A prosthesis is an artificial part of the body, commonly an arm or a leg, or part of a leg, such as from the knee to the foot. Bone, |artery| and |heart| valve replacements are also common, and artificial |eyes| and |teeth| are also considered prostheses. More complicated prostheses include a plastic socket to replace a hip joint. Although the science of prosthetics began in the late 16th century, most advances have occurred since World War II with the use of plastics. And history reports references to artificial limbs dating back to ancient India and Greece. Research continues to be done to solve such problems as inadequate socket fit and the need for more durable cosmetic coverings.
