Frequently Asked Questions

A prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces a missing limb, mainly restoring appearance and some function. By location: lower-limb prostheses (prosthetic foot, below-knee, above-knee, knee disarticulation, hip disarticulation) and upper-limb prostheses (hand, forearm, upper arm, shoulder disarticulation). By function: cosmetic, mechanical (body-powered), myoelectric, and microprocessor (smart) prostheses. By purpose: temporary, definitive, sports, and specialized prostheses. Choosing the right one depends on amputation level, residual limb condition, lifestyle needs, and budget, and should be custom-assessed by a professional center.

A below-knee (trans-tibial) prosthesis keeps your own knee, so standing and walking rely on natural knee control — better stability, less effort, and lower cost with simpler fitting. An above-knee (trans-femoral) prosthesis replaces the knee with a prosthetic knee joint and needs reliable suspension and ischial weight-bearing; walking uses more energy and demands more skill and cost. Their socket designs, weight-bearing areas, knee components, and training focus all differ. Which one you need depends on your amputation level, not personal preference.

Yes. Knee disarticulation preserves thigh length and the intact end of the femur, giving good weight-bearing capacity; a prosthesis with a special knee-disarticulation socket is possible and is usually more stable than above-knee amputation. After hip disarticulation or hemipelvectomy, a hip-disarticulation prosthesis can still be fitted — it includes a hip joint, knee, and foot, bearing weight through the ischium and pelvis. It's complex and uses more energy to walk, but with training you can stand and walk. These prostheses demand experienced prosthetists and quality components, so visit a skilled center.

There are four main types: 1) Cosmetic prostheses — lifelike and lightweight, good for those who value appearance or have low functional needs; 2) Mechanical (body-powered) prostheses — controlled by shoulder or body movement via cables to open and close the hand; durable and battery-free, good for physical work; 3) Myoelectric prostheses — controlled by muscle electrical signals from the residual limb, able to grip and grasp; better looks and function but need charging and cost more; 4) Hybrid or specialized prostheses. The choice depends on amputation level, residual muscle signals, daily needs, and budget, and usually needs comparing several options.

A cosmetic prosthesis mainly restores the appearance of a limb. Made of silicone and similar materials, it can be customized for skin tone, texture, nails, and even hair to closely match the sound limb, and it is lightweight and comfortable. It usually has no function or only very limited function. It suits upper-limb amputees, people missing fingers, and those who value appearance and social comfort, and is often used for children and women. Besides purely cosmetic types, there are cosmetic-functional hybrids with some function. Wearing one improves body image and reduces the stress of being stared at. Cost varies widely with customization and materials.

A functional prosthesis can perform real actions like gripping and holding. A myoelectric prosthesis is a common type: electrodes on the residual-limb muscles pick up electrical signals from muscle contraction, and a controller drives the hand or wrist to open, close, or rotate. Pros: fairly natural look and function and direct control; cons: needs charging, is not waterproof, costs more, requires learning and training, and depends on good muscle signals. Other functional types include body-powered and switch-controlled prostheses. The choice depends on the residual limb and how you'll use it.

A microprocessor prosthesis is a smart limb, especially a knee or ankle, containing sensors and a microcomputer. Sensors continuously detect walking speed, angle, and load, and the processor runs many calculations per second to automatically adjust joint damping and resistance. This makes walking more natural and safer, helps prevent falls, adapts to different terrain, and handles stairs and slopes. Examples include the microprocessor knee (MPK) and microprocessor ankle-foot. Pros: strong function, high safety, good gait; cons: expensive, need charging, not waterproof, and costly to repair. Best for active users who need good gait and safety.

An osseointegration (OI) prosthesis uses surgery to implant a titanium fixture directly into the medullary canal of the residual bone. The implant passes through the skin, and the prosthesis attaches directly to it instead of a socket. Pros: no socket pressure, better sensory feedback, easier donning, and less limb discomfort. Risks: infection at the implant site, loosening or fracture of the implant, and the need for long-term follow-up — it is invasive surgery. It suits patients with poor residual limbs who can't tolerate a socket, who accept surgical risk, and who will maintain it long-term. Not all hospitals offer it, so suitability must be decided by an orthopedic/prosthetics expert after full assessment.

3D printing is an emerging approach that uses scanning, modeling, and printing to make sockets or components. Pros: fast, customizable, and lower cost, especially useful for upper-limb cosmetic prostheses, children's prostheses, and sports aids. But note: weight-bearing areas (lower-limb sockets) demand high material strength, precision, and safety, and mainstream clinical practice still relies on traditional lamination and carbon-fiber methods, with 3D printing used more for adjunct or transitional products. When choosing, consider the printing material, strength certification, prosthetist experience, and after-sales service. It's a promising supplement but not equal to a high-quality definitive prosthesis.

A prosthesis typically has: 1) Socket — the core part that contacts the residual limb, bears weight, and holds the limb; 2) Suspension system — such as a silicone liner with lock, vacuum suspension, or belt, to keep it from falling off; 3) Connectors and alignment parts — joining components and adjusting angles; 4) Joint components — knee and ankle for lower limbs, elbow and wrist for upper limbs; 5) Terminal device — prosthetic foot or hand; 6) Cosmetic cover. Component choice must match amputation level, body weight, activity level, and budget, and they must work together for comfort and function.

The socket is the part of the prosthesis that directly wraps the residual limb. It's the core of contact, weight-bearing, and force transfer between the body and the prosthesis — often called the heart of the prosthesis. It determines whether wearing is comfortable, stable, and efficient. A good socket fits the limb, distributes pressure evenly, bears weight sensibly, avoids sensitive areas, and is easy to don and suspend. It's custom-made by a prosthetist from a cast of your limb, using materials like resin, carbon fiber, or flexible liners. A bad socket is the most common cause of pain, skin breakdown, and unstable walking — see your prosthetist promptly if it's uncomfortable.

A temporary (early) prosthesis is used while the residual limb is not yet stabilized. It is simple, adjustable, and lower cost, aiming to let patients stand and train early, promote limb shaping, and adjust physically and mentally; it's usually replaced after several months. A definitive (permanent) prosthesis is custom-made once the limb is mature and volume is stable — better materials, more precise alignment and fit, stronger function, and greater durability, lasting long-term (typically 3–5 years, depending on use and body changes). The two are sequential rather than either-or; starting with a temporary prosthesis improves the fit of the definitive one.