A Primer on Limb Prosthetics

The purpose of this book is to provide entry-level prosthetists, physical therapists, physiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, and others with a basic knowledge of the current state of the art in providing amputees with artificial limbs. The field of prosthetics, like other technical fields, changes through the years, sometimes rapidly, but usually gradually. The information in this text is as current as possible. Major topics include the amputee; lower-limb prostheses; prostheses for partial foot, transtibial, transfemoral, and Syme's amputations; prostheses for knee and hip disarticulation; upper-limb prostheses; fabrication, fitting, and alignment; components; body-powered and externally powered prostheses; management of child and elderly amputees; and training and education of the amputee. References are provided for readers who desire to extend their education in the field. The nomenclature for amputation levels and limb prostheses that has been adopted by the International Standards Organization is used throughout the text. The material in this book is presented in such a manner that it should also be useful to rehabilitation counselors and administrators, nurses, amputees, third-party payers, and interested lay persons in understanding the fundamentals involved in rehabilitation of amputees.