External prosthetic appliances (EPA) are external substitutes, or replacements, for human body parts. The first record of a prosthetic limb is traced back 3000 years, to the Egyptians. The incorporation of wood, leather, and heavy metals has evolved to now include plastics, resin, ultralight metals, and computer microprocessors.

Nearly 1.75 million people in the United States, or approximately 1 in 200, have some form of amputation. Vascular insufficiency is the most common cause of amputation (82%), followed by trauma, cancer, and congenital limb deficiency. Over the past 20 years, dysvascular amputations have been on the rise while trauma- and cancer-related amputations have been declining; the incidence of congenital limb difference has remained relatively the same over the past three decades.

For more information on specific prosthetic devices, please visit the below sections:

Choosing a Prosthetist

The relationship between a prosthetist and patient is an intimate one.  Multiple visits are required during the prosthetic fabrication process and it’s important for the patient for be emotionally comfortable with the prosthetist.  Open communication and honesty are key to a successful prosthetist/patient relationship.

Westcoast Brace & Limb offers several different orthotists and prosthetists within our practice, so that we can better meet our patients’ physical and emotional needs.  We enjoy a diverse group of practitioners, united in their commitment to help our patients succeed.