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Period: 950 BCE to 710 BCE
First Prosthetic Made
The earliest-known prosthetic toe made from wood and leather was discovered in the 1800's attached to an Egyptian mummy. -
600 BCE
When the Prosthetic Upgraded
The Greville Chester toe, created by the Egyptians and discovered in 2000 near present-day Luxor, is made of cartonnage — a paper maché material made out of linen, glue, and plaster. -
300 BCE
Upgraded to Bronze and Iron, with wooden core
The oldest known prosthetic leg — the Capua leg — was crafted by Romans from bronze and iron with a wooden core. It was once housed in the Royal College of Surgeons, but was destroyed during World War II bombings. A replica is now at the Science Museum in London. -
Period: 476 to 1000
Peg legs and Hand hooks.
Peg legs and hand hooks were common for those who could afford to have them fitted. Knights were often fitted with prostheses designed to hold a shield or fit in stirrups, but functionality was not a focus. An increasing number of tradesmen crafted prosthetics during this time. For example, those who made watches often used gears and springs to give limbs more detailed functionality. -
Period: 1400 to
Copper, Iron, Steel and Wood
Copper, iron, steel, and wood were the most common materials used for prosthetics during this period. -
Rubber Hand
During the American Civil War, the U.S. started to see advancements in the field of prosthetics. The cosmetic rubber hand was introduced with fingers that could move and various attachments, such as brushes and hooks. -
Wood and Leather
Following World War II, most limbs were made of a combination of wood and leather. While these materials provided the wearer with several benefits, the prosthetics were heavy, and leather can be difficult to keep clean, especially since it absorbs perspiration. -
Period: to
Plastics, Polycarbonates, Resins, and Laminate
Plastics, polycarbonates, resins, and laminates were introduced as light, easy-to-clean alternatives to wood and leather models. Prosthetics also started being made from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber. Synthetic sockets were custom fitted for each patient to provide an individualized, comfortable, and hygienic fit. -
Period: to
Newly Updated Prosthetics
Prosthetic design has advanced to highly specialized prosthetics, including high-performance, lightweight running blades, responsive legs and feet for navigating varying terrain, and motorized hand prosthetics controlled by sensors and microprocessors.