Leg prostheses

Modern leg prostheses are recommended for a person, who has special needs or has lost a leg or its part as a result of various causes, to restore the support and walking functions, to improve the mobility in general, and to get back the aesthetic look.

Leg prosthesis manufactured on the basis of modern technologies is solid and, depending on its components, can weigh from 3 to 5-6 kg on an average.

Leg prostheses are designed by taking into account the living conditions, mobility needs, and other health-related factors of a person. In the first place, a plaster impression is made, then multi-purpose prosthetic components are selected (foot and shin tubes, knee and hip hinge mechanisms, rotating devices) and custom-made prosthetic elements are manufactured (prosthetic sockets, fasteners, cosmetic means).

A custom-made prosthetic leg component – a prosthetic socket – is manufactured by applying a special laminating method, often inserting a silicone liner, which provides good adhesion. Depending on a type of knee hinge mechanism, a prosthetic socket can be manufactured from steel-based or titanium-based alloy. Manufacturing of prosthetic foot involves various materials made from plastic or carbon fiber or other tubes.

Leg prosthetics at the center for orthopedic medicine Pes Planus include customized manufacturing of thigh, shin, and feet prostheses.

Types and leg prostheses:

• Initial – worn from 3 months for up to 1 year. They are used for shaping the stump and for a person to get used to walking with prosthesis. This type of leg prosthesis shapes the stump and accustoms to the additional load. Wearing an initial prosthesis makes the stump smaller, thus requiring prosthetic socks, which reinforce the attachment of the artificial limb and protect against slipping at certain points of bearing. Initial leg prostheses are manufactured from high temperature plastic within 1-2 weeks. An artificial leg has no cosmetic disguise, thus making the position of axles easily visible and facilitating their adjustment.

• Permanent – manufactured in no less than 5 months since initial fitting date, when the stump has already gained its shape.

Leg prosthesis is attached to the stump with the help of prosthetic socket in the following two suspension ways: either by vacuum (suction sockets) or, in the rarer cases, by shuttle lock using a padded liner (attachment straps).

Prices of leg prostheses vary depending on the part of the leg needed, materials used for manufacturing the prosthesis, measurements of prosthesis, etc.