A variety of materials can be used for the manufacture of artificial limbs. Wood, especially willow, is the most popular. It is comparatively light and resilient, and is easily shaped. If necessary, for example in the artificial limb for a growing child, it can be added to. Aluminum or an aluminum alloy is used when lightness is particularly desirable-in a limb for an aged person, for example.
Plastic limbs are also available.
Leather and various metals are used for reinforcement and control. Powering the Limb. Most artificial limbs are powered by the muscles, either those remaining in the residual limb or stump or other available muscles. The muscles of the stump often can be considerably strengthened by physical therapy. Muscle power can be reinforced by means of springs, straps, gears, locks, levers, or, in some cases, hydraulic mechanisms.