There are four different types of artificial limbs. Here is a presentation that elaborates on these, and talks about some of the challenges amputees will face with these different types of prosthesics.

1. Four Main
Types of
Artificial
Limbs
By Matthew Garibaldi

2. Transradial
Prosthesis
• An artificial limb that replaces an arm
missing below the elbow!
• Two types available: cable-operated
limbs and myoelectric arms!
• Cable operated limbs work by attaching
a harness and cable around the
opposite shoulder of the damaged arm!
• Myoelectric arms work by sensing with
electrodes when the muscles in the
upper arm moves, causing an artificial
hand to open or close

3. Transhumeral
Prosthesis
• An artificial limb that replaces an
arm missing above the elbow!
• The complexities around moving
the elbow makes mimicking the
correct motion with an artificial
limb very difficult

4. Transtibial
Prosthesis
• An artificial limb that
replaces a leg
missing below the
knee!
• Amputees can often
regain normal
movement more
readily than someone
with a transfemoral
amputation, since
retaining the knee
makes movement
easier

5. Transfemoral
Prosthesis
• An artificial limb that replaces a leg
missing above the knee!
• The lack of knee makes it hard for
amputees to regain normal
movement!
• Transfemoral amputees generally
need to use approximately 80%
more energy to walk than a person
with two whole legs!
• Newer and more improved designs
allow more control for the user