What is the condition of the skin on the limb? How much range of motion does the residual limb have? Is the other leg healthy?
What was your activity level before the amputation? What are your mobility goals? It helps to understand how different parts of a prosthesis work together: The prosthetic leg itself is made of lightweight yet durable materials. Depending on the location of the amputation, the leg may or may not feature functional knee and ankle joints. The socket is a precise mold of your residual limb that fits snugly over the limb.
It helps attach the prosthetic leg to your body. Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Amputee Rehabilitation Program Having the support of a dedicated team of experts is essential when recovering from the amputation of a limb.
Learn more about our amputee rehabilitation program. Common obstacles include: Excessive sweating hyperhidrosis , which can affect the fit of the prosthesis and lead to skin issues. Changing residual limb shape. This usually occurs in the first year after an amputation as the tissue settles into its more permanent shape, and may affect the fit of the socket. Weakness in the residual limb, which may make it difficult to use the prosthesis for long periods of time.
Phantom limb pain could be intense enough to impact your ability to use the prosthesis. A Note on Phantom Limb Pain Phantom limb pain, or pain that seems to come from the amputated limb, is a very real problem that you may face after an amputation. Prosthetic Leg Technology Is Always Evolving There are always new developments in prosthetic limb technology, such as microprocessor-driven and activity-specific components.
Microprocessor joints feature computer chips and sensors to provide a more natural gait. They may even have different modes for walking on flat surfaces or up and down the stairs. There are also specialized prosthetic legs for different activities , such as running, showering or swimming, which you can switch to as needed.
For lower-extremity amputees, prosthetics can allow the option of mobility beyond crutches or a wheelchair. A prosthetic leg is fitted based on the shape of the person's residual limb. A mold of the residual limb is made in order to create a socket that serves as the point of attachment. Socket fit is very important because a good fit is necessary for functionality. Otherwise, friction, swelling, skin damage, and discomfort may prevent the limb from being used properly.
Below-the-knee amputees have a socket that extends to a pylon and a foot. Prosthetic feet can be hydraulic, or have microprocessors, depending on the type of terrain that the person desires to walk on and the activities they want to participate in. There are also activity-based feet, such as the blades that some athletes use for running. Above-the-knee amputees can choose from a variety of options in terms of knee selection.
Prosthetic knees can have single axis or multiple axis systems, weight-activated or muscle controlled stability, and finally, there are microprocessor knees that allow for a more controlled, natural gait that requires less effort. For these reasons, prosthetic selection or even the choice to use prosthetics or not is a carefully-considered decision that also entails gait training, numerous socket fittings, and often physical and occupational therapy.
Walking with a prosthesis is a new adventure each time. Besides the labor-intensive adaptation process on the part of the amputee, orthotists and prosthetists must also create a wide variety of prosthetic limbs that work for the varying needs of their clients.
Prosthetics should be lightweight, durable, and easily attached to the body. The raw materials used in creating prosthetics usually involve a variety of plastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylics, and polyurethane. Lightweight metals such as aluminum and titanium are also used. Additionally, some prosthetics are made from carbon fiber. Electronic prosthetics typically require batteries that must be charged. Some also have Bluetooth capabilities and can be synced with mobile phone apps.
Many leg amputees wear silicone liners between their residual limb and their sockets. Sockets must be tested over time for comfort and fit, and therefore are usually made from thermoplastics that can be reheated and reshaped during the adjustment phase. When the test socket is finally up to the desired standard, plastic is usually used to create the final socket. The pylon for an artificial leg is typically made from lightweight metals or carbon fiber, which is lighter than metals.
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Have you ever thought about what life would be like without an arm or a leg? It would make many of your daily routines more difficult and, in some cases, impossible. However, thanks to the amazing world of prosthetics, we can use artificial body parts to regain many of the functions of a missing limb. Types of prosthetics Four main types of artificial limbs exist, and their usage depends on what part of a limb is missing.
Transradial replaces an arm missing below the elbow. Options include cable operated arms or myoelectric arms that use muscular signals to sense when the artificial hand needs to open or close. Transhumeral replaces an arm missing above the elbow. This type has similar options to other artificial arms but can make it a bit more challenging to mimic the movements of the arm. Transtibial replaces a leg missing below the knee. Amputees with this type of prosthesis are able to regain normal movement more easily, due in part to retaining the knee.
Transfemoral replaces a leg missing above the knee. Transfemoral amputees may have a more difficult time regaining normal function due to the complexities of knee movement. However, new and innovative designs aim to give the user more control. History of prosthetics The use of prosthetics actually dates back to antiquity. Custom prosthetics Creating a custom artificial limb is a fascinating process, and many measurements must be taken sometimes even prior to an amputation.
Pediatric orthotics and prosthetic services One division of prosthetics is pediatric. Certified prosthetists If you need a prosthesis, it is crucial to work with a licensed and certified prosthetist.
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