Four Main Types of Artificial Limbs

By Matthew Garibaldi

Transradial Prosthesis

• An artificial limb that replaces an arm missing below the elbow!

• Two types available: cable-operated limbs and myoelectric arms!

• Cable operated limbs work by attaching a harness and cable around the opposite shoulder of the damaged arm!

• Myoelectric arms work by sensing with electrodes when the muscles in the upper arm moves, causing an artificial hand to open or close

Transhumeral Prosthesis

• An artificial limb that replaces an arm missing above the elbow!

• The complexities around moving the elbow makes mimicking the correct motion with an artificial limb very difficult

Transtibial Prosthesis

• An artificial limb that replaces a leg missing below the knee!

• Amputees can often regain normal movement more readily than someone with a transfemoral amputation, since retaining the knee makes movement easier

Transfemoral Prosthesis

• An artificial limb that replaces a leg missing above the knee!

• The lack of knee makes it hard for amputees to regain normal movement!

• Transfemoral amputees generally need to use approximately 80% more energy to walk than a person with two whole legs!

• Newer and more improved designs allow more control for the user