A prosthesis is a man-made device designed to replace a missing part of the body or to make a part of the body work better. Prostheses can be used to replace diseased or missing eyes, arms, hands, legs, or joints. They can also be used to help with appearance after surgery or other treatment for cancer. Some basic prostheses are available through the public health system. There are many different types of prostheses, including external prostheses that can be put on and taken off, and implants that are inserted during surgery. Prostheses can be created by hand or with computer-aided design (CAD) .
Some examples of prostheses include:
- Dental prostheses: False teeth that replace missing teeth.
- Maxillofacial prostheses: Artificial replacements of the jaw bone.
- Breast prostheses: Artificial breasts worn in the bra to replace a breast removed due to cancer.
- Hearing aids: Devices that improve hearing.
- Artificial eyeballs: Prostheses that replace missing eyes.
- Ear, nose or eye socket replacements: Prostheses that replace missing body parts.
- Artificial soft or hard palate: Prostheses that are worn like a dental plate.
- Transradial prosthesis: A prosthesis that replaces a part of the arm below the elbow.
- Transfemoral prosthesis: An artificial limb that replaces a leg missing above the knee.
- Transtibial prosthesis: An artificial limb that replaces a leg missing below the knee.
Prosthetists are health professionals who specialize in prostheses. They work with a persons medical team to design and fit the prosthesis and help the person use and care for it. A persons prosthesis should be designed and assembled according to their appearance and functional needs. It takes time to get used to a prosthesis, and regular check-ups and adjustments may be needed to make it as comfortable and useful as possible.
