Medical Treatments

Artificial Limb Services

Artificial limb or prosthetic services support individuals who have lost limbs due to accidents, illnesses, or congenital conditions.
The primary goal of these services is to restore mobility and independence while improving the overall quality of life through custom-made prosthetic devices.

What Are Artificial Limbs?

Artificial limbs, or prosthetics, are devices designed to replace missing limbs.
They mimic both the function and appearance of natural arms, legs, hands, or feet.
Modern prosthetics are made from advanced materials, such as lightweight carbon fiber and durable plastics.
These devices can be controlled using the body’s muscles or through advanced technologies like microprocessors and sensors.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of limb loss depend on the cause, but some common indicators include:

Trauma: Severe injury from an accident, such as car crashes or falls, may result in amputation.
Circulation problems: Chronic pain, swelling, or tissue damage may indicate circulation issues like peripheral artery disease (PAD), leading to amputations.
Infections or ulcers: Non-healing wounds, often related to diabetes, can sometimes lead to limb removal.
Cancerous tumors: A tumor may require surgical removal of part of a limb to stop cancer spread.

Causes

Causes of limb loss:

Trauma: Accidents, injuries in work, or military-related incidents.
Disease: Diabetes, vascular diseases, or infections that damage tissue beyond repair.
Cancer: Bone or tissue cancers requiring surgical removal of the affected area.
Congenital Limb Defects: Some people are born without fully formed limbs, necessitating prosthetics from birth.

When to seek medical attention?

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional in the following situations:

If a limb injury occurs due to trauma or severe infection.
If there are signs of poor circulation (cold, pale skin, pain) or diabetic complications in the limbs.
After surgery to remove a limb, professional support is needed for rehabilitation and prosthetic fitting.
Regular follow-ups to ensure proper prosthetic function and comfort.

Diagnostics & Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Prosthetic Needs:

Vascular testing: Ultrasound or blood flow tests to assess circulation.
X-rays and MRIs: To examine bone structure and tissue damage.
Blood sugar tests: For diabetes-related limb issues.
Infection screenings: Blood tests or tissue cultures if infection is suspected.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do's:

Follow rehabilitation exercises: Consistent therapy improves mobility and function.
Clean the prosthetic: Keep the device and any contact points with the skin clean to prevent infections.
Check the skin daily: Look for any redness, sores, or irritation where the prosthetic touches your skin.
Attend regular follow-ups: Regular checkups with your prosthetist ensure proper fit and performance.

 Don'ts

Don't skip physical therapy: Rehabilitation is key to mastering the use of a prosthetic.
Don't use an ill-fitting prosthetic: If it causes pain, contact your prosthetist for adjustments.
Don't ignore skin irritations: Promptly address any discomfort or irritation to prevent complications.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources.

World Health Organization (WHO) | WHO standards for prosthetics and orthotics

National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) | Use and satisfaction with prosthetic limb devices

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) | Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation Of India

MSD Manuals | Overview of Limb Prosthetics

Queensland Health | Queensland Artificial Limb Service

Explore All Artificial Limb Services Packages

Frequently Asked Questions For Artificial Limb Services

It typically takes 4-8 weeks after surgery for the site to heal enough to begin the fitting process for a prosthetic.

It depends on your insurance plan and location. It's essential to check with your provider about prosthetics and rehabilitation services coverage.

A prosthetic limb can last 3 to 5 years. However, regular adjustments and replacement parts may be needed due to wear and tear or changes in the user's body.

Children can receive prosthetics but will need regular replacements as they grow.

The cost varies widely, from a few thousand dollars for a basic prosthetic to tens of thousands for advanced models. Insurance, government aid, or charitable programs may help cover costs.

Modern prostheses are made from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, or silicone and are designed for durability and comfort.

Typically, every 3–5 years, or sooner, if there are significant changes in the residual limb or damage to the prosthesis.

Yes, therapy helps in regaining strength, balance, and coordination.

Phantom limb pain is a challenging and often distressing condition experienced by many individuals after amputation. This phenomenon involves the sensation of pain in a limb that is no longer there, significantly impacting the quality of life. Understanding effective management strategies is crucial to alleviating discomfort and enhancing overall well-being. With the right treatments and support, individuals can find relief and reclaim a sense of normalcy in their lives.

Clean regularly, check for wear, and follow manufacturer guidelines. Attend routine checkups for professional maintenance.

Best Hospitals in Artificial Limb Services

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BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi – State-of-the-art medical facility

BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital

Pusa Road, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place New Delhi, 110005 India

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Accord Superspeciality Hospital, a leading healthcare facility in Faridabad, offering advanced treatments with modern infrastructure.

Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Budena Village, Sector 86, Faridabad, Haryana 121002, India

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High-tech medical equipment at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, ensuring accurate diagnostics and advanced treatment solutions.

Artemis Hospital

Artemis Hospitals Sector 51, Gurugram 122001 Haryana, India

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SHALBY Sanar International Hospital, Gurugram – trusted healthcare destination for global patients via VivaVel.com

SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram

Golf Course Rd, Parsvnath Exotica, DLF Phase 5, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana Gurgaon, 122022 India

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PARAS Health, Gurugram – top multispecialty hospital for international patients via VivaVel.com

PARAS Health, Gurugram

C-1, Sushant Lok- 1, Sector-43, Phase- I, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002

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Amrita Hospital, Faridabad – India's largest multispecialty hospital with cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and global standards.

Amrita Hospital

Mata Amritanandamayi Marg, Sector 88, Faridabad, Haryana, India 121002

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Top Doctors in Artificial Limb Services

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Dr. Rakesh Kumar
Director – Orthopedics And Joint Repla...
Joint Replacement Surgeon
19 Years Experience
Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Dr. Rakesh Kumar is an esteemed Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Specialist with over 19 years of extensive experience in the field. With more than 13 years dedicate...

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Dr. Yuvraj Kumar
Chairman
Orthopedics And Joint Replacement Surgeo...
24 Years Experience
Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Dr. Yuvraj Kumar has vast experience in joint replacement and spine surgery. He specializes in treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including disorders ...

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Dr. Vikash Kapoor
Vice Chairman & Group Director – Ortho...
Orthopedic Sciences, Robotic Surgery
25 Years Experience
Manipal Hospital (E.M. Bypass), Kolkata

Dr. Vikash Kapoor is a distinguished Senior Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon with an extensive track record of over 8,000 successful orthopedic procedures. He serves as ...

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Dr. Saif N Shah
Director
Orthopedic And Joint Replacement Surgeon
17 Years Experience
Medanta Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow

Dr. Saif Nabi Shah is a highly skilled Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon with 17 years of experience in the field. He specializes in complex intra-articular is...

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Dr. Dharmendra Singh
Director
Orthopedic And Joint Replacement Surgeon
27 Years Experience
Medanta Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow

Dr. Dharmendra Singh is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon and Director of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopedics at Medanta Lucknow. Before his ...

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Dr. Rajiv Chatterjee
Senior Consultant & Faculty – DNB Orth...
Dislocation, Lower Back Pain, Orthopedic...
32 Years Experience
Manipal Hospital (E.M. Bypass), Kolkata

Dr. Rajiv Chatterjee is a distinguished Orthopedic Surgeon with over 32 years of experience practicing in Kolkata. He specializes in various surgical procedures,...

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