Prosthetic limbs provide extraordinary benefits for people who have suffered an amputation. Modern arm and leg prosthetics offer more mobility and function than ever before, using new materials and innovative technology to imitate or replace natural limbs. There are four main types of prosthetic limbs, defined by the body parts they replace. Here's what you should know about each.

Types of Limb Prostheses

1. Transradial

A transradial prosthesis replaces the hand and arm below the elbow. Many offer opening and closing grips which are powered either electronically or through the movement of the body. Some advanced arm prostheses can read the electrical impulses sent through the nerves of the arm to give users conscious control of a wide range of motions, while other options are simpler in design.

2. Transhumeral

A transhumeral prosthesis replaces the arm above the elbow. Options for this type of prosthetic limb are similar to those available for transradial prosthetics, except that the addition of an elbow joint can complicate the problem of providing a range of motion and control.

3. Transtibial

Transtibial prostheses are for patients with the leg amputated below the knee. These designs can be exoskeletal, with a hard outer shell which increases durability, or endoskeletal, using an exposed central pylon and interchangeable parts for the knees and feet.

4. Transfemoral

Prostheses for above-the-knee amputations experience some of the same complications as transhumeral ones due to the loss of the knee joint. Prosthetic replacements can come with hinge-style single axis knees which only bend forward and backward, or more complex designs called polycentric knees which offer a greater range of motion.

For advice on the types of prosthetic limbs available to you, contact Stubbs Prosthetics & Orthotics in Chattanooga, TN. Serving surrounding communities in Hamilton County, they pride themselves on attentive, ongoing patient care, leaving no stone unturned in the search for the best prosthetic devices for your individual needs. To schedule a free consultation, call (706) 259-4563 or contact them online.