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Lower limb prostheses designed for functional and/or cosmetic replacement of the missing distal portion (i.e., foot) of a lower limb. These prostheses typically consist of external devices (some may include totally or partially implantable components such as sensors) that resemble a natural foot and that are made of metal (e.g., cobalt-chromium alloys), hard plastics (e.g., polyethylene), carbon fibers, or a combination of materials; they are usually fixed with a socket to the ankle and require some degree of customization. Foot prostheses are usually passive, but some may include mechanisms that help gaiting (e.g., an energy-storing dynamic prosthetic foot); they are used mainly in patients who have congenital abnormalities or who suffered amputations due to illness (e.g., diabetes) or traumatic accidents. Partial foot prostheses intended to replace missing front parts of the foot are also available.
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