The National Library of Medicine describes a prosthesis as “a device designed to replace a missing body part or to make a part of the bodywork better. Missing limbs and joints are commonly replaced by prosthetic devices.”
There are many types of prosthetic devices to help people regain mobility. They fall into four main categories; transradial, transhumeral, transtibial, and transfemoral. Each serves a different function depending on what body part is missing.
Today’s prosthetic types offer amputees a wide variety of choices when it comes to function and purpose. Upper extremity amputees may choose to use a passive prosthetic, which has a little function apart from providing a natural appearance. Then there are three differently powered types of prosthesis.
Body powered: This is where the body controls the prosthetic. For instance, a cable may move from one shoulder to the prosthetic hand, so the prosthetic activates as you move your shoulder.
Motor powered: These prosthetics have buttons to control movement. A prosthetic hand, for example, may have a specific button to articulate wrists and fingers for gripping objects.
Myoelectric Powered: This new technology allows for the powering of prosthetic limbs by electrical signals sent via electrodes placed on the skin.
Artificial limbs attach to the amputee’s residual limb (stump) by belts, cuffs, or suction. Either the residual limb fits directly into a socket on the prosthetic, or a liner is used that’s fixed to the socket by vacuum or a pin lock.
