Prosthetics
People with many different kinds of limb differences and limb losses rely on a prosthesis to support their mobility. Learn about the different types of prosthetics, how they work, and what they offer.
People with many different kinds of limb differences and limb losses rely on a prosthesis to support their mobility. Learn about the different types of prosthetics, how they work, and what they offer.
The purpose of a prosthesis
The basic purpose of a prosthetic device is to restore the functionality and mobility of a missing limb, making it easier to take part in daily activities, hobbies, work tasks, and more.
Prostheses can also improve users’ quality of life, empowering them to be as active as they want and are able to be – whether that means moving safely around their house or being a high-performance athlete. For people who have experienced a limb loss, a prosthetic device can also help reduce the emotional impact of an accident or injury.
Types of prostheses
There are many types of prostheses, from simple devices like mechanical or body powered evices to complex, high-tech ones that mimic the movement and functionality of a natural limb. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common prosthetics.
Prosthetic legs
Prosthetic legs are used to replace missing feet, knees, and hips.
Two of the most common types (based on amputation level) are below-knee prostheses and above-knee prostheses. Prosthetic legs are generally often used by people who have lost a foot or leg in an accident or due to a medical condition like diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or cancer.
Prosthetic legs
Prosthetic legs are one of the most common types of prosthetics. They come in many different forms, including both purely mechanical prostheses and computerized devices that can mimic the movement of a natural limb.
Below-knee prostheses are designed to replace the user’s missing foot. Above-knee prostheses can replace a missing foot, knee, or hip.
Advanced prosthetic legs are usually built from a combination of prosthetic components, like a foot prosthesis, adapter, prosthetic knee joint, and a socket. The right combination – like an Ottobock C-Leg or Genium X3 with a Taleo foot – can help users walk naturally again.
C-Leg 4
The C-Leg 4 is the world’s most trusted microprocessor knee. It offers exceptional, proven reliability and the performance users need to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle.
The C-Leg 4 is the world’s most trusted microprocessor knee. It offers exceptional, proven reliability and the performance users need to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle.
Genium X3
Built on the breakthrough Genium platform, the Genium X3 offers a smooth, intuitive walking experience, and versatile support in everyday situations.
Built on the breakthrough Genium platform, the Genium X3 offers a smooth, intuitive walking experience, and versatile support in everyday situations.
Taleo
The Taleo prosthetic foot is designed for active users who navigate varied indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on effortless walking and the ability to go wherever life takes them.
The Taleo prosthetic foot is designed for active users who navigate varied indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on effortless walking and the ability to go wherever life takes them.
Prosthetic hands & arms
Prosthetic arms can replace many different parts of the arm, including fingers, hands, elbows, and shoulders. These devices come in a wide variety of designs and functions.
Simple cosmetic hands are designed to look like a natural hand, without functioning like one. More advanced prosthetic hands and arms can be controlled in many different ways, including prosthetic devices powered by body movements and high-tech devices controlled by muscle signals (“myoelectric” devices like bebionic, Michelangelo, or VariPlus Speed Hand).
All of these prosthetics support users’ daily activities in different ways, from simply helping them look and feel normal to helping them perform activities of daily living (ADLs).
bebionic
Working intuitively and precisely, the bebionic prosthetic hand is transforming the lives and abilities of amputees around the world, from helping them perform simple tasks to restoring their control and self-esteem.
Working intuitively and precisely, the bebionic prosthetic hand is transforming the lives and abilities of amputees around the world, from helping them perform simple tasks to restoring their control and self-esteem.
Michelangelo
Lightweight, powerful, and fast, the Michelangelo hand aims to restore numerous functions of the natural hand in a sophisticated and intelligent design.
Lightweight, powerful, and fast, the Michelangelo hand aims to restore numerous functions of the natural hand in a sophisticated and intelligent design.
VariPlus Sensor Hand
The VariPlus Sensor Hand combines a quick-disconnect wrist with the mechanical characteristics of the SensorHand Speed and the control of the System Electric Greifer DMC VariPlus.
The VariPlus Sensor Hand combines a quick-disconnect wrist with the mechanical characteristics of the SensorHand Speed and the control of the System Electric Greifer DMC VariPlus.
Materials
Innovative materials make sophisticated treatment possible for people with physical disabilities. A comprehensive product range offers the O&P professional an optimal starting point for fabricating prosthetic sockets, orthoses or custom seating shells. Ottobock is always looking for new materials. Cutting-edge materials technology, along with corresponding processing techniques and training for O&P professionals, results in significant advantages for users.