Draft:Outline of prosthetics

• Comment: Unclear why any relevant information cannot be accommodated in the existing article Prosthesis.
  Most of the sourcing is by in-line URLs not formatted as Wikipedia style refs. Many important assertions are without any references.  Velella  ^{Velella Talk}   11:36, 4 July 2024 (UTC)

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Prosthetics:

Prosthetics are artificial devices that replace a missing body part or limb. They are designed to enhance the function and lifestyle of individuals who have experienced limb loss or congenital limb deficiency. Prosthetic limbs can be custom-made to match the specific needs and physical characteristics of the individual, allowing them to regain mobility and perform daily activities. Prosthetic devices can range from simple cosmetic coverings to advanced robotic limbs with sophisticated control systems, depending on the individual's requirements and technological advancements.

The word "prosthetic" comes from the Greek word "prosthesis," which means "an addition" or "attachment." The term has been used for centuries to describe artificial devices that replace missing body parts or enhance physical function. The concept of prosthetics dates back to ancient civilizations, where rudimentary prosthetic limbs were crafted from materials such as wood, metal, and leather. Over time, advancements in materials, technology, and medical knowledge have led to the development of more sophisticated and functional prosthetic devices that can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with limb loss or limb deficiency.

Nature of Prosthetics

The nature of prosthetics is multifaceted, as it encompasses a wide range of disciplines and technologies. From a medical standpoint, prosthetics involve the study of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to understand how to best design and fit artificial limbs and body parts. This includes considerations such as the materials used, the mechanics of movement, and the integration of prosthetic devices with the human body.

From a technological perspective, prosthetics involve the use of advanced materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, and silicone, as well as cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, robotics, and computer-aided design. These advancements have allowed for the creation of highly functional and customized prosthetic devices that can closely mimic natural limb movement and function.

Additionally, the nature of prosthetics extends into fields such as psychology, rehabilitation, and patient care. Prosthetic devices not only aim to restore physical function but also play a crucial role in helping individuals regain confidence, independence, and a sense of normalcy after limb loss.

Overall, the nature of prosthetics is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as medicine, engineering, materials science, and psychology to create innovative solutions for individuals with limb loss or limb deficiency.

Branches of Prosthetics

The field of prosthetics encompasses several branches, each focusing on different aspects of the design, development, and application of artificial limbs and body parts. Some of the key branches of prosthetics include:

Orthotics: involves the design and fabrication of custom-made orthopedic braces and supports to provide external support or alignment for various parts of the body, such as the spine, knees, ankles, and feet.

Upper Limb Prosthetics: This branch focuses on the design and development of artificial limbs for individuals who have lost all or part of their upper limbs, including hands, arms, and shoulders.

Lower Limb Prosthetics: Lower limb prosthetics involve the design and fabrication of artificial legs, feet, and hips for individuals who have undergone lower limb amputations or have congenital limb deficiencies.

Myoelectric prosthetics: Myoelectric prosthetics utilize advanced technologies to create artificial limbs that can be controlled by muscle signals from the user's residual limb, enabling more natural and intuitive movement.

Pediatric Prosthetics: Pediatric prosthetics specialize in providing artificial limbs and orthotic devices for children with limb loss or limb deformities, taking into account their unique growth and development needs.

Sports Prosthetics: Sports prosthetics focus on designing specialized prosthetic devices for athletes and active individuals to help them participate in sports and physical activities with enhanced performance and comfort.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation: Prosthetic rehabilitation involves the training, education, and support provided to individuals using prosthetic devices to help them adapt to their new limbs, regain mobility, and achieve optimal function.

These branches of prosthetics work together to provide comprehensive care and solutions for individuals with limb loss or limb deficiencies, helping them lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Contributing Fields

Several fields contribute to the development and advancement of prosthetics. Some of the key contributing fields include:

1. [Engineering]: Biomedical engineers play a crucial role in the design, development, and improvement of prosthetic devices, utilizing their expertise in materials science, biomechanics, and medical technology to create innovative and functional artificial limbs.

2. [Medicine]: Professionals in the field of rehabilitation medicine, including physiatrists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, work closely with prosthetists to provide comprehensive care for individuals receiving prosthetic devices, helping them with mobility, function, and adaptation to their new limbs.

3. [surgery|Orthopedics]: Orthopedic surgeons and specialists contribute to the field of prosthetics by providing expertise in the surgical aspects of amputation and limb reconstruction, as well as collaborating with prosthetists to ensure optimal fit and function of prosthetic devices.

4. Neurorehabilitation: Neurologists and neurorehabilitation specialists are involved in the care of individuals with limb loss or limb deficiencies, particularly those who may benefit from advanced myoelectric prosthetics that interface with the nervous system.

5. [Science and Engineering|Materials Science and Engineering]: Researchers and professionals in materials science and engineering develop new materials and technologies that enhance the strength, durability, and comfort of prosthetic components, such as lightweight carbon fiber composites and advanced polymer materials.

6. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence: The fields of robotics and artificial intelligence contribute to the development of advanced prosthetic devices, such as bionic limbs and robotic exoskeletons, by integrating cutting-edge technologies for motion control, sensory feedback, and adaptive functionality.

Types Of Prosthetics

Certainly! Here are some types of prosthetics:

. Upper limb prosthetics . Lower limb prosthetics . Myoelectric prosthetics . Exoskeletal prosthetics . Endoskeletal prosthetics . Partial foot prosthetics

Prosthetics features and its components

Prosthetics typically consist of various components that work together to provide functionality and support to the user. Some common features and components of prosthetics include:

1. Socket: The socket is the part of the prosthetic device that interfaces with the residual limb. It is custom-made to fit the unique shape and size of the residual limb to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

2. Suspension system: The suspension system helps to hold the prosthetic device in place on the residual limb. Common suspension systems include suction sockets, pin-lock systems, and suspension sleeves.

3. Prosthetic foot or hand: The prosthetic foot or hand is designed to mimic the function and appearance of a natural limb. Prosthetic feet may have different shapes, materials, and designs depending on the user's activity level and needs.

4. Prosthetic knee or elbow: For lower limb prosthetics, the knee joint plays a crucial role in providing stability and mobility. There are different types of prosthetic knees available, such as mechanical knees, microprocessor-controlled knees, and hydraulic knees.

5. Prosthetic ankle or wrist: The ankle joint in lower limb prosthetics and the wrist joint in upper limb prosthetics help with balance, stability, and movement. These joints can be designed to provide flexibility and adaptability to various activities.

6. Pylon: The pylon is a structural component that connects the socket to the foot or hand of the prosthetic device. It provides support and helps distribute forces during walking or other activities.

Specific Prosthetics

Specific prosthetics can be categorized based on the part of the body they are designed to replace. Here are some common types of specific prosthetics:

1. Lower Limb Prosthetics:

 - Transtibial (Below Knee) Prosthetics: Designed to replace the lower leg, including the foot and ankle.
 - Transfemoral (Above Knee) Prosthetics: Designed to replace the entire leg above the knee, including the knee joint.

2. Upper Limb Prosthetics:

 - Below Elbow (Transradial) Prosthetics: Designed to replace the forearm and hand, stopping below the elbow joint.
 - Above Elbow (Transhumeral) Prosthetics: Designed to replace the entire arm above the elbow, including the elbow joint.

3. Partial Hand Prosthetics: Specifically designed to replace part of the hand or fingers, such as individual fingers or partial hand amputations.

4. Prosthetic Feet: Various types of prosthetic feet are available, including energy-storing feet, dynamic response feet, and microprocessor-controlled feet, each designed to provide different levels of support and functionality.

5. Prosthetic Hands: Different types of prosthetic hands are available, including cosmetic hands, body-powered hands, and myoelectric hands that use muscle signals for control.

6. Prosthetic Knees: There are different types of prosthetic knees, such as mechanical knees, microprocessor-controlled knees, and hydraulic knees, each offering different features and benefits.

7. Prosthetic Ankles: Prosthetic ankles are designed to provide stability and support for lower limb amputees, with some models offering adjustable features for various activities.

8. Facial Prosthetics: Custom-designed prosthetics for facial reconstruction, such as nose prostheses or ear prostheses, for individuals who have undergone facial trauma or surgery.