Prosthetics
Prosthetics
Prosthetics (pronounced: pross-THEH-tiks) is a branch of medicine that involves the use and manufacture of artificial body parts, known as prostheses, to replace missing or damaged body parts.
Etymology
The term "prosthetics" is derived from the Ancient Greek word prosthesis, meaning "addition, application, attachment". It was first used in English in the 16th century to refer to artificial body parts.
Related Terms
- Prosthesis: An artificial body part, such as a limb, a tooth, or an eye.
- Orthotics: A related field that focuses on the use of devices to support or correct the function of a limb or the torso.
- Biomechanics: The study of the structure and function of biological systems such as humans, animals, plants, organs, and cells by means of the methods of mechanics.
- Rehabilitation (medicine): The process of helping a person who has suffered an illness or injury restore lost skills and regain maximum self-sufficiency.
- Amputation: The removal of a body extremity by trauma, medical illness, or surgery.
Prosthetics in Medicine
In medicine, prosthetics is used to replace body parts lost through trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. Prosthetic amputee rehabilitation is primarily coordinated by a physiatrist as part of a inter-disciplinary team consisting of physiotherapists, prosthetists, occupational therapists, and orthotists.
Prosthetics are designed to enhance the function and lifestyle of individuals with limb loss. The prosthetic parts can be made to match the functional needs of the individual, such as participating in leisure activities, walking, running, or handling objects.
Types of Prosthetics
There are several types of prosthetics, including:
- Transradial prosthesis: A type of prosthesis that is used to replace a missing forearm.
- Transhumeral prosthesis: A type of prosthesis that is used to replace a missing upper arm.
- Transtibial prosthesis: A type of prosthesis that is used to replace a missing lower leg.
- Transfemoral prosthesis: A type of prosthesis that is used to replace a missing upper leg.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prosthetics
- Wikipedia's article - Prosthetics
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