**4.1 Endoskeletal prostheses**

Endoskeletal prostheses (**Figure 3**) is a type of prostheses in which the supporting structure is internal it is also called as modular prostheses, it is most commonly used type of prostheses. The endoskeletal prostheses use the human skeleton as the model it has the tube frame provides the weight bearing function and a foam cover gives the prostheses it's near natural appearance [2]. A tube frame is a central part it is called as pylon. The pylon is constructed from Aluminium, Titanium or Stainless steel, it connect proximally socket and distally prosthetic foot. The endoskeletal prostheses includes the joint components to suit the need of the individual amputee.

Advantages of endoskeletal prostheses are

• Changes may be done at any point of time

**Figure 3.** *Endoskeletal prostheses.*


Disadvantages


### **4.2 Exoskeletal prostheses**

The exoskeletal prostheses (**Figure 4**) is a type of prostheses in which the supporting structure are on outside. It is also called as conventional or crustacean prostheses. The exoskeletal prostheses has a rigid outer shell as a supporting structure it provides shape and weight bearing function. The weight is beared through

*Prosthetics for Lower Limb Amputation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95593*

the outer shell. It is constructed of wood, or rigid polyurethane covered with a rigid plastic lamination [3].

Advantages of exoskeletal prostheses are


Disadvantages are


#### **5. Components of lower limb prostheses**

The lower limb prostheses has the following components (**Figure 5**)

1.Socket : Is the most important part it is the connection between the stump and the prosthesis. It protects the stump and transmits forces. Contoured sockets

**Figure 5.** *Components of lower limb prostheses.*

fit closer to bone, muscle, soft tissue. It provide support. It can be made of thermoplastic or metal.


## **6. Description of lower limb prostheses**

#### **6.1 Design of prostheses**

The prostheses required a high level of customization and represents the interface with the human body or parts of it, the artificial prostheses that have to be designed according to the shape of the specific anatomical area. Considerations taken into account when designing prostheses are basic structure of a lower limb prostheses, materials, weight and mass considerations, power requirements, biomechanics, and tradeoffs in motion and stability.
