To put it simply, a prosthetic is an artificial body part used to replace the function of a missing joint.
25 plus years ago, the only type of knee replacement clients could use with an above-knee amputation were mechanical knees. These worked off physics and weight movement around a knee axis, this relied on the strength and control of the amputee using it to ensure it was safe during walking. Fast forward 25 years, the team at APC Prosthetics mentions that ‘prosthetic limbs have really come a long way in terms of functionality and control of the limb’.
Bionics nowadays have developed with lower limb prosthetics being capable of reading a situation and responding in real-time. This provides a safer artificial limb for users. Like your lower limb prosthesis, upper limb prosthetics were only available in different body-powered varieties. This meant the user had to perform specific movements of their shoulders to utilise the cable system connected to the harness, this resulted in the movement of the terminal device to achieve function in their upper limb prosthesis.
As time has passed, it is clear that Prosthetics have improved dramatically for several upper—and lower-limb amputees. We are seeing new prosthetics such as knees, fingers, and even toes.
After the limb has been constructed, fitted, and delivered to the client, adjustments over time will generally need to be made. This is to ensure that the fitting is maintained. The overall mission with any prosthesis is to make sure it fits well and facilitates the patient’s lifestyle and targeting level of movement.
Prosthetics is an ever-evolving field, if you or a family member needs a custom made prosthesis, get in touch with the team at APC Prosthetics today.
25 plus years ago, the only type of knee replacement clients could use with an above-knee amputation were mechanical knees. These worked off physics and weight movement around a knee axis, this relied on the strength and control of the amputee using it to ensure it was safe during walking. Fast forward 25 years, the team at APC Prosthetics mentions that ‘prosthetic limbs have really come a long way in terms of functionality and control of the limb’.
Bionics nowadays have developed with lower limb prosthetics being capable of reading a situation and responding in real-time. This provides a safer artificial limb for users. Like your lower limb prosthesis, upper limb prosthetics were only available in different body-powered varieties. This meant the user had to perform specific movements of their shoulders to utilise the cable system connected to the harness, this resulted in the movement of the terminal device to achieve function in their upper limb prosthesis.
As time has passed, it is clear that Prosthetics have improved dramatically for several upper—and lower-limb amputees. We are seeing new prosthetics such as knees, fingers, and even toes.
How are Prosthetics Made?
Prosthetics have a very wide variety of materials that are used in the construction of artificial limbs. These include acrylic resin, carbon fibre, thermoplastics, silicone, aluminium and titanium. The prosthesis is generally broken down into two groupings of prosthetic materials. The top of the prosthesis is a manufactured socket, whilst the bottom (second grouping) of materials includes the structural components, prosthetic joints, and everyday consumables (liners etc.).After the limb has been constructed, fitted, and delivered to the client, adjustments over time will generally need to be made. This is to ensure that the fitting is maintained. The overall mission with any prosthesis is to make sure it fits well and facilitates the patient’s lifestyle and targeting level of movement.
Prosthetic Options
As time has gone, there have been several new prosthetic options that have come to light. Since prosthetics are created to help amputees find some sort of normality again in their day to day lives and activities, a variety of options have now become available. For example, prosthetics can be customised to suit many different uses, there are speciality made prosthetics for the sport that can help amputees perform in a number of different types of sporting activities. Prosthetic arms have been created to allow users to perform tasks such as eating with a fork and even shooting a basketball into a hoop.Prosthetics is an ever-evolving field, if you or a family member needs a custom made prosthesis, get in touch with the team at APC Prosthetics today.
