When an arm or other extremity is amputated or lost, a prosthetic device, or prosthesis, can play an important role in rehabilitation. A prosthetic device or prosthesis can be used to help with rehabilitation of an arm, leg, or other extremity that has been amputated , or lost. For many people, an artificial limb can improve mobility and the ability to manage daily activities, as well as provide the means to stay independent. An artificial limb, or prosthesis, can help improve mobility, manage daily activities and provide independence.
Prostheses Parts and Types
There is a wide variety of prostheses that are designed to function — and in many cases look — like a natural arm, leg, hand, or foot. A wide range of prostheses are available that can function, and often look, like a natural hand, arm, leg or foot. Although there are many different designs, most have similar parts. There are many designs to choose from, but most of them have the same parts. These include: These are:
* A socket into which the stump of the amputated limb fits A socket in which the stump of an amputated limb can fit
* The suspension, which holds the prosthesis onto the stump The suspension holds the prosthesis to the stump.
* The shaft The shaft
* The foot, hand, or hook The hook, foot, or hand
* A covering for cosmetic appearances Covering for cosmetic appearances
The socket is often lined with foam or silicone to protect the stump. To protect the stump, foam or silicone is often placed on the socket. Special socks are also worn over the stump to ensure a proper fit and improve comfort. To ensure comfort and a perfect fit, special socks are worn over the stump.
Following are some of the most common types of prostheses: Here are the most popular types of prostheses.
Lower leg and foot. Foot and lower leg. A number of prosthetic feet are available to simulate the action of a natural foot after an amputation below the knee. Prosthetic feet can be used to mimic the natural action of a foot after an amputation below your knee. At least one available foot-ankle prosthesis is controlled by a microprocessor. A microprocessor controls at least one foot- ankle. It uses feedback from sensors to adjust joint movement, making walking more efficient and reducing the risk of falls. The microprocessor uses feedback from sensors in order to adjust joint movement and reduce the chance of falling.
Leg with knee. Leg with knee. For amputations above the knee, the prosthesis has both a knee and ankle joint. The prosthesis can be used for amputations above the knee. It has both a knee joint and an ankle joint. Currently there are more than 100 prosthetic ankle, foot, and knee models. There are currently more than 100 models of prosthetic knee, ankle, foot and knee. Some use fluid or hydraulic-controlled devices that let users vary their walking speed. Others use hydraulic-controlled fluids that allow users to adjust their walking speed. Others use computerized parts that let the user make rapid real-time adjustments while walking. Some use computerized parts that allow the user to make quick adjustments while walking.
Arm and hand. Arm and hand. The oldest and most commonly used prosthetic arm is operated with the body’s own movements and a harness that extends in a figure eight across the back and under the opposite arm. Prosthetic arms are the oldest and most widely used. They can be operated using the body’s movements and a harness which extends in a figure 8 across the back and under each arm. Others use a rechargeable battery to run small motors in the prosthetic hand or hook. Some prosthetic hands and hooks are powered by small motors that can be recharged with a battery. The battery improves grip strength. This battery increases grip strength.
How to Choose and Use a Prosthesis
A number of factors are involved in choosing a prosthesis. There are many factors that go into choosing the right prosthesis. They include: These factors include:
* The location and level of the amputation The exact location and the level of the amputation
* The condition of the remaining limb The condition of the remaining limb
* Your activity level, particularly for a prosthetic leg or foot Activity level, especially for prosthetic legs or feet
* Your specific goals and needs Your goals and specific needs
Prostheses are designed and fitted by a specialist called a prosthetist. A prosthetist is a specialist who designs and fits prostheses. The fitting process may begin in the hospital shortly after amputation after the swelling has gone and down and the incision is healed. After the incision has healed and swelling has subsided, the fitting may take place in hospital. It involves: It involves:
* Measuring the stump and the healthy opposite limb Measure the stump and the healthy opposite leg
* Fitting silicone liner
* Making a plaster mold
* Fashioning the socket
* Forming the plastic parts and then creating the metal parts of the limb Forming the parts from plastic and then making the metal parts.
* Attaching the shaft Attach the shaft
* Aligning the prosthesis Alignment of the prosthesis
Depending on your comfort and how well your wound is healing, you may begin to practice with your artificial limb as early as a few weeks after surgery. You may be able to start using your artificial limb within a few weeks depending on how comfortable you are and how healing is going. A physical or occupational therapist will train you on how to use and care for it. You will be trained by an occupational or physical therapist on how to care for your artificial limb.
Prosthetic Comfort and Care Prosthetic Comfort & Care
To gain the greatest benefits of the new limb and help prevent problems, it is important to take care of the device, the amputation site, and your general health by doing the following every day: You can get the best out of your new limb, as well as prevent future problems. Here are some things you can do to ensure that the device, the site of the amputation, and your overall health are in good condition.
* Remove the prosthesis before going to bed. Before you go to bed, remove the prosthesis. Examine the device for loose parts or damage. Check the device for any loose or damaged parts. Examine the stump for blisters or other signs of irritation.
* Clean and put a small amount of lotion on the stump and massage the skin. Use a little lotion to clean the stump.
* Place a bandage on the stump to decrease swelling when you are not wearing the prosthesis. To reduce swelling, place a bandage on your stump when you’re not wearing the prosthesis.
* Regularly inspect the skin of the stump to look for sores or wounds. To check for any sores or injuries, you should inspect the stump’s skin regularly. You may need to have someone else help you look or use a mirror. It is possible that you will need someone to help you look at the stump or to use a mirror.
* Practice exercises recommended by your physical therapist. Your physical therapist may recommend exercises. These will include exercises for stretching, range of motion, body positioning, and endurance.
* For leg prostheses, wear proper fitting shoes and never change the height of your heels. Proper fitting shoes are required for leg prostheses. You should not alter the height of your heels. The prosthesis is designed for one heel height only.
* Clean the prosthesis’ socket with soap and water. Use soap and water to clean the socket of your prosthesis.
* Wear clean dry socks with the prosthesis. With the prosthesis, wear clean, dry socks.
It is also important to maintain a stable body weight. Also, it is important to keep your body weight stable. This will help to keep the prosthesis fitting properly. This will ensure that the prosthesis fits properly. You should also have the prosthesis examined and serviced once a year to make sure it is in proper working order. To ensure that your prosthesis is in good working order, you should have it checked and serviced at least once per year.
