Although prosthetic joints and limbs offer mobility to patients who may otherwise be immobile, they do come with some disadvantages. In the case of prosthetic limbs, there is a high initial cost, the limbs are difficult for some patients to learn to use, and regular repair and maintenance are needed. Prosthetic joints, such as prosthetic knees, require extensive and invasive surgery to implant and often offer limited motion.Know More
There are two main types of prosthetic limbs: battery powered and electric limbs. The disadvantage of a battery powered limb, when compared to an electric limb, is a more mechanical appearance. Many people also find battery powered limbs harder to learn how to use since they require the input of more physical strength. Electric limbs are more costly than battery powered limbs, and they are also heavier. The repair cost is higher than for battery powered limbs.
When suffering from severe arthritis in a knee, hip or other large joint, replacing the joint with a prosthetic joint is often a treatment option. Other treatment options include surgical repair of the existing joint and the use of pain medications. Disadvantages of a prosthetic joint, when compared to other options, include an increased risk of surgical complications, rejection by the body of materials used to make the prosthesis, and a limited range of motion when compared to a natural joint.Learn more about Conditions & Diseases
Spongy bone, also called cancellous or trabecular bone, provides structural support and facilitates movement of the joints and limbs. Spongy bone is light and porous and found in most parts of the body and in other bones that do not typically endure large volumes of mechanical stress.Full Answer >
Leech therapy is the medicinal use of leeches to treat disease and reattach or transplant limbs. Leech therapy is advocated in a number of treatment processes as the worms contain compounds and enzymes in their saliva that have an anti-coagulating effect on the blood and anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, vasodilating properties, notes Mehdi Leech Therapist.Full Answer >
According to WebMD, early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include blurred or double vision, difficulty in thinking, clumsiness or lack of coordination, numbness, loss of balance, and tingling or weakness in limbs. The first symptoms of multiple sclerosis typically appear between the ages of 20 and 40. It is rare for two people suffering from multiple sclerosis to have exactly the same symptoms.Full Answer >
The Sisters of Providence Health System reports that amputated limbs are disposed of by the hospital or a patient makes his own arrangements for burial or cremation of the limb. The fate of an amputated limb is determined by the patient, and he must consent to either outcome.Full Answer >