To use a leg prosthesis, unfortunately, in the first instance, there must be an act of amputation and this is performed in surgery, causing an irreversible change in the person subjected to it, because said procedure consists of cutting an extremity of the body, classifying the level of upper or lower limb amputation .
The causes of an amputation range from complications of chronic diseases such as diabetes or vascular problems, traumatic accidents, among others.
Usually, young patients are those who are engaged in high-performance activities, and who may suffer amputation due to diseases such as cancer, but it is not so common, according to this, the amputations that they usually suffer are due to different circumstances, such as a car accident, sports or some other, being mostly lower limbs.
Amputees must go through an acceptance process, since it is something very complicated to understand and it takes time, however, it is not a limitation to stop carrying out day-to-day activities . There are alternatives to be able to play sports and continue with a normal life.
An alternative is the correct adaptation of a leg prosthesis , which leads us to wonder…
What is a prosthesis ?
A prosthesis is an external application device that will be used to totally or partially replace a part of an absent or deficient limb, the prosthesis can be for a lower limb (hip disarticulation, above the knee , below the knee , foot or toes ) and also for the upper limb (Fingers, hand, forearm, arm); but in this blog we will focus on leg prostheses.
What is the difference between a traditional prosthesis and a sports one?
Like traditional prostheses, prostheses for athletes or athletes are prosthetic devices designed exclusively to replace a lower limb of the body, however, these are designed for high-level sports competition, therefore, the design and materials are specialized for the practice of sports, so they can do high-performance activities more easily.
This type of prosthesis has the same functions as a traditional prosthesis , therefore, they comply with support, strength and stability, but, just as there are variations in traditional prostheses , sports prostheses are also designed based on the sport to be performed. , such as: jumping, climbing, running and carrying weight.
Most of these leg prostheses are integrated with hydraulic systems that allow absorbing the impact of the ground, or in some other models, they are manufactured with materials that achieve the recovery of strength for the person’s momentum.
Athletes’ leg prostheses are generally made up of the following parts:
- Socket or prosthetic socket : This part adapts and fixes the prosthesis to the stump of the leg on the femur or tibia and fibula (depending on the type of amputation ) which, through a fastening system, provides the necessary stability and comfort for support.
- Hydraulic knee : This is the artificial joint system, which allows the folding of the prosthesis , making it imitate the natural movement of the leg when walking or running. In most cases it includes a hydraulic and damping system to absorb the impact. In the case of transtibial amputations this component is not necessary.
- J or C tube unit : This part of the leg prosthesis replaces the missing section of the tibia and fibula, and whose size and characteristics depend on the height at which the amputation was performed .
- Prosthetic foot : This is the support unit in the leg prosthesis , which replaces the shape and function of the person’s foot and ankle, providing support to regain balance and walk on different terrains, being able to recover the ability to walk and even running.
Some Of The More Specialized Prosthetic Feet For Athletes Are:
- Ottobock sprinter prosthetic foot 1E90
- Ossur Flex-Run
- Flex-foot Cheetah with spikes
It is important to mention that each and every one of the patients is different and that it is necessary for a prosthetic specialist to analyze their characteristics, needs and objectives, to determine what type of leg prosthesis for running will be ideal for you. At the Footlab Mediprax prosthesis clinic in Puebla we have qualified personnel prepared to help you find your correct leg prosthesis . Through these topics we seek to provide you with some useful information that allows you to broaden your outlook and range. of possibilities, with the sole purpose of having the necessary tools to make the right decision when choosing your leg prosthesis.