How Prosthetic Technology Has Evolved Over 40 Years

Celebrating 40 Years of Advancing Mobility, Building Trust, and Serving Communities

In 1985, when Cornerstone P&O first opened its doors, prosthetic technology was far from what we know today. Heavy, rigid materials, limited customization, and basic mechanical function defined the standard options for people living with limb loss. Fast forward 40 years, and the landscape of prosthetics has transformed dramatically, and so has the level of care we provide.

As we celebrate four decades of innovation and service, we’re reflecting on the incredible evolution of prosthetic technology and how Cornerstone has stayed at the forefront every step of the way.

Then: Simplicity and Function Over Form

In the 1980s, prosthetic devices were primarily made with wood, metal, and rubber components. While they offered basic utility, they were heavy, uncomfortable, and lacked the nuanced control or energy return that patients needed for everyday mobility.

Knee joints, for instance, were mechanical, often single-axis, and didn't adapt to the user’s walking pace or environment. Upper limb devices typically included cable-driven hooks or body-powered systems that offered minimal range of motion or grip variation.

Now: Smart, Lightweight, and Highly Personalized

Today’s prosthetics have advanced in nearly every way:

1. Microprocessor Knees (MPKs)

These intelligent systems use real-time sensors and onboard computers to adjust the knee's resistance and support based on the user’s movement and terrain. The result? More stable walking, better energy efficiency, and a smoother, more natural gait.

Cornerstone’s Role:

We’ve been fitting MPKs like the Ottobock C-Leg® and Össur’s Rheo Knee® for years, enabling patients to navigate stairs, inclines, and uneven ground with confidence.

2. Myoelectric Arms

Modern upper-limb prosthetics respond to muscle signals, allowing users to perform precise hand and finger movements, including grasping delicate objects or rotating the wrist. Some devices now include multi-articulating hands and pattern recognition systems for intuitive control.

Cornerstone’s Role:

By working closely with patients, therapists, and manufacturers, we provide personalized fittings and training to ensure each user maximizes their device’s potential.

3. Advanced Materials

Prosthetics are now crafted from carbon fiber, titanium, and thermoplastics—materials that are strong, lightweight, and flexible. These advancements reduce fatigue and improve wearability, especially for active users.

How We’ve Grown with the Field

At Cornerstone P&O, we've evolved alongside the industry by continuously investing in staff training, certification, and partnerships with leading technology providers. Our in-house fabrication lab allows us to customize devices faster and more accurately than ever before.

From fitting basic walking legs in the '80s to today’s high-tech limbs that sync with smartphones, our focus has always remained the same: putting patients first and helping them achieve the best possible outcomes.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 40 years of service, we’re not just looking back, we’re also looking forward. With emerging innovations like osseointegration, bionic interfaces, and AI-assisted gait analysis, the future of prosthetic care is brighter than ever.

At Cornerstone, we’re proud to be part of that future, and to continue advancing mobility, building trust with our patients, and serving our communities.