• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
IMPORTANT: Please click here to read our COVID-19 announcement.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Yelp

Horton's Orthotics & Prosthetics

Request Appointment Patient Registration Pay Your Bill
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Our Team
    • Our Partners
  • Services
    • Prosthetics
    • Orthotics
    • Pedorthotics
    • Mastectomy
  • New Amputees
    • Education
    • H.O.P.E.
    • A.B.L.E.
    • Amputee Guide to Proper Fit
    • Diabetic Health Tips to Prevent Amputation
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Contact

Header Search

Certified prosthetist

March 11, 2020

What Type of Prostheses do I Need?

If you are exploring the world of prosthetics to improve your quality of life, you may be wondering what type of prosthesis you need. Discover the different types of prosthetics, how they work, and the benefits they provide.

What is a prosthesis?

A prosthesis is a device used to replace any missing part of the body in order to restore functionality. Even false teeth are considered a type of prosthesis, but the term prosthesis is most often used to describe an artificial arm or leg. 

Prosthetics Meaning

Prosthetics is the term to describe the process of replacing a missing body part, while a prosthesis is the term for the actual artificial part. 

How do prosthetics work?

The world of custom prosthetics is a fascinating one, using modern technology and intricate details of the body’s functionalities to develop a perfectly fitted artificial part, thereby restoring function to an amputee. A licensed prosthetist works directly with a new amputee to begin the fitting process, some of which can be done prior to surgery. 

Since every surgery is unique and each body different, a prosthesis must be completely customized to fit the patient’s body. After surgery, the patient must be allowed sufficient time for healing. The swelling must go down and the wound must heal before the prosthetist can begin the process to build a prosthesis. 

After the healing time has passed, the prosthetist scans or casts the residual limb to create a mold of the patient’s limb. Then the modification process begins, taking many factors into consideration, like muscles, tendons, bones, and walking gait. This process will eventually lead to the design of the customized prosthesis. 

The Mechanics of a Prosthesis

The modern technology used in custom prosthetics creates artificial limbs that are light, strong, and controllable. Today, lighter composites, such as carbon fiber, are used. A foam-like material is sometimes used to cover the pylon and can be matched to the patient’s skin tone for a more life-like appearance. 

The part of the device that interfaces with the natural body part is called the socket. Your prosthetist will work to meticulously fit this portion of the prosthetic to your body to provide a snug fit, and a soft liner is used to avoid irritation. The suspension system is used to keep the prosthesis attached to the body, but the suspension mechanism can come in many different forms depending on the specific needs of the patient. The location of the amputation also plays a role in determining the type of prosthesis necessary.

Types of Prosthetics

Whether an amputation is above or below the major joints — knee or elbow — makes a significant difference in the type of artificial limb needed. There are four primary types of prosthetics, and each type requires a unique approach to regaining optimum function after an amputation. 

  • A transradial prosthesis is an artificial limb that provides the functionality of a wrist and hand, replacing an arm missing below the elbow.
  • A transhumeral prosthesis provides functionality of the majority of the arm by replacing an arm missing above the elbow.
  • A transtibial prosthesis replaces a leg missing below the knee, which allows the patient to retain use of their knee. 
  • A transfemoral prosthesis replaces a leg missing above the knee, requiring a device that also provides functionality of the missing knee. This type of prosthesis is arguably the most complex, but modern technology has led to numerous options for transfemoral amputees.

Types of ProstheticKnee Systems

Consumer needs vary greatly in knee systems, so working with your prosthetist to determine the ideal fit for you is crucial to the overall success of prosthetic knees. Factors such as age, activity level, health, and lifestyle should all be considered. 

Contrary to popular belief, the latest advances may not be the best choice for every amputee. For example, some may need to prioritize safety and stability over functional performance, while athletes and active amputees may determine functionality is their first priority. 

Your prosthetist can help you navigate the options and make the best decision to fit your lifestyle. When comparing a single-axis versus a polycentric knee, a single-axis is a simple hinge while a polycentric provides multiple axes of rotation. Another variant in knee systems is stability options: manual versus weight-activated locking systems. 

Motion control options also vary in constant friction versus variable friction as well as fluid control systems that can either contain air (pneumatic) or contain fluid (hydraulic.) Microprocessor knees are currently the most advanced technology; sensors detect movement and adjust accordingly.

Benefits of Prosthetics

For many amputees, a prosthesis allows them to continue daily activities and enjoy life to the fullest. Improved mobility and support during rehabilitation provide amputees the means to remain independent. Although the journey after amputation can be a transition with inevitable challenges, you can return to your optimal life, especially with the right support system and working with the best certified prosthetists. 

To Learn More

To learn more about what type of prosthesis you may need, contact the experts at Horton’s Orthotics and Prosthetics. We would be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation to determine the best device for your lifestyle, so you can begin to reap all the benefits of modern prosthetics. Call us at (501) 683-8889 or contact us today for more information.

In Prosthetics Tagged prosthetics

Like this post?

More posts

how to travel with a prostheticAugust 13, 2014

Summer Vacations: How to Travel with a Prosthetic or Orthotic Device

sports prosthetics for athletesSeptember 25, 2014

How Advanced Prosthetics Are Changing the World of Sports and Its Athletes

how are prosthetics madeMarch 9, 2015

Custom Limbs: How Are Prosthetics Made?

Primary Sidebar

Search

Services

  • Prosthetics
  • Orthotics
  • Pedorthotics
  • Mastectomy

Do you have a Question?

Ask Hope
Hope

Contact Us

www.hortonsoandp.com
webinfo@hortonsoandp.com

Call Us: (501) 683-8889

Request an Appointment

 

Footer

Services

  • Prosthetics
  • Orthotics
  • Pedorthotics
  • Mastectomy

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Horton's Orthotics & Prosthetics © 2023 | All Rights Reserved

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
SettingsAccept
Cookies Consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT