Expressive Prostheses: Meaning and Significance

Abstract

Prosthetic limbs have historically been intended for replacing loss, and as a result, are usually functional or naturalistic in design. The basic, or “functional,” prosthesis meets the rudimentary operational needs of the user. A naturalistic prosthetic limb, or cosmesis, is focused on discretion, thereby disguising limb loss. However, a new type of artificial limb is appearing in the marketplace. These prostheses differ from the traditional designs, in that they solicit attention and express the personal style and self-concept of the individual with limb loss or absence. Based on the Lamb and Kallal (1992) FEA Consumer Needs Model, these prostheses fulfill the expressive needs of prosthetic limb users, which have historically been overlooked. This article explores the current literature in order to establish a context for what will be designated expressive prostheses. The analysis will begin by reviewing recent scholarship on prosthetic limbs. Since there is limited relevant research on prosthesis design and appearance, related literature from disability studies and fashion studies will be integrated. This expanded literature analysis will provide a larger framework with which to situate expressive prostheses within the existing body of knowledge. Attention will be focused on scholarship related to social psychology, including models of disability and appearance management. In addition, the authors will draw inferences and propose interpretations for the meaning and significance of these prostheses.