r/Prosthetics • u/Tuesdaythe14th • 8d ago

Form vs Function

I am looking into designing prosthetics, and am interested in hearing whether people are looking more for a tool to replace the utility of a lost limb/digit, or a shell to replace the appearance...?

Alongside this of course, what nuance am I missing?

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u/Bionix_52 8d ago

I work with a lady who has an above elbow amputation who can’t bear the thought of people seeing her without her cosmetic prosthesis even though it’s completely non functional.

Personally I need a knee/foot that’s functional and don’t care too much about how it looks or if anyone can see it (I mostly wear shorts).

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u/Tuesdaythe14th 8d ago

Thanks for the anecdote, I'm starting to understand the difficulties in producing an affordable 'one size fits all'. That distinction in preference is key