MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Prosthesis

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Prosthesis

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Knee joint replacement prosthesis

Definition Return to top

A prosthesis is a device designed to replace a missing part of the body or to make a part of the body work better. Diseased or missing eyes, arms, hands, legs, or joints are commonly replaced by prosthetic devices.

False teeth are known as dental prostheses. An artificial replacement of the jaw bone is called a maxillofacial prosthesis. Penis implants are also known as penile prostheses.

Update Date: 2/23/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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