Key facts

• Artificial body parts called prostheses can be helpful if someone is missing a body part due to a birth defect, accident or surgery.
• Prostheses come in different types, such as limbs, breast and facial prostheses.
• Prosthetists are experts who help design, fit and care for prostheses. Orthotists assist with support devices.
• It is important to care for your prosthetic by getting regular check-ups and adjustments as needed.
• There are many sources of funding for prostheses; part or all of the cost may be covered depending on your situation.

What are prostheses?

A prosthesis is an artificial replacement body part. It is made for a part of the body that may have been missing at birth, or that is lost in an accident or through amputation. Some people have a limb removed (amputated) as part of treatment for cancer, diabetes or severe infection.

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A prosthesis might also be used as an alternative to reconstructive surgery. For example, a prosthetic breast may be created after a breast has been removed to treat cancer.

Today, prostheses for areas such as the hands, feet and face look very natural. They are often used to improve appearance rather than replace the function of the missing limbs. However, technological developments are also improving the function of limb prostheses. Some modern prosthetic limbs have battery-powered motors that help improve the prostheses' function. An example would be a hand prosthesis with moving fingers.

Prostheses may also include surgically implanted artificial body parts, such as:

• replacement heart valves
• bones or joints (e.g. a hip replacement)
• cochlear implants

If you have one of these, your medical team will advise you on maintaining your health and lifestyle following the surgery.

You might also have heard the word orthosis or orthotic used. An orthosis provides external support to a limb or body part, while a prosthesis replaces it. For example, an artificial leg is a prosthesis, while a splint to support the leg is an orthosis.

Types of prosthesis

Limb prostheses include:

• arm prostheses fitted at, above or below the elbow, including hand and finger prostheses
• leg prostheses fitted at, above or below the knee, including foot and toe prostheses

Other types of prosthesis include:

• an artificial breast worn in the bra to replace a breast removed due to cancer
• implantable hearing aids
• artificial eyeballs
• ear, nose or eye socket replacements
• an artificial soft or hard palate (worn like a dental plate)

Who can help with prostheses?

Prosthetists are health professionals who specialise in prostheses. If you need one, they will work with your medical team to design and fit your prosthesis and help you use and care for it.

If you need an orthotic device to correct problems with posture and walking, you might also be assisted by an orthotist.

What do prostheses cost?

Protheses can cost thousands of dollars, but there are many sources of funding. The cost might be covered in full or in part by:

Public funding can be limited. You might choose to pay more out-of-pocket to get a higher quality model prosthesis than one that public funding would offer. Speak with your prosthetist about the right prosthetic treatment plan for you. They will discuss with you all the associated costs, so you can make an informed decision.

Funding for breast prostheses is available under the External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program.

Prosthetics covered by private health insurance are listed on the Prostheses List . Most private health insurance doesn't fund prosthetic limbs or cosmetic prosthetics, but you should check with your insurer what they will cover.

For more information, please visit prosthetic tools.

Talk to your health professional about costs and funding sources. Remember to also ask about the costs of surgery, scans, tests and hospital stays.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR &#; Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Prostheses for children

Prostheses for children can allow them to be active and develop. Growing children will usually need to have their prostheses adjusted every few months, or more often if they are having a growth spurt. If they outgrow a prosthesis, another will need to be made.

Learning how to use a prosthesis can be challenging and tiring for anyone, especially a child. Limbs4Kids is an organisation that provides support for children who are missing a limb and for their families.

The Australian Government offers a range of allowances that relate to parenting and disability. These include:

Visit the Services Australia or Carer Gateway websites for more information.

Living with prostheses

A prosthesis can help you cope better with day-to-day activities, but it can take time to get used to.

You'll need regular check-ups, and adjustments to make the prosthesis as comfortable and useful as possible. You might also need a plan for rehabilitation to make sure you benefit from your prosthesis as much as possible.

You will need to take care of yourself and your prosthesis. This may include:

• removing the prosthesis for sleeping, if that is recommended
• regularly inspecting your limb's stump and keep the skin healthy
• wearing appropriate protection between the stump and the prosthesis
• wearing the appropriate shoes for a leg prosthesis
• cleaning the socket of the prosthesis
• seeing your prosthetist for regular check-ups

Resources and support

You should talk to your health professional about the benefits and risks of getting a medical implant. Use the Therapeutic Goods Administration's guide on what to ask. The information is in English, Arabic, Croatian, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Prosthetic Device 

Broadly speaking, prosthetic devices &#; also known as &#;artificial limbs,&#; &#;prosthetics, &#;prostheses,&#; and a host of other terms &#; are any artificial devices that are used to replace and compensate for a missing body part (most likely a limb). Devices can be in the form of a hand, foot or other less natural shapes like a hook or curved blade (for running). While prostheses are generally customized and categorized based on the specific part of the body they&#;ll be used on, most typically contain the same essential components (i.e., the socket, the prosthetic liners, a shaft, a suspension system, and so on).

Due to the massive array of amputation types that can affect any area of the body, there&#;s an equally massive array of prosthetic devices on the market, all designed to help amputees regain their independence, reclaim their confidence, and start moving forward on their journeys to recovery. Not only do these devices play a vital role in the early rehabilitation process, but they also provide prolonged support to millions of people over the world for years at a time.

Thankfully, with the rapid advancements made in the field of prosthetic technology over the past few years, today&#;s amputees seeking a path back to independence have more options than ever before. From more straightforward cosmetic-oriented prosthetics to highly advanced models that can be controlled through intricate computerized systems, leading manufacturers like Össur, Ottobock, and countless others are flooding the market with prosthetic options tailor-made to fit any number of needs. At MCOP, we&#;re happy to supply a large majority of these devices, and we always make it a priority to ensure every client finds the perfect fit for their unique lifestyle.

Learn More About Prosthetic Devices

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