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Artificial Limbs
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Surgery Rehabilitation

Artificial Limbs

Artificial limbs, known as prostheses, can help individuals regain function and perform daily activities after the loss of an arm or leg.

People can lose all or part of an arm or leg for a number of reasons. Common ones include:

  • Circulation problems from atherosclerosis or diabetes. They may cause you to need an amputation.
  • Traumatic injuries, including from traffic accidents and military combat
  • Cancer
  • Birth defects

If you are missing an arm or leg, an artificial limb can sometimes replace it. The device, which is called a prosthesis, can help you to perform daily activities such as walking, eating, or dressing. Some artificial limbs let you function nearly as well as before.

Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline varies significantly based on the level of amputation and individual healing. Generally, the surgical site must be fully healed, which can take several weeks to a few months. During this time, you will work with a therapist on range-of-motion exercises and scar management. Fitting for the initial prosthesis often begins once the residual limb has stabilized in size, which can take 6 to 12 weeks post-surgery. Full adaptation and proficiency with the device may take several additional months of consistent practice.
Signs of a poor fit include persistent pain, redness, or blisters on the residual limb, which may indicate pressure points or friction. You might also experience difficulty controlling the limb, such as the knee buckling or the foot slipping. If you notice any skin breakdown, numbness, or increased swelling, you should stop using the prosthesis immediately and contact your prosthetist, as continuing to use a misfitted device can cause serious tissue damage.
Diabetes can complicate both the initial healing and long-term use of a prosthesis. Poor circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy) are common in diabetic patients, which can delay wound healing after amputation and reduce your ability to feel pressure or pain from the prosthesis. This lack of sensation increases the risk of unnoticed skin injuries. Therefore, daily visual inspection of the residual limb is critical for diabetic users to catch issues early.
Body-powered prostheses use cables and straps that you pull with your shoulder or chest muscles to open and close the hand. They are generally more durable, lighter, and less expensive but require significant upper body strength. Myoelectric prostheses use sensors on the skin to detect electrical signals from your muscles to control the hand's movement. They offer more natural and precise control but are heavier, more expensive, and require regular battery charging and maintenance.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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