What Is A Prosthetic Leg

From wooden toes and iron arms in ancient Egypt through to the high-tech blades we are used to seeing on running tracks today, prosthetic limbs have been around as long as humans, it would seem. As with all prostheses, a prosthetic leg replaces part or all of a leg. If the prosthesis is to be used above the knee it is known as an "AK" (Above Knee) or  transfemoral prosthesis, while one that is used below the knee is known as a "BK" (Below Knee) transtibial prosthesis. The type of prosthesis used depends on the amputation level of the leg itself.

A transtibial, or BK, prosthetic leg allows the user to regain their normal limb movement much faster than someone with a transfemoral or AK prosthesis. This is all to do with the knee, which is still present in a transtibial prosthesis. The human knee is a very complex joint and having the original in situ is a great help to medical practitioners. If the knee is missing, all of its functions need to be replicated by machinery. With the advent of technologies such as microprocessors, hydraulics and carbon fiber, this has become a much simpler process, but it will still take the wearer of a transfemoral prosthesis longer to regain a normal walking pace than someone with a transtibial prosthesis.