Amputations : PROSTHETICS

PROSTHETICS – OLD VS NEW

Prosthetics is part of a branch of medical science that caters to the need for replacing missing body parts. The artificial body part that is fit in place of the missing one is called a Prosthesis. Some people are born with different parts of their body missing, like the arms or the legs, thus giving rise to the need for a prosthesis to replace it.

The start of prosthetics:

Prosthetics is traced back a long way to around 330 B.C., which is when the first types of prosthesis came into use. These were created by artisans of those times, who were adept at wood, metal and leather works. The prosthesis were therefore made by hammering metal plates into wooden blocks, with a leather belt was strapped on to it. One of the most notable persons who put prosthetics to very good use in the 1570’s was a French military surgeon Ambroise Pere who helped many soldiers with his prosthesis’.

The need for prosthetics arose mainly due to wars, when soldiers were amputated and needed replacements for their lost limbs. The earliest time when this science started evolving was from the days of the American Civil War when thousands of soldiers were amputated. A New York manufacturer brought in a modernized version of the prosthesis which was priced around $75 to $150. This modernization led to a vast progress in the different styles of prosthesis and in creating artificial limbs.

The middle era:

After the Second World War, the prosthesis’ started to evolve further, when manufacturers started using lighter materials like aluminium and plastic to design a more comfortable instrument. This came in very handy for amputees, especially soldiers, who had things made easier for them. The Vietnam War further contributed to the growth of the prosthesis design, when a large number of amputees coming in led to extra fittings into the instruments like having electronic operations and enhancements.

Modern prosthetics:

In recent times the Prosthetics branch has seen immense progress, given the rapid increase in the number of amputees. This leads designers and manufacturers to look for newer and improved ways of assisting these people, thus leading to innovation in the style of the prosthesis’. Designers nowadays are focusing on the looks of the instrument as well, as modern amputees also go for stylish equipment regardless of its purpose. New materials like carbon fibre are being used to make handling the instrument easier and last longer as the material is tougher and has greater resistance. Replacements for hands are today made using silicon-mixed materials, giving them a soft realistic look. Limbs made from these new materials are also flexible as compared to the older versions, and they come with adjustable fittings and functions, thus giving the user more options like changing the size and shape as and when necessary.

Designers today are focused upon creating a masterpiece that will not only replace the missing limbs or body parts, but make the user comfortable enough that they don’t feel the difference between having a mechanical limb or a real one. This requires the designers to actually tap into the nervous system functions in the body. Once this phenomenon is accomplished, we may as well be in a world where man and machine are unified.