Prosthetic legs have come a long way in the last hundred years. From having a wooden peg to help you get around to intricate microprocessor knees, we’re truly living in wondrous times.
Today, Floyd Brace Company would like to break down the individual parts of a prosthetic leg and help you understand better how all the components work together:
- The Socket.
This is the part of the prosthesis that connects it to your residual limb. The type of design and the materials used can vary based on whether you’re an above-the-knee or below-the-knee amputee. Your prosthetist may also change your socket at various times, depending on how your body changes.
- The Limb.
This term can be confusing, as we often refer to “residual limbs” or “sound limbs,” but when it comes to prosthetic legs, this means the largest part of the prosthesis. Most are modeled after your sound limb, but for serious athletes, the limb can be a variety of non-human looking shapes.
If you are an above-the-knee amputee, you will need a prosthetic knee that allows you to regain a natural-looking gait. The most sophisticated kinds include the microprocessor knee, which has a small computer inside of it that gathers information about how you are walking and what your environment is like. It then adjusts how it responds accordingly.
What kind of prosthetic feet you wear depends on the level of activity you engage in. For those who won’t be doing a lot of walking, a solid ankle cushioned heel (SACH) is a good option. A dynamic-response foot is good for those who want to engage in moderate to high activity. For those who will often find themselves on uneven surfaces, a microprocessor foot (which is similar to the microprocessor knee) is ideal.
Each of these components have many different options to accompany them, all meant to allow the user to live their desired lifestyle. Make an appointment with us today if you want to explore your options when it comes to your lower-limb prosthesis.
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