Prosthetics
"Prosthetics is the evaluation, fabrication, and custom fitting of artificial limbs, known as "prostheses." Prostheses enhance the function and lifestyle of persons with limb loss. The prosthesis must be a unique combination of appropriate materials, alignment, design, and construction.
Lower-limb prostheses might address stability in standing and walking, shock absorption, energy storage and return, cosmetic appearance, and even running, jumping, and other athletic activities. Upper-limb prostheses might address reaching and grasping, occupational challenges including hammering, painting, or weight lifting, and activities of daily living like eating, writing, and dressing. Prosthetic patients may have been born with limb deficiency or have experienced amputation due to trauma, cancer, infection, or abnormalities in blood vessels or nerves." (OP Careers) |
CosmesisA cosmetic prosthetic limb is designed with appearance in mind rather than controllability. Plastics and pigments are used to match the patient's skin tone and they appear to be very life-like (Clements).
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Usability & FunctionThese prosthetics are designed with a specific purpose in mind. A common controllable hand may consist of a pincer-like hook that can be open and closed to grasp objects (Clements).
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MyoelectricThis is a more advanced prosthetic that is controlled by the muscles that a patient can still contract. Although no buttons are physically pressed, contractions in the muscles are detected by the electrodes and used to control the prosthetic limb (Clements).
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