Currently, Johannes Floors is known as the fastest man on prosthetic legs. The German sprinter holds several world records – thanks to leg prostheses made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP), the same high-tech material used in race cars and rockets. What is taken for granted today would have been unimaginable without plastic: early prostheses were made from wood, leather, or metal – heavy, rigid, and uncomfortable.

A Milestone – When Plastic Learned to Walk

Long John Silver, the legendary pirate from Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, would have been thrilled with today’s prosthetics. Instead of a clunky wooden leg, he could have taken on even greater adventures with modern lightweight, flexible, and high-performance spring feet. Since the days of pirates, prosthetic technology has evolved rapidly – especially thanks to plastic, which opened entirely new possibilities for orthopedic engineering.

Plastic prostheses are primarily lightweight, making movement easier and less tiring. They can be fitted precisely and offer high wearing comfort. Flexible yet strong, they support natural motion and store and return energy during walking or running. Modern materials are skin-friendly, durable, and low-maintenance. In addition, plastic prostheses can be aesthetically designed – suitable for both everyday life and sports.

Plastic Prosthetics – From Head to Toe

Thanks to their many advantages, plastics are now used universally in prosthetics – from high-performance sports prostheses to functional limb replacements and cosmetic applications. Arm and hand prostheses made from plastic can be designed as partial or full replacements for the arm, forearm, or hand. They are lightweight, strong, and formable, and they support gripping and movement functions. Finger and toe prostheses serve both cosmetic and functional purposes, helping to improve grip and balance.

Pediatric prostheses are especially lightweight and flexible to grow with the child. Plastic is also used in exoskeletons and orthopedic aids, such as support braces or walking aids. In the aesthetic field, plastic prostheses are used for the face, ears, nose, or eyes.

Aesthetic Prosthetics – When Plastic Restores Identity

Facial prostheses made of plastic are far more than cosmetic accessories – they are technical masterpieces that restore not only a person’s appearance, but also their sense of identity and quality of life. Skin tone, pores, wrinkles, and even stubble can be replicated so precisely that the prosthesis is almost indistinguishable from real skin. Each piece is custom-made and tailored to the personality of the wearer – down to the smallest detail.

But it’s not just about outward appearance. Facial prostheses also protect sensitive tissue, support functions like wearing glasses, and allow for clearer speech. Above all, cosmetic plastic prostheses restore self-confidence. They give individuals the confidence to engage openly with others again – and show how plastic today doesn’t just reshape bodies, but can truly change lives.

Image Source: Plastic is Fantastic Association.

Image Caption: High-performance prostheses made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic are specifically optimized for sprinting, jumping, and other athletic activities. They combine energy return, lightness, and stability.