Lower Limb Prosthesis in Arizona

What is a lower limb prosthesis?

A lower limb prosthesis is the partial or entire artificial replacement of a lower limb, such as a hip, thigh, knee, ankle, or foot. These artificial limbs, or prostheses, are used either simply for cosmetic purposes or to restore lower limb function.

Two common amputations of the lower extremities are transfemoral (above your knee) and transtibial (below your knee).

Prosthetists will design and fit a prosthesis to your residual limb, depending on your particular needs and measurements, for either cosmetic or functional restoration of your limb.

What are the common levels of lower extremity amputation?

The most common levels of lower limb amputation include:

• Transfemoral (Above Knee): Amputation of the lower limb above the knee joint
  
• Transtibial (Below Knee): Amputation of the lower limb below the knee joint
  
• Hip Disarticulation: Amputation of the lower limb at the hip joint
  
• Partial Foot: Amputation of only part of the foot

What are the types of lower limb prostheses?

The three major types of lower limb prosthesis are ankle and foot systems, prosthetic knee systems, and sport-specific foot and knee systems.

Ankle and Foot Systems

• Hydraulics for dampening impact
  
• Automatically adjustable to walking speeds
  
• Active propulsion to reduce energy expenditure for walking
  
• Endoskeletal torsion units for enabling twisting motions
  
• Ankle adjustments for different shoe heights

Prosthetic Knee Systems

• Body-powered
  
• Single or multi-axis joints
  
• Electronically controlled to reduce effort while walking and improve stability

Sport-Specific Foot and Knee Systems

• Can be designed for multiple recreational activities
  
• Can be specified for particular activities, including running, sprinting, skiing, or swimming.

Lower limb prostheses are either exoskeletal or endoskeletal:

• Exoskeletal Prosthesis: A fixed, non-adjustable prosthetic limb made of hard plastic or metal for high durability.

• Endoskeletal Prosthesis: Less durable and adjustable, containing an inner pseudo skeletal structure covered by soft material and synthetic skin.

Most lower limb prostheses tend to be endoskeletal for flexibility.

What materials are used in lower limb prostheses?

Lower limb prostheses typically consist of the following components:

• Socket
• Interface (the inner lining that touches your skin)
• Suspension
• Frame
• Knee Unit
• Foot/Ankle Complex
• Hip Joint

Options available for lower limb prosthesis

Partial-Foot Prostheses

Although patients with partial-foot amputations can typically stand and walk without a prosthesis, partial-foot prosthesis can enable ankle motion and support slow to medium walking speeds. Some prostheses can even support running or climbing stairs.

Syme Ankle Disarticulation

This modifies a Syme amputation for better prosthesis fitting and the cosmetic improvement of your ankle.

Below-Knee (Transtibial)

A below-knee prosthesis improves balance, stability, and movement. Depending on your particular needs, a range of foot/ankle components is available.

Above-Knee

Above-knee prostheses involve sockets, knee/ankle joints, and foot components to achieve balanced and stable mobility. 

Hip Disarticulation

Hip disarticulation prostheses support amputees who have had an amputation or anomaly at or around a hip joint.

Our Product List

Our orthotics and prostheses are always up to date with the industry’s state-of-the-art solutions and customized to each individual patient’s needs and goals. 

Some of the products we used include:

• Micro Processor Ankle (Freedom International)
• Proflex Foot (Össur)
• Proprio Foot (Össur)
• Triton Smart Ankle (Ottobock)
• Symbionic Leg – Micro Knee and Ankle (Össur)
• Kinterra, Foot and Ankle (Freedom International)

How much is a prosthetic leg?

A prosthetic leg can range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on how extensive the components used to construct your artificial limb. However, medical insurance typically covers at least part of the cost of prostheses.

How is a lower limb prosthesis fitted?

Prosthetic limb services typically begin with a medical specialist called a prosthetist who studies, designs, and fits you with the proper prosthesis based on your needs and bodily measurements. It may take several weeks before a prosthesis is completely developed for use. You will go through a fitting process until the perfect placement is found for your prosthetic limb, which may require some frequent adjusting before completing the process.

Custom-fitted lower limb prosthesis at Pongratz

At Pongratz, we offer prosthesis services fit for every patient, no matter your needs. We know very well the impact a lost limb has on anyone, no matter age or stage of life. We’re here for you every step of the way, so call us and let us help you get back to a fully functioning life!