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Types of Artificial Legs

An artificial leg is the generic word for a prosthetic device that allows amputees to walk, run or conduct various activities. Artificial legs may be above the knee or below the knee. For an artificial leg to work properly, it must fit comfortably in the socket, or else the wearer may experience pain and find it difficult to walk. The technology of artificial legs continues to evolve, so some artificial legs work better than others.

  1. Transtibial Prosthesis

    • When an artificial leg or limb replaces a missing leg below the knee, doctors refer to it as transtibial prosthesis. Usually these patients recuperate and regain use of their leg faster than a person whose leg is amputated above the knee. Unlike a person missing a leg above the knee, a transtibial amputee still has part of the knee attached to the body, which makes it easier to walk and make other movements with an artificial leg.

    Transfemoral Prosthesis

    • Those missing leg above the knee can be outfitted with a transfemoral prosthesis. Some people with an artificial leg that starts above the knee may have a more difficult time learning to use the prosthesis than those using transtibial prostheses because they must learn to manipulate the knee function on the device. Typically, this type of amputee uses 80 percent more energy to walk than a person with both legs. However, new technology has developed artificial legs that use hydraulics, mechanical linkages, carbon fiber, small motors and computer microprocessors to help the person better control the limb.

    Microprocessor Prosthesis

    • A microprocessor prosthesis is a generic word for a prosthesis that uses a knee driven by a microprocessor. This helps provide security, stability and more function and control of the artificial leg. Some types of microprocessor knees include Otto Bock Compact microprocessor prosthetic knee, Ossur Rheo microprocessor knee and the Endolite 2 Adaptive microprocessor prosthetic knee.

    Integrated Bionic Prosthesis

    • A bionic prosthesis is an artificial leg or limb with sensitive internal sensors and wireless communications for an amputee to walk or perform various activities. Additionally, the devices offer real-time self-adjustment capability. This type of leg works with a bionic foot and knee to give an amputee more flexibility.

    Plastic Legs

    • Some manufacturers make artificial legs from cloth layers coated with plastic. This type of artificial leg features duralumin joints at the ankle and knee. The sole of the foot is rubber and a leather cuff pads the stump.

    Carbon Fiber Artificial Legs

    • A carbon fiber prosthesis is an artificial leg good for sports activities. It offers more mobility than other sorts of prosthesis legs, but it does not look as natural or resemble an actual leg. Some carbon fiber prostheses appear more robotic-looking.

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