Prosthetics

Artificial devices designed to replace missing body parts, most commonly limbs lost through amputation, congenital absence, or trauma. Modern prosthetics range from basic cosmetic devices to highly functional myoelectric arms controlled by muscle signals and microprocessor-controlled knees that adapt to walking speed and terrain. Unlike orthoses, which support existing body structures, prosthetics substitute for absent ones. Advances in materials, sensors, and neural interfaces are making prosthetics increasingly responsive and natural-feeling, though cost, maintenance, and fitting challenges remain significant barriers to access.