Prosthetics have both pros and cons. They offer significant benefits, such as improved mobility and independence, but also present challenges, like high costs and adaptation periods.
In this article, we will explore the categories and pros and cons of prosthetics, helping you consider what devices would suit you or your loved one.
Key Takeaways
- Prosthetic devices are essential for restoring lost functionality and independence.
- Prosthetics are categorized into upper limbs, lower limbs, and craniofacial prostheses.
- Due to high costs, ongoing maintenance, and inadequate insurance coverage, prosthetics may cause discomfort, skin irritation, and financial burdens.
What are Prosthetic Devices
Prosthetic devices, commonly known as prostheses, are artificial limbs that replace a part that's missing or no longer functional. They are for individuals who have limb loss or congenital deficiencies.
While most commonly associated with limbs, prosthetic devices can extend to other body parts, such as teeth (dentures) or internal implants.
Prosthetic devices are divided into three categories: upper limb, lower limb, and craniofacial prostheses. Each category is designed to address specific physical needs and restore functionality for users.
Upper Limb Prosthesis
Upper limb prostheses are specifically created to replace missing arms, hands, or fingers. They are tailored to the individual’s needs and provide functional and cosmetic benefits.
They are primarily categorized into body-powered and myoelectric types, with the latter functioning through electrical signals from the user’s remaining muscles.
Despite the advancements in technology, prosthetic arms today cannot fully replicate the mobility and grasp patterns of a natural arm.
The success of a prosthetic hand in daily function hinges heavily on the integrity and performance of the shoulder and elbow joints of the amputee.
Furthermore, users often experience discomfort due to factors like the weight of the prosthetic arm and the physical strain needed to control its movements.
Lower Limb Prosthesis
Lower limb prostheses replace missing or damaged legs, feet, or toes after amputation, which may result from conditions such as poor blood flow (often due to vascular issues) and diabetes-related complications.
The type of prosthetic device prescribed depends on the level of amputation and may include specific components like SACH feet, patellar tendon-bearing sockets, and various prosthetic legs or knees.
While these devices can effectively support major movements and facilitate walking, they cannot fully replace natural movement.
However, advancements in modern prosthetic technology have led to components that provide improved mobility and help users regain functional gait.
Craniofacial Prosthesis
Craniofacial prostheses are designed to replace missing or damaged parts of the head and face, such as ears, noses, or eyes.
The design of these prostheses aims to achieve a natural appearance through the matching of skin color and texture, and functional integration with the patient’s existing anatomical structures.
Anaplastologists, specialists trained in art, anatomy, and material sciences, primarily use silicone rubber to create realistic-looking craniofacial prosthetics for soft tissues.
They can be attached to the face either through medical-grade adhesive, less reliable under certain conditions, or via bone-integrated implants known as osseointegration, which provides a more secure fit.
However, these prosthetics undergo degradation over time. Typically, it requires remaking every two years to maintain their appearance and function.
The Benefits of Prosthetics
While prosthetic devices present challenges, they offer significant benefits such as improved mobility, independence, and well-being.
But not everyone can benefit from it. It would depend on factors such as joint condition, the presence of sufficient soft tissue for articulation, and the underlying reason for the amputation.
Enhanced Mobility
Prosthetic limbs significantly improve your mobility, facilitating movements and tasks that would otherwise be challenging.
These devices aim to mimic the function of the amputated limb, restoring the ability to walk, run, and navigate varied terrains.
You can also engage in sports and physical activities, which can lead to mood improvements and a healthier lifestyle.
“When I learned I had to have my leg amputated, it was an OH MY GOD moment… I had two choices in my head. One is that I could sit in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Or I could walk. So I said to my prosthetist, “give me a leg – I’m gonna walk!” And that’s exactly what we did… I like to walk. I walk a lot. I go out walking to stay healthy and just, you know, see the surroundings and breathe the air… So I'm constantly walking. I made more than a million steps with my Power leg over the past year.”
Increased Independence
Prosthetic limbs enable you to perform a wide range of activities independently, reducing reliance on assistive devices or personal assistance.
This greater sense of personal autonomy and control over your life can lead to a more positive outlook and resilience in the face of challenges.
“It was a matter of walking 100 meters, taking that off, cleaning my leg, cleaning the liner, putting it back on again, and then cracking on so I didn’t get any sores or cuts on my leg… I’m very fortunate to get this amazing bit of technology.”
Psychological Well-being
Beyond the physical benefits, prosthetic limbs also have a profound impact on psychological well-being.
They can help individuals overcome the psychological challenges associated with limb loss, such as:
- Depression
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Loss of self-esteem
- Stigma
- Isolation
Adapting to prosthetics can facilitate a healthier process of overcoming shock, anger, grief, and non-acceptance following limb loss.
The use of prosthetics helps bridge the gap between one's internal and external self, supporting a gradual adaptation to a new self-image. This alignment aids in regaining a sense of normalcy and maintaining continuity with your past identity.
This process is significantly enhanced by the support from physical therapy, family, friends, and therapists, which is crucial in developing a positive self-representation post-amputation.
“Some had never stood next to a person with a prosthetic limb and the ideas they might have of what an amputee might look or act like is, in most cases, negative. So when they do clock my appearance and then see the leg, it is very challenging for them. Most importantly when the limb is attached and I’m walking with it in my full composure it has a power that is beyond something that can be described.”
The Disadvantages of Prosthetic Limbs
Man sitting down pulling up the sleeve on his prosthesis getting ready to ride his bike
Despite the numerous benefits of prosthetic devices, we must also acknowledge the challenges they can present. Some of these challenges can include high cost and discomfort.
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Financial Burden
The financial burden associated with prosthetic devices is a significant disadvantage for many.
Myoelectric prostheses are significantly more expensive than body-powered systems due to their complex technology involving motors and batteries.
Furthermore, you may face additional financial hardship without Medicare or Medicaid as commercial insurance does not always cover the full costs of prosthetic limbs.
You will often encounter indirect costs such as travel expenses, lost income from time out of work, and out-of-pocket spending, which are not always covered by insurance.
Limited Functionality
While an artificial limb is designed to replicate your natural one, it often lacks the full range of motion and fine motor control of the remaining limb.
This can affect your ability to carry out complex activities like self-care and interacting with the environment.
Challenges with prostheses can include:
- Motion-selection time delays
- Lack of sensory feedback
- Difficulties with consistent signal capture
- Socket fit and sweating
To compensate for the limited functionality, prosthetic users often execute more discrete sub-movements like finger movement, leading to a longer time to reach and grasp objects.
Discomfort and Skin Irritation
Discomfort and skin irritation are common challenges faced by prosthetic users. Poorly fitted prosthetic sockets and body-powered prostheses can cause pain, discomfort, and skin issues, often leading users to abandon their prostheses.
The first indicators of skin problems due to prosthetic use are redness and a burning sensation that escalate to pain, swelling, the formation of blisters, and the development of ulcers, leading to more serious skin damage and possible infections.
Skin irritation and damage are more common in areas with excess tissue at the bone's end, loose or burned skin, skin grafts, thick scars, or near bony prominences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do prosthetics give an unfair advantage?
Studies have shown that prosthetics worn by disabled sprinters do not confer a speed advantage and may even reduce top speed. In fact, athletes using prostheses were found to have slower performance in various aspects of sprinting.
What are the cons of current prosthetic control movement methods?
The cons of current prosthetic control movement methods include electrode failure, signal deterioration over time, and abnormal signals that can discourage users from using the prosthetic devices.
What are the cons of bionic prosthetics?
Bionic prosthetics can be expensive, require ongoing maintenance, and might be difficult to use.
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