Limb loss/difference and prosthetic rehabilitation

Limb loss or amputation is a destructive procedure caused by various reasons including diabetes, road traffic accidents, frost bite or any other reasons. The world Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that only 5-15% of amputee population have access to the prosthetic rehabilitation or artificial limb. The daily activities of a person is highly affected when someone loses limb or part of the limb.

Maximum of this population is unaware about the rehabilitation process through the artificial limb. With the help of cutting edge technology, these days it’s possible for the amputees to live a normal life. The persons who lose the limbs can walk like a normal human and also participate in different sports like running, cycling etc.

Let’s know the cutting edge technology

Microprocessor controlled Prosthesis for Lower Extremity

Generally for the amputees who have lost their leg above the knee can be fitted with microprocessor prosthesis. This unit has microprocessor knee, advanced Prosthetic socket, microprocessor ankle and other supproting units which helps in hanging the artificial limb. This knee and ankle has a sensor, microprocessor, software for controlling different motions of the limb.

The knee and ankle is programmed according to the patient. The ankle can accommodate with various uneven terrain and set itself according to the surface. The advance prosthesis even can help the amputees in swimming, running etc.

Myoelectric Prosthesis for Upper Extremity

This systems are basically used for the upper extremity or hand/forearm/arm amputation. The patient can be fitted with a myoelectric Prosthesis/artificial limb which enables the patient perform almost all the activities which he/she was performing before amputation. In this system the remnant musculature electricity is used for the operation of different hand activities. Small servomotors are given signal to move forward and backward directions with specific proportions for achieving different grasps to hold different objects.

All the advance prosthesis is fitted prior to comprehensive assessment of the patient.

Dr. Ritikesh Pattanaik
Master in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MPO), BPO