Human Bionics
There are one thousand babies born each year without limbs (“Interesting”). However, they do have hope as prosthetic devices are able to help them to grow up and lead normal lives. Prosthetic devices are used by many people throughout the world every year due to injuries and health complications. Choosing the correct prosthetic and being able to afford the device can seem a bit challenging. Prosthetic devices are made up of many different components and are designed for various lifestyles. Designing, producing, and assembling these pieces can be very costly. In fact, a prosthetic leg can range anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, and even the most expensive prosthetics withstands use for only three to five years (Mohney). Regardless of the current cost, technology is advancing and engineers are developing new ways to make these devices. Prosthetic devices are improving by becoming more technologically advanced, affordable, and widely available.
The history of prosthetics dates back many years to when they were originally made around 1500 B.C. Prosthetic devices were originally used to take the place of limbs but had no other purpose. Most prosthetic devices during Roman times were just wooden or steel pegs (Patel). In the 1500s, Ambroise Pare introduced amputation to the medical community, and shortly after, made artificial limbs to take the place of the arm and elbow earning him the name, “the father of prosthetics.” In the late 1600s, Pieter Andriannszoon Verduyh developed the first non-locking prosthesis which is the basis for the joints used today. This prosthetic allows the knee to move more freely and have more range of motion. Sir James Syme then introduced ankle amputation to the medical community in the mid-1800s. This marked the time that amputations could be more precise and people were no longer always amputated at the thigh. This was shortly before the Civil War which had a reported minimum of 30,000 amputations on the Union side alone. As technology advanced, more functional prosthetics were developed to resemble a real limb. However, these limbs were not very comfortable to wear and therefore were not used often. Today, these limbs are gaining popularity by becoming more comfortable and reliable (Britt, Ellen and Thomas). Through these people, prosthetic devices are used to help people to live active lives.
Although prosthetic devices are in high demand and the technology is improving, they are not for everyone, and once one chooses to use a prosthetic, it requires a lot of care. If a prosthetic device is not right for an individual due to a health issue, they may be fitted with a cosmetic prosthetic instead (“Amputation”). Cosmetic prosthesis are also known as passive prosthesis because they have no functional purpose other than their looks (Bowers). Unlike a cosmetic prosthetic, which only requires a little extra energy, using a functional prosthetic device takes a lot of energy due to muscle and bone loss. In fact, patients with an above the knee amputation use about eighty percent more energy than they would normally use. Before one is fitted for a prosthetic, the stump is desensitized to minimize the prosthetic irritating the stump area. It is very important to keep the stump clean and dry. Doing this will prevent the skin on the stump from becoming soft and more prone to injury. Before one receives their prosthetic, they will be taught many exercises to strengthen their muscles in the remainder of the limb in order to be prepared to move the extra weight (“Amputation”). With the right precautionary care, a prosthetic device can be a good choice for an amputee.
After having an amputation, the patient has to decide if they want a passive prosthesis or a functional prosthesis. If the patient has a health issue, they may choose a passive prosthetic due to their not being able to exert the extra energy required to move the prosthetic. A passive prosthetic is a device worn purely for cosmetic purposes. Functional prosthesis enable amputees to perform tasks. Although functional prosthetics are not for cosmetic purposes, they have been evolving to serve a cosmetic purpose as well. If the patient decides to use a functional prosthetic, they will have to choose between a body-powered device or an electric device. Body powered devices are lower in cost, lighter, and easier to repair but are not visually pleasing and can be difficult to use for some people who are not in good physical condition. In contrast, electronic devices are built to look more like a real limb and are battery powered so they take less energy to operate. However, they are high in cost, heavy, and are not functional when the battery dies (Bowers). Although there are two basic kinds of prosthetics, one has to decide what kinds of components they wish to have based on their level of amputation.
If an amputee is in need of an upper limb prosthetic device, they may need a socket, elbow unit, wrist unit, or terminal device. A terminal device is the component at the end of the limb or in this case, the hand. Components for upper limb prosthetic devices are all standard except for the terminal device (“Arm”). A terminal device can be a hook, prehensor, or a hand. Hooks have developed into a split hook design that makes it easier to grip objects. They are efficient, have the ability to grip small objects, durable, and are cheap to repair. However, hooks and prehensors are not cosmetically pleasing. Prehensors look similar to lobster claws and are made of a metal material. They do not look as threatening as hooks, are less likely to scratch objects, and do not accidentally get caught on objects as easily. They are not good for working with small objects, are bulky, and are almost impossible to type with. One may choose to use a standard hand with their prosthetic device. Hands are not very functional and are used mainly for a cosmetic purpose (Bowers). Nonetheless, technology is advancing and terminal devices are becoming more functional and like real hands.
