What are prostheses?

A prosthesis is an artificial replacement body part. It is made for a part of the body that may have been missing at birth, or that is lost in an accident or through amputation. Some people have a limb removed (amputated) as part of treatment for cancer, diabetes or severe infection.

A prosthesis might also be used as an alternative to reconstructive surgery. For example, a prosthetic breast may be created after a breast has been removed to treat cancer.

Today, prostheses for areas such as the hands, feet and face look very natural. They are often used to improve appearance rather than replace the function of the missing limbs. However, technological developments are also improving the function of limb prostheses. Some modern prosthetic limbs have battery-powered motors that help improve the prostheses' function. An example would be a hand prosthesis with moving fingers.

Prostheses may also include surgically implanted artificial body parts, such as:

• replacement heart valves
• bones or joints (e.g. a hip replacement)
• cochlear implants

If you have one of these, your medical team will advise you on maintaining your health and lifestyle following the surgery.

You might also have heard the word orthosis or orthotic used. An orthosis provides external support to a limb or body part, while a prosthesis replaces it. For example, an artificial leg is a prosthesis, while a splint to support the leg is an orthosis.

Types of prosthesis

Limb prostheses include:

• arm prostheses fitted at, above or below the elbow, including hand and finger prostheses
• leg prostheses fitted at, above or below the knee, including foot and toe prostheses

Other types of prosthesis include:

• an artificial breast worn in the bra to replace a breast removed due to cancer
• implantable hearing aids
• artificial eyeballs
• ear, nose or eye socket replacements
• an artificial soft or hard palate (worn like a dental plate)

Who can help with prostheses?

Prosthetists are health professionals who specialise in prostheses. If you need one, they will work with your medical team to design and fit your prosthesis and help you use and care for it.

If you need an orthotic device to correct problems with posture and walking, you might also be assisted by an orthotist.

What do prostheses cost?

Protheses can cost thousands of dollars, but there are many sources of funding. The cost might be covered in full or in part by:

• your state's public health system
• Medicare
• the National Disability Insurance Scheme
• the Department of Veterans' Affairs or the Defence Force
• accident compensation
• private health insurance

Public funding can be limited. You might choose to pay more out-of-pocket to get a higher quality model prosthesis than one that public funding would offer. Speak with your prosthetist about the right prosthetic treatment plan for you. They will discuss with you all the associated costs, so you can make an informed decision.

Funding for breast prostheses is available under the External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program.

Prosthetics covered by private health insurance are listed on the Prostheses List . Most private health insurance doesn't fund prosthetic limbs or cosmetic prosthetics, but you should check with your insurer what they will cover.

Talk to your health professional about costs and funding sources. Remember to also ask about the costs of surgery, scans, tests and hospital stays.

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Prostheses for children

Prostheses for children can allow them to be active and develop. Growing children will usually need to have their prostheses adjusted every few months, or more often if they are having a growth spurt. If they outgrow a prosthesis, another will need to be made.

Learning how to use a prosthesis can be challenging and tiring for anyone, especially a child. Limbs4Kids is an organisation that provides support for children who are missing a limb and for their families.

The Australian Government offers a range of allowances that relate to parenting and disability. These include:

• Carer Allowance
• Carer Payment
• Mobility Allowance
• Pensioner Education Supplement
• Family Payments

Visit the Services Australia or Carer Gateway websites for more information.

Living with prostheses

A prosthesis can help you cope better with day-to-day activities, but it can take time to get used to.

You'll need regular check-ups, and adjustments to make the prosthesis as comfortable and useful as possible. You might also need a plan for rehabilitation to make sure you benefit from your prosthesis as much as possible.

You will need to take care of yourself and your prosthesis. This may include:

• removing the prosthesis for sleeping, if that is recommended
• regularly inspecting your limb's stump and keep the skin healthy
• wearing appropriate protection between the stump and the prosthesis
• wearing the appropriate shoes for a leg prosthesis
• cleaning the socket of the prosthesis
• seeing your prosthetist for regular check-ups

Resources and support

• Limbs4Life provide information and support to amputees, their families and care givers.
• Limbs4Kids provide information and support for children and young people and their families.
• The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association has information on funding. They also have a search directory to find orthotic / prosthetic services.
• You can find a prosthetic facility in your state or territory through Limbs4Life.
• The Cancer Council has information about breast prostheses.
• Head & Neck Cancer Australia has information about facial prostheses.
• The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association fact sheet provides information on sport and recreation protheses.

You should talk to your health professional about the benefits and risks of getting a medical implant. Use the Therapeutic Goods Administration's guide on what to ask. The information is in English, Arabic, Croatian, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.