Prostheses and Prosthetics: Artificial Limb Information

Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 2025/01/05
Category Topic: Prostheses / Prosthetics (Publications Database)

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Subtopics

Synopsis: Examines various types of artificial limbs called prostheses including recent research and developments in prosthetics.

A Prosthetic is defined as an artificial substitute or replacement of a part of the body such as a tooth, an eye, a facial bone, the palate, a hip, a knee or another joint, the leg, an arm, etc. A prosthesis is designed for functional or cosmetic reasons or both. A prosthesis is an artificial extension that replaces a missing body part.

An artificial limb is a type of prosthesis that replaces a missing extremity, such as an arm or leg. The type of artificial limb used is determined largely by the extent of an amputation or loss and the location of the missing extremity. Artificial limbs may be needed for a variety of reasons, including disease, accidents, and congenital defects.

Introduction

Difference Between Prosthetics and Prosthesis

Main Document

A Prosthetic is defined as an artificial substitute or replacement of a part of the body such as a tooth, an eye, a facial bone, the palate, a hip, a knee or another joint, the leg, an arm, etc. A prosthesis is designed for functional or cosmetic reasons, or both. A prosthesis is an artificial extension that replaces a missing body part. It is part of the field of biomechatronics, the science of fusing mechanical devices with human muscle, skeleton, and nervous systems to assist or enhance motor control lost by trauma, disease, or defect. Typical prostheses for joints are the hip, knee, elbow, ankle, and finger joints. Prosthetic implants can be parts of the joint, such as a unilateral knee. Joint replacement and arthroplasty mean the same thing.

Rudimentary prostheses have been used since antiquity, to replace missing limbs, teeth, etc.; their use and sophistication has increased over time. In addition to the standard artificial limb for every-day use, many amputees or congenital patients have special limbs and devices to aid in the participation of sports and recreational activities.

An artificial limb is a type of prosthesis that replaces a missing extremity, such as arms or legs. The type of artificial limb used is determined largely by the extent of an amputation or loss and location of the missing extremity. Artificial limbs may be needed for a variety of reasons, including disease, accidents, and congenital defects. Inside the body, artificial heart valves are in common use, with artificial hearts and lungs seeing less common use but under active technology development. Other medical devices and aids that can be considered prosthetics include artificial eyes, palatal obturator, gastric bands, and dentures.

Recently, there have been significant advancements in artificial limbs. New plastics and other materials, such as carbon fiber, have allowed artificial limbs to be stronger and lighter, limiting the amount of extra energy necessary to operate the limb. With advances in modern technology, cosmesis, the creation of life-like limbs made from silicone or PVC, has been made possible. Such prosthetics, such as artificial hands, can now be made to mimic the appearance of real hands, complete with freckles, veins, hair, fingerprints, and even tattoos. Cosmesis are attached to the body in any number of ways, using an adhesive, suction, form-fitting, stretchable skin, or a skin sleeve.

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Ottobock C-leg prosthesis
Ottobock C-leg prosthesis.
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There are Four Main Types of Artificial Limbs

These include the transtibial, transfemoral, transradial, and transhumeral prostheses. The type of prosthesis depends on what part of the limb is missing.

A transradial prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces an arm missing below the elbow. Two main types of prosthetics are available. Cable operated limbs work by attaching a harness and cable around the opposite shoulder of the damaged arm. The other form of prosthetics available are myoelectric arms. These work by sensing, via electrodes, when the muscles in the upper arm moves, causing an artificial hand to open or close.

Transhumeral Prosthesis

A transhumeral prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces an arm missing above the elbow. Transhumeral amputees experience some of the same problems as transfemoral amputees, due to the similar complexities associated with the movement of the elbow. This makes mimicking the correct motion with an artificial limb very difficult.

Transtibial Prosthesis

A transtibial prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces a leg missing below the knee. Transtibial amputees can usually regain normal movement more readily than someone with a transfemoral amputation, due in large part to retaining the knee, which allows for easier movement.

Transfemoral Prosthesis

A transfemoral prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces a leg missing above the knee. Transfemoral amputees can have a very difficult time regaining normal movement. In general, a transfemoral amputee must use approximately 80% more energy to walk than a person with two whole legs. This is due to the complexities in movement associated with the knee. In newer and more improved designs, after employing hydraulics, carbon fiber, mechanical linkages, motors, computer microprocessors, and innovative combinations of these technologies to give more control to the user.

Other less prevalent lower extremity cases include:

There are several areas of technology that have advanced significantly recently and are showing considerable potential. Robotic limbs and direct bone attachment are two new technologies that have made tremendous gains recently.

Quick Facts Regarding Prosthetics

Prosthetics have been mentioned throughout history. The earliest recorded mention is the warrior queen Vishpala in the Rigveda. The Egyptians were early pioneers of the idea, as shown by the wooden toe found on a body from the New Kingdom. Bronze Roman crowns have also been found, but their use could have been more aesthetic than medical. With advances in medical science, a few experimental prostheses have been integrated with body tissues, including the nervous system. These highly advanced devices can respond to commands from the central nervous system, more closely approximating normal movement and utility than older prostheses.

100-Year History of Ottobock Prosthetic Legs - Ottobock - (2014-09-09)

U.S. Limb Loss Statistics

Latest Publications

- A new surgical procedure enhances neural feedback from the residual limb, enabling patients to walk more naturally and navigate obstacles more effectively.

- Device allows amputees to sense and respond to temperature by delivering thermal information from the prosthesis fingertip to the amputee's residual limb.

- In this article we show that rewiring nerves to different muscle targets in a distributed and concurrent manner is possible and conducive to improved prosthetic control.

Complete List of Publications

Subtopics

Citing Information and Page References

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