The loss of a limb can be a traumatizing experience for anyone. Adapting to the new norm of being an amputee may be challenging for anyone. The lifestyle is incredibly daunting to athletes who have lost their limbs as it implies career turnaround. Several reasons may lead to one needing a limb amputation. Most people think that one can only lose a limb from an accident, which is the most common cause anyway. However, several other reasons, such as diseases and congenital disabilities, may also attribute to amputation. The most common is diabetes, resulting in one losing a limb if the case is extreme. Nowadays, advanced technology has made it so that one can still live an everyday life even with losing a limb.
There are several rehabilitation methods that people opt for in the occurrence of an amputation. Most people will either opt for a wheelchair due to their comfort while others go for clutches since they are familiar. However, prosthetics offer better life functionality and independence. One's career never has to stop since the prosthetics limb performs the same or even better function as the amputated limb. Below are some of the things to know about prosthetics.
Types of Prosthetic Limbs
There are several prosthetic limbs. However, the prosthetics get determined by the limb amputated and the extremity of the amputation. Four main types of prosthetic limbs exist transfemoral, transhumeral, transtibial, and transradial prostheses.
- Transhumeral prosthesis - When an amputated arm is above the elbow, this prosthesis attaches the shoulder and the elbow.
- Transradial prosthesis - This is the artificial limb used to replace an arm that is missing below the elbow. Two main types of prosthetics can be used about the transradial prosthesis. There are the limbs operated by a cable or the myoelectric arm stimulated by the electrodes to sense any movement of muscles in the upper arm.
- Transfemoral prosthesis - Its role is replacing a missing leg located above the knee. However, it may be daunting before one gets the hang of it when walking due to complexities. It requires more energy to achieve any movement with this artificial limb. However, after a couple of rehabilitations, one must understand the different ways to maneuver with this leg.
- Transtibial prosthesis - Unlike the transfemoral prosthesis, this kind of artificial limb is required by one who has amputation of the leg below the knee. Therefore, since a large part of knee retention, regular movements are not as challenging. Someone going through such rehabilitation will never require a lot of hassle to regain movement normalcy.
Upcoming Future Enhancements
Significant advancement in the prosthetics world has been witnessed over the years. The prosthetics materials have been changing gradually to fit the needs of amputees worldwide. The use of polymers such as silicone and PVC to manufacture life-like prosthetics has made waves. Therefore, people have now been using prosthetics limbs that get customized with veins and even fingerprints. Such prostheses mimic real-life limbs. Besides, such materials are now lighter and less energy is required for movement.
Prosthetics technology advancement is still on-going. Prosthetics companies are trying to develop artificial limbs that can have better performance than real limbs. Therefore, some studies are trying to come up with robotic limbs, A.I powered limbs and direct bone attachment. Such technologies are gaining momentum and are bound to be introduced into the markets soon.
What Do Prosthetics Cost?
There are a lot of determinants of the cost of prosthetic limbs. One of the most prominent influencers of the price is the complexity of the limb functionality. For instance, there are those patients who need prosthetics purely for everyday movements. However, there are enhanced artificial limbs performing complex functions such as extreme sports.
When it comes to cost, it depends on whether one will be incurring out-of-pocket costs or will be relying on insurance. With an insurance cover, one never gets to spend a lot. It is the insurance premium that dictates the level of treatment and rehabilitation services one can have. Therefore, one ends up spending close to nothing to have a prosthetics limb.
However, with no insurance cover, one may have to spend about $10,000 to $70,000 depending on the prosthetic limb's complexity. It is also wise to note that the prosthetic limbs are not a one-time investment, and one has to continually have them replaced after three to five years, depending on the wear and tear.
With millions of people losing their limbs globally, the use of prosthetics is becoming popular. Prosthetics use has mitigated depression among most amputees as they can now live their normal lives.