New Advancements in Surgical Prosthetic Equipment

Surgical prosthetic equipment is designed to replace a missing body part such as a leg, arm or foot. Some are permanent, while others can be removed once no longer needed. Some devices are made from skin, bone or other tissues and other are made from metal, plastic or ceramic. Learn more about cranial helmets for infants, go here.

Developing a new prosthesis for patients who have had an amputation is a challenge that requires the combined talents of neuroscientists, engineers and surgeons. That’s why UC Davis Health has a team of experts in these fields that are working together to design innovative, smart prosthetics for amputees.

One upcoming development is called Targeted Muscle Reinnervation, which connects nerves that were cut during amputations to muscles that remain, and allows them to communicate dynamically with each other, according to UC Davis Health researchers. This procedure can improve patients’ quality of life by reducing phantom pain and neuromas, the painful formation of scar tissue at the ends of the nerves.

Another upcoming advancement is called Prosthetic Iris Replacement, which can be used to replace an iris that has been damaged from an accident or surgery. This can help people with congenital aniridia, herpetic iris atrophy or surgical iris loss.

A third new development is a biosensor that sends information to a computer microcontroller through a wired connection in the limb or actuator, such as a motor. These types of sensors can be used in myoelectric or electromyoelectric prostheses, which use electrical signals to control muscles.

These type of implants can be used to detect if someone is falling or if they are bending over. They are also being used to monitor heart function and to deliver medication, such as chemotherapy.

Choosing the right prosthetic for you is important to your comfort, quality of life and appearance. The prosthetist will assess your needs and preferences and make recommendations. It is a good idea to have a friend or spouse go with you to help you decide on the best prosthetic.

When shopping for a prosthesis, you will need to try different styles and sizes until you find one that fits well. The prosthetic should feel comfortable and stay in place when you move. It should look natural, like your other breasts. It should also be able to absorb sweat and clean easily.

A prosthesis should be shaped to fit your residual limb, so that it is symmetrical and evenly distributed across the limb. This helps reduce wear on the limb and decreases the risk of complications, such as a condition called choke syndrome, where the socket is too tight that can cause blood flow problems at the stump site.

The test socket is a clear plastic mold of your residual limb that the prosthetist can use to evaluate how well it fits you. This is usually done during your first visit, but sometimes it is necessary to take the socket home for testing before a final fitting with the prosthetic.

After amputation, you may need to see the prosthetist more often for maintenance and adjustments. The prosthetist will also check the device for problems such as loosening or fractures, which may require additional surgery to fix. A good relationship with the prosthetist can help ensure that your prosthesis works well for many years. Take a look at this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthotics for more information.