If one has a lower limb amputation, they may need a hip joint, socket, thigh, knee, shank, ankle or foot. The ankle and foot may be one unit or separate, but most parts of the prosthetic leg are standard with the exception of the knee and foot (Schuch). If an amputee is not very active, they may want to get a solid ankle cushioned heel or SACH foot which is the simplest type of foot. It is inexpensive, durable, and maintenance free, but it does not return the same amount of energy as it absorbs. For amputees with a moderate level of physical activity, a dorsiflexion or plantarflexion foot may be the best option. This foot accommodates uneven surfaces well and has an increased mobility. If amputated above the knee, a single-axis or multi-axis foot may be best because it has enhanced knee stability. However, it is more expensive, weighs more, and requires periodic maintenance. Dynamic-response feet are best for amputees that are very active. These devices provide a sense of push off but are very expensive (“Prosthetic”). There are currently over one hundred types of knee systems. The most common are mechanical knees, fluid control systems, and computerized knees. Computerized knees are individually programmed to fit the patients walking characteristics. A fluid control system is operated by pistons that cause the knee to move when air or a liquid is compressed. Mechanical knees are usually more awkward to use and do not have much bend to them, but people who are less active may like this option due to them being cheaper (Dupes). Lower limb amputees have many options for feet and knees that would best fit their lifestyles.
Technology is advancing and prosthetic devices are improving every day. Researchers are currently working to develop brain-machine interfaces or BMIs. They hope to one day make this available in all prosthetics. This device is controlled by detecting signals from a bundle of nerves so it can be controlled by the brain. Each patient’s body has different nerve pulses so the machine has to be individually programmed for each patient. The patient must try to make simple movements until a pattern occurs so the device can be programmed to fit their needs. If the patient is paralyzed, neurosurgeons may need to implant sensors in the patients brain to control the prosthetic. This device is still in developmental stages and is predicted to take at least five years until the device may be functional. Some issues with the device include the time it takes to program the device correctly, the safety of the implants, and the unnatural feel of the prosthetic (Pandika). Patients need to asses the risks associated with this device and decide if it outweighs the benefits.
Researchers are also working on developing prosthetic devices that can “feel.” These devices contain sensors that detect touch related information. These sensors are connected to electrodes that are surgically implanted in the nerves at the base of the amputation. These sensors carry information to the nerves which will transmit the information to the brain. These devices have to be individually programmed for each individual because everyones amputation is different causing the nerve impulses to differ. The biggest concern with this device is the safety of the implants. The implants have to be removed after one week due to the fear of infection or an allergic reaction to the material being used. Researchers are currently working on a way to make a safer material and eventually provide this prosthetic device for a reasonable cost (“Amputee”). This device may help to eliminate the phantom limb syndrome that many amputees face since they can actually feel their missing limb.
Today, one of the biggest issues with prosthetic devices is the high cost. Many people are not able to afford these devices and are forced to learn how to live without it. Leon McCarthy was born without fingers on his left hand, and his family had no way of affording a prosthetic device. McCarthy’s father did extensive research on prosthetic devices in hopes of finding one that was affordable for the family. He eventually stumbled across a design for a prosthetic hand that was made with a 3D printer, and asked his son’s school if he could use their printer to make the device. After a short time, McCarthy was able to have a prosthetic hand at a cost lower than two hundred dollars. He can now draw, pick up food, and hold a water bottle with his left hand. His dad is planning to work with the school to teach more children how to print hands and hopes to give them to other kids who are in need of prosthetic devices (Velez). Finding cheaper ways to make functional prosthetic devices may revolutionize the prosthetic industry for future generations.
One out of every two hundred people in the United States are amputees (“Interesting”). Prosthetic devices are very important for these people to lead normal, everyday lives. These devices are very complex and have been improving throughout time. There are a lot more advances that need to be done to these systems such as improving cost, efficiency, and the weight of these devices. Researchers are currently working to make prosthetic limbs cheaper and more like a real limb. One day prosthetic devices may be just like real limbs and virtually hassle free, but until then, amputees have many options to best suit their lifestyle.
There are one thousand babies born each year without limbs (“Interesting”). However, they do have hope as prosthetic devices are able to help them to grow up and lead normal lives. Prosthetic devices are used by many people throughout the world every year due to injuries and health complications. Choosing the correct prosthetic and being able to afford the device can seem a bit challenging. Prosthetic devices are made up of many different components and are designed for various lifestyles. Designing, producing, and assembling these pieces can be very costly. In fact, a prosthetic leg can range anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, and even the most expensive prosthetics withstands use for only three to five years (Mohney). Regardless of the current cost, technology is advancing and engineers are developing new ways to make these devices. Prosthetic devices are improving by becoming more technologically advanced, affordable, and widely available.
The history of prosthetics dates back many years to when they were originally made around 1500 B.C. Prosthetic devices were originally used to take the place of limbs but had no other purpose. Most prosthetic devices during Roman times were just wooden or steel pegs (Patel). In the 1500s, Ambroise Pare introduced amputation to the medical community, and shortly after, made artificial limbs to take the place of the arm and elbow earning him the name, “the father of prosthetics.” In the late 1600s, Pieter Andriannszoon Verduyh developed the first non-locking prosthesis which is the basis for the joints used today. This prosthetic allows the knee to move more freely and have more range of motion. Sir James Syme then introduced ankle amputation to the medical community in the mid-1800s. This marked the time that amputations could be more precise and people were no longer always amputated at the thigh. This was shortly before the Civil War which had a reported minimum of 30,000 amputations on the Union side alone. As technology advanced, more functional prosthetics were developed to resemble a real limb. However, these limbs were not very comfortable to wear and therefore were not used often. Today, these limbs are gaining popularity by becoming more comfortable and reliable (Britt, Ellen and Thomas). Through these people, prosthetic devices are used to help people to live active lives.
Although prosthetic devices are in high demand and the technology is improving, they are not for everyone, and once one chooses to use a prosthetic, it requires a lot of care. If a prosthetic device is not right for an individual due to a health issue, they may be fitted with a cosmetic prosthetic instead (“Amputation”). Cosmetic prosthesis are also known as passive prosthesis because they have no functional purpose other than their looks (Bowers). Unlike a cosmetic prosthetic, which only requires a little extra energy, using a functional prosthetic device takes a lot of energy due to muscle and bone loss. In fact, patients with an above the knee amputation use about eighty percent more energy than they would normally use. Before one is fitted for a prosthetic, the stump is desensitized to minimize the prosthetic irritating the stump area. It is very important to keep the stump clean and dry. Doing this will prevent the skin on the stump from becoming soft and more prone to injury. Before one receives their prosthetic, they will be taught many exercises to strengthen their muscles in the remainder of the limb in order to be prepared to move the extra weight (“Amputation”). With the right precautionary care, a prosthetic device can be a good choice for an amputee.
After having an amputation, the patient has to decide if they want a passive prosthesis or a functional prosthesis. If the patient has a health issue, they may choose a passive prosthetic due to their not being able to exert the extra energy required to move the prosthetic. A passive prosthetic is a device worn purely for cosmetic purposes. Functional prosthesis enable amputees to perform tasks. Although functional prosthetics are not for cosmetic purposes, they have been evolving to serve a cosmetic purpose as well. If the patient decides to use a functional prosthetic, they will have to choose between a body-powered device or an electric device. Body powered devices are lower in cost, lighter, and easier to repair but are not visually pleasing and can be difficult to use for some people who are not in good physical condition. In contrast, electronic devices are built to look more like a real limb and are battery powered so they take less energy to operate. However, they are high in cost, heavy, and are not functional when the battery dies (Bowers). Although there are two basic kinds of prosthetics, one has to decide what kinds of components they wish to have based on their level of amputation.
If an amputee is in need of an upper limb prosthetic device, they may need a socket, elbow unit, wrist unit, or terminal device. A terminal device is the component at the end of the limb or in this case, the hand. Components for upper limb prosthetic devices are all standard except for the terminal device (“Arm”). A terminal device can be a hook, prehensor, or a hand. Hooks have developed into a split hook design that makes it easier to grip objects. They are efficient, have the ability to grip small objects, durable, and are cheap to repair. However, hooks and prehensors are not cosmetically pleasing. Prehensors look similar to lobster claws and are made of a metal material. They do not look as threatening as hooks, are less likely to scratch objects, and do not accidentally get caught on objects as easily. They are not good for working with small objects, are bulky, and are almost impossible to type with. One may choose to use a standard hand with their prosthetic device. Hands are not very functional and are used mainly for a cosmetic purpose (Bowers). Nonetheless, technology is advancing and terminal devices are becoming more functional and like real hands.
