A prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part.

A limb may be amputated or missing because of a blood vessel disorder (eg, atherosclerosis, damage due to diabetes), cancer, an injury (eg, in a motor vehicle accident, during combat), or a birth defect. In the US, slightly < 0.5% of people have an amputation. However, the percentage is likely to increase because atherosclerosis and diabetes have become so widespread, as has obesity, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis and diabetes and thus may contribute to an increase in amputations.

An entire limb or part of one may be amputated. A lower-limb amputation may involve a toe, a foot, part of the leg below or above the knee, or an entire leg (at the hip). An amputation may even extend above the hip. An upper-limb amputation may involve ≥ 1 fingers, a hand, part of the arm below or above the elbow, or an entire arm (at the shoulder).

If a body part is missing, a prosthesis is often recommended to replace that part. At a minimum, a prosthesis should enable the user to perform daily activities (eg, walking, eating, dressing) independently and comfortably. However, ideally, a prosthesis enables the user to function as well or nearly as well as before the amputation. Because of recent advances in technology and prosthetic socket design, much better, more functional, and more comfortable prostheses are available. Highly motivated, otherwise healthy people with a prosthesis can accomplish many extraordinary feats (eg, skydiving, climb mountains , run marathons, complete triathlons, participate fully in sports, return to demanding jobs or to active duty in the military). They can live life without limitations. Whether a prosthesis is used only for activities at home or for more demanding activities, it can provide profound psychologic benefits.

How well a prosthesis enables the user to function depends on many factors:

• Fit of the prosthesis
• Type selected
• User's goals, overall health, age, and frame of mind

Success is most likely when a prosthetist and user work together to determine the best possible fit and the most appropriate type of prosthesis. (Prosthetists fit, build, and adjust prostheses and provide advice about how to use them.) A user who is motivated increases the likelihood of long-term success.

Last full review/revision February 2010 by Erik Schaffer, CP

Content last modified February 2012