Factors Affecting the Price of Prosthetics

Prosthetic limbs can help amputees get around more easily. They mimic the movement, function, and sometimes even the appearance of a real leg. If you are planning a lower extremity amputation or have recently had one, you may want to know what the average cost of a prosthesis is and what factors affect pricing.

What should you ask your doctor?

Every person is unique when it comes to amputation. Not everyone is a good candidate for a prosthetic leg, so it is important to determine if you are a good fit. Some questions you may want to ask your doctor before purchasing a prosthetic leg may include the following.

Is your other leg healthy?

How much pain do you have?

What is the range of motion of the residual limb?

How active were you before the amputation?

What are your goals for mobility?

Single Axis Prosthetic Knee Joint

Other factors that may influence your decision are the type of amputation and the reasons behind the amputation. It is often easier to use a below-knee prosthesis than an above-knee prosthesis. If the knee joint is still intact, the prosthesis will have less mobility and provide you with greater flexibility. The reason you need an amputation is also important, as it may affect the health of the residual limb.

What types of prosthetic legs are available?

The complexity of prosthetic devices varies depending on the function required of the leg and foot. Most prosthetic legs are made of carbon or fiberglass, so they can easily bend under the patient's weight and spring back when the patient lifts the foot. This process is called dynamic response and allows you to continue to move forward.

Thanks to advances in technology, there are over 200 prosthetic feet and 75 different prosthetic knees to choose from. These devices range from basic legs that allow you to walk on a flat surface to computerized devices that allow you to run marathons or participate in other types of adventure sports.

Four-Bar Pneumatic Knee Joint

Prosthetic devices with a foot and ankle mechanism may include the following.

Simple model: This has a fixed foot and ankle position. It may also have a pivot point that allows up and down movement.

Complex model: This provides multi-axis movement for walking on uneven ground.

High performance model: This allows you to participate in higher intensity activities such as walking, jumping or running.

Prosthetic devices with a knee mechanism may include the following.

Simple mechanism: This option locks in standing and walking, and then you can unlock it to sit.

Complex mechanism: This option is weight activated and locks when there is weight on the leg. It unlocks when the weight is removed, so the leg swings forward while walking.

Computer-controlled hydraulic mechanism: this type of sensor monitors movement and allows you to obtain the most natural gait.

Prosthetic Limbs Low Ankle Carbon Fiber Foot

Average cost of a prosthesis

According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, more than 3,500 people in the United States have received a transfemoral or above-knee amputation. Of these 18,500 new amputees each year, only 25 to 30 percent receive prostheses and knees, primarily due to cost.

The cost of prostheses varies, but all types of prostheses are usually covered by health insurance. Which leg you need depends on your level of amputation, needs and condition. For example, some insurers say that computer-controlled prostheses are covered if you have the physical strength and demonstrated need to move over long distances and difficult terrain. If you spend a lot of time at home, your insurance company may cover a prosthetic leg that simply helps you get around the house.

Keep in mind that you may need to replace your prosthetic leg several times during your lifetime. According to the Amputee Coalition, depending on your age, growth and activity level, your prosthesis can last from a few months to several years. Most amputees have only one prosthesis for the first year, but they may need another one due to changes in body composition.

Contact prosthetic supplier

Perfect Prosthetic Manufacture Co., Ltd. was found in 2009. we are the parter of china association of rehabilitation on December 11th, 2014, now become the leading integrated company. CPF products the prosthetic lower, orthotic parts and some adapters, to-gether with research and development.

We persevere and work with Europe,southeast Asia and south America more than 50 countries, research nearly 100 products. It has great praise with the high quality and preferential price in the domestic and foreign. More details, contact us now.