Designers, manufacturers, and clinicians had hoped that the 'modular' approach would yield better appearing prostheses that were lighter in weight and less expensive than the crustacean types in general use. However, modular prostheses for the below knee and above knee levels have been disappointing in this respect because they are usually heavier than the corresponding crustacean model, and the
... [Show full abstract] time required to install the cosmetic filler and cover makes the modular prosthesis relatively expensive. Nevertheless, the modular systems have proven to be valuable in the field of lower limb prosthetics in early fitting and immediate postsurgical fitting at all levels. The hip disarticulation systems are adopted widely for definitive prostheses, and the below knee and above knee systems seem to be used in definitive prostheses only when cosmesis is an unusually large factor to the patient and when hard use is not contemplated. Work is being carried out to improve durability and to reduce the costs of achieving excellent cosmesis. In any event, the modular concept has already made a place for itself in lower limb prosthetics.