Prosthetics refers to the design, fabrication and fitting of custom-made artificial limbs or other types of assistive devices for patients who have lost limbs as a result of traumatic injuries, vascular
diseases, diabetes, cancer or congenital disorders.

These devices will restore, as completely as possible, the function and appearance of a full or partial missing limb. Because of vast differences in human anatomy, the fabrication of prostheses is necessarily an intricate, custom procedure that requires a high degree of skill and sophisticated technology.

The preliminary or temporary prosthesis is followed by a definitive prosthesis as soon as the residual limb is stable.

The design of the prosthesis is determined by the patient's physical changes, activity level, and functional needs. Amputees generally require a new device every few years for the remainder of their lives.

Due to rapid growth rates and high activity levels, children and some extremely active adults need new prostheses on a more frequent basis. Prosthetic adjustments, repairs, realignment, and component upgrading are also aspects of ongoing treatment. For more information about the unique challenges of working with children's prostheses, see BioTech Pediatrics.