I have a question: Is a lower or upper limb prosthesis (prosthetic device) complicated to make appropriately? If your answer is “yes,” you are correct. Artificial limbs involve quite a few steps that are directly related to the final intended design. What does this mean? Depending on several factors, the prosthesis developed, and some of these factors are: expected activity level, patient weight, length of the residual limb (remaining limb) relating to overall body height , overall body condition (weak, heart or lung issues, diabetic), patient requests relating to specific functional intended use, allergies, limb joint contractures, swelling problems relating directly to the residual limb. All the above must be taken into consideration because this will then allow the prosthetist to provide an adequately considered device.
What else needs to be considered to enable the providing of a sophisticated limb prosthesis besides all of the above? Well, now we’re talking about the fun part, fabrication!!! Yes, for me it’s the absolute fun part. For the first step, (no pun intended) a copy of the residual limb needs to be created with high accuracy. The prosthesis suspends from the remaining arm or leg and also, especially for the lower extremity, weight is put directly around and on it. When standing on the prosthesis and walking, total body weight builds on the remaining limb.
The socket fit, shape, and design, must be very accurate to control the enormous pressures per square inch develop as one stands and walks. We take our weight usually through our skeleton down to our feet. When the limb amputated, we no longer have a foot or possibly a knee, we can no longer take the weight directly through the skeleton anymore. The weight bearing pressure in the prosthesis must now be spread all around the residual limb accurately. We must adequately balance the load. When done correctly, there is no discomfort because the skin adjusts over a short time to the new environment provided. If the prosthesis is initially used in a controlled manner, wearing the prosthesis for short periods and then standing and walking for short periods as well, the adjustment is smooth, and the joy of walking develops quickly!
Second, we need to put it all together, simple, correct? No, not simple at all. Where is the best place to put the foot under the body, it can be put anywhere, and the knee as well. Where is the best position under the body? If the foot is placed improperly like too far in front, the effect felt will be like walking uphill all day. If the foot is placed too far behind the result will be like walking down a hill all day. Set to close to the other foot under the body will cause the knee to get pushed outwardly with each step. When placing the foot too far away from the other foot, the opposite effect will occur. If the prosthetic limb is to short the other knee and hip will be strained and if made to long, uncomfortable pressures will occur rapidly, making beautiful cosmetic walking impossible.
Below the knee type devices have alienable systems that offer 12 independent adjustments and above the knee types offer 20 different tweaks. Artificial limbs are very complex. Correctly made devices offer restored balance and an opportunity to resume an active lifestyle. If the prosthesis is not contributing to an improved quality of life for you or someone you know, get it fixed. Do not give up if you’re having problems, get it fixed. You are entitled to a properly fitting comfortable prosthesis!!!
This organization with a wealth of information on this subject: www.oandp.com
Any questions, ask, it will be my pleasure to help.
