What is a Prosthesis?
A prosthesis is an artificial substitute for a missing, disfigured, or malformed part of the face or body. Each prosthesis is custom made for the individual patient. Generally speaking, the different kinds of prostheses made by members of the IAA include: facial, somato (body), and ocular (eye) prostheses. Prosthetic treatment offers an alternative when surgical reconstruction cannot be achieved or may be preferred by the patient. Prosthetic treatment offers various advantages and disadvantages compared to surgical reconstruction. Treatment options should be thoroughly discussed with a medical professional. Members of the IAA can assist by discussing a patient’s prosthetic needs, showing the patient examples of actual prostheses, discussing the process involved in producing the device, and providing photographs of previous cases for illustration. The desired goal of a prosthesis is to restore form and function. A prosthesis helps to protect exposed delicate tissues, covers exposed cavi
A prosthesis is a replacement for a missing body part. People most commonly associate prostheses with missing arms and legs, but the term is also used to refer to internal devices such as heart valves, as well as prosthetic eyes and other body parts. The intention behind a prosthesis is to improve the quality of life for the wearer, while also giving the person more freedom and independence. The word comes from a Greek word, prostithenai, which means “to add to.” Archaeological evidence suggests that prostheses have been around for a very long time. Early examples of artificial limbs made from wood and various metals have been found in digs dating as far back as 300 BCE. In addition, the concept of artificial limbs and missing body parts is included in the mythology of some cultures. Early prosthetic limbs were heavy, cumbersome, and probably uncomfortable to wear. A modern prosthesis is much more lightweight, and is designed to bring functionality into the life of the wearer. Several