If one has a lower limb amputation, they may need a hip joint, socket, thigh, knee, shank, ankle or foot. The ankle and foot may be one unit or separate, but most parts of the prosthetic leg are standard with the exception of the knee and foot (Schuch). If an amputee is not very active, they may want to get a solid ankle cushioned heel or SACH foot which is the simplest type of foot. It is inexpensive, durable, and maintenance free, but it does not return the same amount of energy as it absorbs. For amputees with a moderate level of physical activity, a dorsiflexion or plantarflexion foot may be the best option. This foot accommodates uneven surfaces well and has an increased mobility. If amputated above the knee, a single-axis or multi-axis foot may be best because it has enhanced knee stability. However, it is more expensive, weighs more, and requires periodic maintenance. Dynamic-response feet are best for amputees that are very active. These devices provide a sense of push off but are very expensive (“Prosthetic”). There are currently over one hundred types of knee systems. The most common are mechanical knees, fluid control systems, and computerized knees. Computerized knees are individually programmed to fit the patients walking characteristics. A fluid control system is operated by pistons that cause the knee to move when air or a liquid is compressed. Mechanical knees are usually more awkward to use and do not have much bend to them, but people who are less active may like this option due to them being cheaper (Dupes). Lower limb amputees have many options for feet and knees that would best fit their lifestyles.
Technology is advancing and prosthetic devices are improving every day. Researchers are currently working to develop brain-machine interfaces or BMIs. They hope to one day make this available in all prosthetics. This device is controlled by detecting signals from a bundle of nerves so it can be controlled by the brain. Each patient’s body has different nerve pulses so the machine has to be individually programmed for each patient. The patient must try to make simple movements until a pattern occurs so the device can be programmed to fit their needs. If the patient is paralyzed, neurosurgeons may need to implant sensors in the patients brain to control the prosthetic. This device is still in developmental stages and is predicted to take at least five years until the device may be functional. Some issues with the device include the time it takes to program the device correctly, the safety of the implants, and the unnatural feel of the prosthetic (Pandika). Patients need to asses the risks associated with this device and decide if it outweighs the benefits.
Researchers are also working on developing prosthetic devices that can “feel.” These devices contain sensors that detect touch related information. These sensors are connected to electrodes that are surgically implanted in the nerves at the base of the amputation. These sensors carry information to the nerves which will transmit the information to the brain. These devices have to be individually programmed for each individual because everyones amputation is different causing the nerve impulses to differ. The biggest concern with this device is the safety of the implants. The implants have to be removed after one week due to the fear of infection or an allergic reaction to the material being used. Researchers are currently working on a way to make a safer material and eventually provide this prosthetic device for a reasonable cost (“Amputee”). This device may help to eliminate the phantom limb syndrome that many amputees face since they can actually feel their missing limb.
Today, one of the biggest issues with prosthetic devices is the high cost. Many people are not able to afford these devices and are forced to learn how to live without it. Leon McCarthy was born without fingers on his left hand, and his family had no way of affording a prosthetic device. McCarthy’s father did extensive research on prosthetic devices in hopes of finding one that was affordable for the family. He eventually stumbled across a design for a prosthetic hand that was made with a 3D printer, and asked his son’s school if he could use their printer to make the device. After a short time, McCarthy was able to have a prosthetic hand at a cost lower than two hundred dollars. He can now draw, pick up food, and hold a water bottle with his left hand. His dad is planning to work with the school to teach more children how to print hands and hopes to give them to other kids who are in need of prosthetic devices (Velez). Finding cheaper ways to make functional prosthetic devices may revolutionize the prosthetic industry for future generations.
One out of every two hundred people in the United States are amputees (“Interesting”). Prosthetic devices are very important for these people to lead normal, everyday lives. These devices are very complex and have been improving throughout time. There are a lot more advances that need to be done to these systems such as improving cost, efficiency, and the weight of these devices. Researchers are currently working to make prosthetic limbs cheaper and more like a real limb. One day prosthetic devices may be just like real limbs and virtually hassle free, but until then, amputees have many options to best suit their lifestyle.