Important Tricks to Know About Prosthetic Limbs

When one is fortunate to have all the legs and arms, they most likely take them lightly. The human physique is remarkable biological machinery piece and the limbs are not exceptional. 

For instance, take into consideration the complex and delicate jobs which hands perform, such as playing the violin or writing in calligraphy. Hands have strength and durability necessary to grab heavy objects and hold on to impact. Legs are impressive too, as they enable a person in running long distances without getting tired and go across uncertain terrains.

When a person loses a limb because of disease or injury, the functionality that was offered once, by that limb gets lost as well. Upper extremity amputation involves the removal of part or all arms, which means the loss of performance ability, to certain normal activities or job skills of daily living. In lower extremity amputee, one misses parts of a single or both legs, meaning the person cannot run or walk.

Prosthetic limbs are greatly valuable to amputees as prosthesis can be used to restore some lost capabilities with the amputated limb. Although custom orthotics cannot really compare to the biological limbs functionality, they have significant capabilities. Big strides are being done every day in prosthetics field. Although there are technological challenges, artificial limbs increasingly become like real limbs.

Modern Prosthetic Limbs

How similar are robotic prosthetics limbs to historical times ones? A large difference is in the new materials used such as carbon-fiber composites and advanced plastics. These materials make a prosthetic limb stronger, lighter and more realistic. With electronic technologies, today’s advanced prosthetics are very controllable and can automatically adapt to doing functions like walking and gripping. New technologies and materials have surely modernized prosthetics in the last century though the basic prosthetic limbs components are still the same. Let us go through some of these.

1.         The Pylon

This is the internal skeleton or frame of the artificial limb. It provides structural support and was traditionally made for metal rods. Today, lighter carbon–fiber particles are used to make the pylons.

2.         The Socket

Is the part of the prosthetic device which interfaces with the residual limb or patient’s limb stump. Due to transmission of socket forces from the artificial limb to the body of the patient, it must be properly fitted to the limb stump, to remove any irritation or skin damage to underlying tissues. A soft liner is situated on the inside of the socket, which a patient wears with one or even more prosthetic socks for a better snug fit.

Med East Ortho

3001 Irwin Rd

Suite E

Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

NJ Phone: 856-829-2030

NJ Fax: 856-829-2070

https://www.medeastortho.com/