IDS ::: Prosthetics ::: Conventional

Conventional prostheses.
This term refers to the old traditional type of exoskeletal prostheses. Many of the designs hark back to the first World War and utilise materials such as leather, metal and wood. Most were/are referred to by a number code which was devised during WW1. It relates to amputation levels with No.1 being a hip disarticulation, No.2 a short transfemoral etc. This system was devised to enable doctors to swiftly prescribe prostheses and also related to the amputees’ pension in the case of British war pensioners. Many conventional are exoskeletal and will therefore be described and illustrated in that section also.

A conventional transfemoral prosthesis. It has a metal socket attached to a metal exoskeletal structure. It also features a rigid pelvic band, a hand operated knee lock and wooden foot.

A conventional ankle disarticulation prosthesis with a leather socket connected to a wooden foot with steel struts. A metal ankle joint allows plantar/dorsiflexion, controlled by rubber buffers inside the foot.

A partial foot prosthesis which has a leather shin corset attached to a laminated exoskeletal structure. As such it is a combination of conventional and contemporary techniques.

A conventional transtibial prosthesis with a leather socket, exoskeletal metal shin,wooden foot, knee joints, side steels and leather thigh corset.

A view down into the socket of a wood transtibial prosthesis. The socket is made to measurements supplied by the prosthetist. At the fitting stage, subsequent alterations to the socket are achieved by carving.

Use the links below to find out more information on 'Construction':

Endoskeletal ::: Exoskeletal ::: Conventional ::: Solely Cosmetic ::: Silicone ::: Cosmetic Covers