Prosthesis

From ATWiki

Prosthetic toe, Ancient Egypt

A soldier in the U.S. Army plays foos-ball with two prosthetic limbs. Courtesy of the U.S. Army, by Walter Reed photographers.

A prosthesis is a device which replaces a missing body part or limb, which may be due to trauma or congenital defect, to assist or improve function. The cause of amputations is quite different between upper-limb and lower-limb amputations. While lower-limb is primarily caused by peripheral vascular disease, upper-limb amputations are most likely caused by traumatic injury.

Upper-Extremity Prostheses

The type of prosthesis used depends, in part, on the level of the amputation. Classification of upper-limb amputation is related to the anatomy of an amputated limb.

Digit or partial hand prosthesis

This type of prosthesis is used when an amputation is at a level below the wrist.

Hand prosthesis

This type of prosthesis may be used in cases of wrist disarticulation, that is, amputation at the wrist level, including the removal of the radius and ulna to styloid processes.

Transradial Prostheses

This type of prosthesis is used for below-elbow (transradial) amputations. The transradial prosthesis typically includes a terminal device, wrist unit, elbow unit, socket and harness. The selection of these components is based on a patient’s functional goals and capabilities.

Transhumeral Prostheses

This type of prosthesis is used for above-elbow (transhumeral) amputations.

Shoulder Disarticulation Prostheses

This type of prosthesis is used when an amputation is at the shoulder level.

Lower-Extremity Prostheses

External links

• American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc