Upper and Lower Limb Prosthetics
Upper limb prosthetics refer to artificial replacements for missing parts of the arm, including the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, while lower limb prosthetics are artificial replacements for missing parts of the leg, such as the foot, ankle, knee, and thigh, designed to restore mobility and function after amputation; both types can vary depending on the level of amputation and the individual’s needs, with components like sockets, joints, and terminal devices customized for optimal performance.
Key points about upper and lower limb prosthetics:
Upper Limb Prosthetic Challenges:
Due to the complex hand movements required for fine motor skills, upper limb prosthetics are generally considered more challenging to design and use compared to lower limb prosthetics.
Lower Limb Prosthetic Focus:
Lower limb prosthetics primarily aim to restore walking ability by mimicking the natural movement of the leg, with emphasis on stability and gait patterns.
Components of Both:
Both upper and lower limb prosthetics consist of a socket that attaches to the residual limb, suspension mechanisms to secure the prosthesis, joints to provide movement, and a terminal device (hand for upper limb, foot for lower limb).
Control Methods:
Depending on the technology, prosthetics can be controlled by muscle signals (myoelectric), body movement (body-powered), or a combination of methods.
Examples of Upper Limb Prosthetic Components:
Terminal Devices: Artificial hands with varying grip capabilities, including basic hook designs or more advanced multi-fingered hands.
Wrist Units: Allow for rotation and positioning of the hand
Elbow Units: Can be body-powered (using shoulder movement) or electronically controlled
Examples of Lower Limb Prosthetic Components:
Foot Designs: Single-axis feet for basic walking, multi-axial feet for better adaptation to uneven terrain
Knee Joints: Hydraulic or microprocessor-controlled knees that adjust to different walking speeds and terrain
Ankle Joints: Provide ankle flexion and dorsiflexion for natural gait
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