For most people, walking, standing, or sitting are natural, everyday processes. After an amputation in the leg area, assistive devices are required to continue performing these movements. The task of leg prostheses is to compensate for lost body functions and to reduce the associated restrictions as much as possible.
A modern prosthesis is made up of various components, so-called functional parts. These include, for example, prosthetic feet or knee joints, which can be controlled mechanically or electronically (microprocessor-controlled). The targeted combination of these components results in the finished fitting, which can help you achieve greater independence in everyday life.
The requirements for a prosthetic fitting are as individual as the person themselves. There is no single solution that fits everyone. At Prothesen-Manufaktur-Da Vinci GmbH, we therefore work with you to develop a treatment concept tailored to your specific situation.
Factors such as the intended use (everyday life, work, sports), the amputated limb, your age, and your physical condition are included in this planning. However, your personal wishes and goals for the future are also decisive. This results in a fitting that meets your needs in the best possible way.
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Leg prostheses consist of several components, which can be roughly divided into three areas:
As an essential building block of the prosthesis, it replaces the human foot and masters the complex tasks of standing and walking in everyday life. Since the demands on this component are very diverse, there are a wide variety of designs to ensure an individual fitting.
Directly after the amputation, an interim prosthesis (initial fitting) is used as a temporary solution. Subsequent fittings used to test components or socket shapes are called test prostheses. These are important because the amputated limb must adapt to the new load, especially in the initial phase, and its volume often changes (volume fluctuations). The user’s activity level also develops during this time.
Interim sockets usually consist of thermoplastic materials that can be easily modified and adjusted. This phase is important for testing various components (e.g., knee joints or feet) before the final (definitive) prosthesis is made. At Prothesen-Manufaktur-Da Vinci GmbH, we accompany you intensively during this test phase.
The sockets for the definitive fitting are usually made of durable casting resins combined with fiber composites (e.g., carbon). These materials are lightweight yet robust enough to withstand the stresses of everyday life or special activities.
The external appearance can be individually designed using cosmetic covers—whether unobtrusively modeled on the body shape or as a conscious design element, we cater to your personal preferences here.
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These prostheses are designed for daily use and are tailored to the user’s requirements and activity level.
Functionality for everyday life is ensured by combining mechanical and/or electronic components from various manufacturers. For specific activities (e.g., at work), special work prostheses may also be useful as a supplement.
Whether running, hiking, or cycling: Specially constructed sports prostheses are designed for high loads and specific movement sequences.
They enable wearers to pursue hobbies, club sports, or even competitive sports.
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Sometimes the focus is not on function, but on restoring the external appearance.
Purely cosmetic solutions serve this purpose. They usually have no joint functions but can be very important for body image and well-being.
Do you have any unanswered questions, or would you like an assessment of your current fitting situation? No matter whether you are about to receive your first prosthesis or already have many years of experience as a user—we take the time to discuss your concerns in detail.
You are welcome to schedule an appointment for a personal consultation at our facility, or contact us in advance by phone. Together, we will clarify what concrete possibilities modern orthopedic technology offers for your individual needs.
Leg prostheses replace missing sections of the leg. The connection to the body is established by the prosthetic socket, which encases the amputated limb. Additional components (e.g., knee joints, foot parts, modular parts) are attached to this socket.
There is a multitude of components available that support movement either purely mechanically or via microprocessor control (electronically). This structure made of individual parts is referred to as modular design.
