, the implementation of:
• Mechanical linkages
• Carbon fiber
• Hydraulics
• Innovative combinations
• Computer microprocessors
And other technologies help patients with more user control.
Most of the time, these prostheses help in covering the whole lower extremities. While there are some other lower extremity cases which require a prosthesis:
1. Knee disarticulations
It refers to the amputation of the limb from the area where the knee disarticulates the femur from the tibia bone.
2. Symes
This type of amputation refers to the disarticulation of the ankle while the heel pad remains reserved.
A transfemoral prosthesis is an artificial device or limb which helps in the replacement of the missing limb above the level of the knee. It is difficult to regain natural walking among transfemoral amputation patients.
Generally, patients with transfemoral amputees tend to put in more than 80 percent of the effort in comparison to normal persons with healthy legs. This effort is due to the several complexities with associated movements with the knee joint.
In the new and modern designs, the implementation of:
• Mechanical linkages
• Carbon fiber
• Hydraulics
• Innovative combinations
• Computer microprocessors
And other technologies help patients with more user control.
Most of the time, these prostheses help in covering the whole lower extremities. While there are some other lower extremity cases which require a prosthesis:
1. Knee disarticulations
It refers to the amputation of the limb from the area where the knee disarticulates the femur from the tibia bone.
2. Symes
This type of amputation refers to the disarticulation of the ankle while the heel pad remains reserved.
Genium X3 leg prosthesis
With the sensor technology, these prostheses make intuitive and natural possible movements. This type of prosthesis is resilient and robust for patients with a physically more demanding occupation. For sports activities like swimming, these prostheses are the best option.
Microprocessor controlled knee joint prosthesis
This type of prosthesis helps to support the more natural and detailed movement patterns. In such a prosthesis, everything tends to function in a real-time situation. This functionality is possible only with the latest technology, computer, and sensor control.
This type of prosthesis is the closest to the artificial above-knee limbic system, which helps in recreating a more physiological and natural pattern of the gait.
The working design of the prosthesis includes some parts as:
• A suspension which holds the limb in the base
• A socket which helps in fitting the base of the separated limbs
• A foot, hook, or the hand
• A shaft of the prosthesis
• A covering that resembles the natural part of the body for more cosmetic and aesthetic appearances