The human shin: the possibilities of prosthetics

The human shin is part of the lower limb, which is located between the thigh and the foot. Nature has created this segment in such a way that it can withstand the enormous loads caused by the direct movement of homo sapiens. Two very strong bones: outside - peroneal, inside - tibia - form the shin. The photo shows the mutual arrangement and structure of these bones.

The muscular apparatus of this part of the body is classically divided into 3 groups: extensors of the foot and fingers (anterior group), then the muscles flexing, receding and penetrating the foot (outer or lateral, group), and finally the flexors (posterior group).

Sometimes there are situations where, due to various pathological processes and injuries, the only option for salvation is the amputation of the human shin. The patient loses his leg, and with it the ability to move independently. Medicine offers a way out of the current situation - prosthetics.

This procedure is the replacement of an absent segment or limb entirely with the help of special devices in order to maximize the restoration of the anatomical shape and function of this area of the body. Devices in this case are prostheses, corsets, orthoses (orthopedic devices), as well as special orthopedic footwear.

Such devices return part or all of the supporting and motor function of the damaged segment, help create the best conditions for rehabilitation, minimize the risk of complications.

The lower leg prosthesis is one of the most common types of prosthetics. A small amount of muscle tissue, bony projections on the anterior surface of the tibia, and frequent infringements of nutrition in this area make it extremely difficult to create a convenient and effective design.

From the point of view of anatomy and physiology, the ability of the stump to withstand the load on the human shin varies considerably at different levels of amputation. The main principle is: in relation to healthy tissues, the more an artificial prosthesis will be loaded, the physiologically the design will turn out. That is why surgeons choose such a high level of shank amputation: a large number of muscles will help to cover the edges of bones, the stump is completely immersed in the receiving capsule of the prosthesis, and the load is distributed with a maximum on the artificial part.

Prosthetizing the human shin, adhere to the following principles. The stump must fully correspond to the receiving capsule. Then the load should be evenly distributed to all anatomical formations on the surface of the stump. In addition, the projection of the knee and ankle joints should completely coincide.

None of the people is able to comfortably exist without the ability to move freely. The human shin is an integral part of the musculoskeletal system. The loss of this segment makes a person disabled, deprives the ability to move. The possibilities of medicine in general and prosthetics in particular in this case can not be overestimated.