How Modern Prosthetics Work

Prosthetic limbs have existed since the time of the ancient Egyptians, where a working prosthetic toe of wood with a leather harness allowed the wearer to use the sandals of the time or to go barefoot. Prosthetics may be necessary because of missing body parts due to trauma, congenital conditions, or disease. Prosthetic limbs are designed to restore the missing body part's normal functions. Modern prosthetics are generally created with computer-aided design, but they can also be hand-designed. Of Americans, one in 190 citizens is presently getting along with the loss of a limb. The leading cause is poor circulation due to the disease of the arteries, with more than half of cases occurring in patients with diabetes mellitus.

The Pylon

The pylon, the internal skeleton or frame of a prosthetic limb, is responsible for providing structural support. Traditionally, it has been made of metal rods. More recently, lighter composites of carbon-fiber have been utilized to create the pylons. Sometimes, pylons are enclosed by a foam-like material that serves as a cover that can be colored and shaped to match the skin tone of the recipient to give the prosthetic limb a more lifelike appearance. Pylons transfer weight between the prosthetic ending and the socket. Dynamic pythons are preferred, particularly in lower limb prosthetics, as they reduce the shocks created by the heel striking the ground.