Prosthetic Covers: The Basics
Prostheses have significantly improved through the years, showcasing less obtrusive and sleek aesthetics as the years pass. Gone are the days when most Prosthetists are content to find their patients walking out of their clinics with an optimized alignment and simple foam cosmetic cover.
Scott Summit, the former CTO and co-founder of Bespoke Innovations, believes that aesthetics and function should be one and the same. “I equate it to fashion eyewear. When you look at someone with really fashionable eyeglasses, you don’t think that person does not have 20/20 vision. You don’t think of someone as less than perfect, you see a beautiful aspect of them. Why can’t a prosthesis be treated like fashion?” he said.
Just like fashionable eyewear, prosthetic covers can highlight the beauty of the human body through 3D scans, design, and other print technologies. In this article, we explore the function and fashion involved in creating prosthetic covers.
What is a prosthetic cover?
Prosthetic covers—as the name suggests—essentially cover your prosthesis from the elements of the outside world. It recreates the form of an amputee’s body for a seamless look. Aside from its functionality, prosthetic covers also add value concerning aesthetics. And with today’s vast selection of prints and styles, you can choose from different materials and patterns, making it an effective way to express your unique personality.
Who makes them?
There are some prosthetic cover manufacturers in the market today. Here’s a rundown of our top 4:
THE COVER STUDIO PARIS®
The Cover Studio Paris is a French design studio that aims to help individuals reassert their unique identity through prosthetic covers and aids. They combine cosmetic and artistic elements to come up with the perfect cover that allows people to revel in their individuality.
ART4LEG
Smartly designed as a shape of the natural human leg, ART4LEG is a unique cover that features a variety of designs. You can customize your own prosthetic cover and choose from various designs from smooth to textured, and from airy to organic. The materials that you want will then attach to the prosthetic leg via a high-powered magnet. While the magnet helps secure front and back panels together, it also enables the user to remove them just as quickly.
ALLELES DESIGN STUDIO
Alleles Design Studio believes that amputees will feel more like themselves the more they can express their individuality. The studio’s design philosophy is based on this belief as they create highly customized covers at a relatively affordable price. Those who enjoy trends and fashion will surely appreciate the stylish options that Alleles Design Studio offers.
UNYQ
The great thing about Unyq is that they have their own fitting app, which makes it easier for amputees to select and purchase the prosthetic cover that they want. The company designs custom stylish prosthetic covers made especially for lower limb amputees.
Improvements in prosthetic technology have definitely paved the way for companies like these to marry function with fashion. After all, your prosthesis should never hinder you from being able to express your individuality. Instead, it should help highlight it. What are your thoughts, please comment below.
