Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities can be sensory, where there are problems with sight, hearing or speech, or they may impair motor function, so that movement is restricted or imprecise. Injuries may cause a disability, and disease such as a heart condition may also make normal exertion impossible.
Some disabilities start at birth - congenital disabilities. Others are acquired during life. If you have a disability, it is almost certain that there are many others who do also. Most conditions have support groups or associations that have grown up relating to the problem. These groups may offer specialized help to minimize the effect of the condition.
Recently Answered
- Q What is an Intelligent Knee?
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With advanced prosthetic legs, a computer chip (microprocessor) and sensors can be used to measure forces and angles while a patient walks. Over the time the microprocessor learns the patient's gait and constantly adapts the knee's stiffness accordingly. Full Answer
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- Q When were the first prosthetic limbs used?
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Some of the earliest accounts of prosthetic limb use were recorded in Greek and Roman times. For example, there is the historical account of Roman general Marcus Sergius, who lost his right hand during battle in the second Punic War. He had a replacement... Full Answer
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- Q When was the Artificial Limb Program established in the United States?
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The Artificial Limb Program was set up in 1945, in response to an influx of World War II veteran amputees, to advance scientific progress in developing artificial limbs. Over the decades since, many advances have been made in computer design methods,... Full Answer
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- Q What should I expect at my prosthetics fitting?
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In order to create a custom fit for your prosthesis, you may need a few visits to the prosthetist. First, the prosthetist must have a physical or virtual model of the stump. A physical model may be made using plaster, but today it is more common to use... Full Answer
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- Q How do I take care of my prosthesis on a daily basis?
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A prosthesis that is worn every day requires daily attention. The parts of the prosthesis that are in contact with the user's skin need to be washed every day. Make sure the parts are rinsed well and dried completely before use. Every day, or sometimes... Full Answer
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- Q How often do patients visit a prosthetist?
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A patient continues to visit a prosthetist throughout his or her life because residual limbs can change shape and prosthetic devices break down. The National Limb Loss Information Center estimates the average prostethic device has a lifespan of just... Full Answer
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- Q How is a prosthetist involved in amputations?
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A prosthetist is someone who takes body measurements so the process of building a prosthetic limb can begin. The patient also often meets with a psychological counselor. Losing a limb, obviously can be traumatic for many people. Full Answer
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- Q What can I do to make sure my prosthesis fits correctly?
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Some problems with fit are caused by the limb stump swelling. The prosthetic may have fit perfectly, but if there is swelling, suddenly it is uncomfortable. Fortunately there are a few tricks you can use to make sure your prosthetic fits well. Wear a... Full Answer
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- Q What problems might I have with my prosthesis?
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Some people experience problems with fit. The key to a well-functioning prosthesis is making sure that it fits well. A prosthesis has a socket that is held to the limb stump with suction. Loss of suction can cause the prosthesis to move against the skin.... Full Answer
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- Q What are the parts of a prosthesis?
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Any limb prosthesis has three basic parts. The first part is the interface, which is the part or parts of the prosthesis that come into contact with your body. The interface is custom-fit to help the prosthesis stay on and be comfortable. The second part... Full Answer
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