The Prosthesis is an artificially-created device that is designed to replace a lost or amputated portion in the human body. It serves a purpose of aesthetics for example, filling in the space left by a lost part of the limb that is missing in a pants leg or dress shirt. However, most important is that it can help individuals regain their mobility as well as function lost or lost through amputated limb. Westcoast Brace & Limb (WCBL) prosthetists have mastered making the best prosthesis that will meet the needs of each patient’s preferences, and lifestyle.
Overview of Prosthetic Devices
Prosthetic devices, also known as prostheses, are available in a variety of designs and shapes. Upper and lower prosthetics near me extremity prosthetic devices comprise the most popular and easily identifiable external prostheses. They include prostheses for hands, feet, leg digits as well as legs. Additionally, there are internal prostheses such as artificial heart valves, maxillofacial devices and pacemakers to replace damaged cartilage within the nose and ears.
The prosthetic devices in both types aid patients in regaining control of their movement as well as correct deformities. They can also offer much-needed support for a weak limb and may even save their lives. However, for the sake of a more specific discussion, we’ll focus on the various prostheses that are suitable for use on the outside within this article.
Types of Prosthetic Devices
- Upper Extremity Prosthetic Devices
- Also called upper limb prosthetic devices they are prostheses that take the place of amputated upper limbs.
Surgery and trauma are among the leading causes of amputations that occur in the extremities of the upper limbs. Amputations caused by trauma from automobile accidents as well as fire, explosives and sub-zero temperatures account for 75 percent of all cases which require prosthetic upper limb devices. Surgery-related amputations, on the other hand are planned and required. One instance is when a person is diagnosed with a cancer that affects the upper extremities. It is necessary for it to be removed in order to stop it from spreading to other parts of the body.
There are various kinds of prosthetic devices that are used for the upper extremities.
- Body powered The Body powered prosthesis is the most common prosthesis used for upper legs. This prosthetic hand is secured via an armband. The hook-and-cable system “reads” the upper arm shoulders, chest, and upper arm movementsand translate the signals into the hand that is prosthetic. Prosthetic hands powered by body power can flex and move as real fingers. They can also hold and lift objects that are heavy.
- Myoelectric uses microprocessors and a source of power for amplifying electromyography (EMG) signals within the muscles of the arm which allows you to control your hand or wrist.
- Active Functional: This type of device is mostly an aesthetic prosthesis. These kinds of devices offer a counter for the limb that is intact (sound aspect) and are able to hold various items like cups phones, pens and other utensils.
- The Partial Hand as well as the Finger These prostheses have the aim of restoring function, WCBL provides a variety of options, including complete and partial hand-machines, the power of digits and silicone. From simple daily activities to advanced technology that lets patients grasp small objects and carry heavy objects and type on keyboards and use hand tools etc. There is a solution for each patient.
- The term “adaptive” is also used to refer to recreational prosthesis. These devices have been specifically designed to be used for certain activities such as climbing, skiing, gymnastics and playing musical instruments and so on.
- Hybrid – A mix of body-powered and myoelectric prosthetic devices. They can be very useful in above-elbow (transhumeral) amputees.
The arms and torso provide an extensive range of motion Patients generally wish to gain as much control as they orthotics near me can. But, prosthetists have to consider various factors when developing prosthetic devices for upper extremities that are different that what the patient would like.
