Accident, illness or congenital defect can sometimes cause permanent loss of limb/finger. This disability can easily be overcome with help of prosthetic limb. The recent advances ensure that the person gets back almost normal movements after using these durable, low weight, economical prosthesis.
A patient centric approach is used. After initial consultation with the amputee, a prosthetist (healthcare professional skilled in making and fitting artificial limbs) and a physiotherapist, a medical doctor decide upon the type of artificial limb for the amputee. Detailed evaluation of the amputed portion and an impression of the remaining part of the natural limb is taken. Once developed, the person visits the prosthetist to have the artificial limb fitted. Advanced techniques for measuring and fitting have vastly improved the quality of artificial limbs available for amputees. Artificial limbs are usually made out of materials like willow wood, metallic alloys, fiber and plastic lamination and complex carbon –fiber substances.
Different types of prosthesis are used based on the requirement -
Below knee (BK)/Transtibial- A transtibial prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces a leg missing below the knee.
Above knee (AK)/Transfemoral- A transfemoral prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces a leg missing above the knee.
Below elbow/Transradial- A transradial prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces an arm missing below the elbow.
Above elbow/Transhumeral- A transhumeral prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces an arm missing above the elbow.
Hip Disarticulation- This usually refers to when an amputee or congenitally challenged patient has a either an amputation or anomaly at or in close proximity to the hip joint.
It does not require indoor admission. Immediate relief can be expected after prosthesis has been fit.