Bionic Limbs
In recent years, there have been a lot technological advances in the field of prosthetic limbs that are yielding amazing results in function and mobility. The prosthetic limbs are beginning to resemble human anatomy, in terms of joint function and response time. There are now computerized robotic prosthetic body parts that are beginning to perform just as well, if not better than biological anatomy. The bionic prosthetic field is growing because the prosthetic limbs are continually being upgraded and researched and they are becoming more and more efficient. Bionic prosthetic limbs are helping people with disabilities be able to get back to work and able to live and function independently.
Bionics and Veterans
Bionic prosthetic limbs have been integral in helping rehabilitate veterans, even allowing them to continue to serve in the armed forces even after a serious injury. The Department of Defense has been working with Targeted Muscle Reinnervation and evolved wireless biosensors that connect the nervous system and the sensors in the bionic prosthetic limb, with the idea that the sense of touch could be restored to many amputees giving hope to many veterans (Metcalfe, 2013) .
What's available?
The X2 Prosthetic, allows amputees to climb stairs with a natural gait.
The X-2 is much more advance than the prosthetic limbs used int the past. The main difference between the X-2 and previous models is that the knee is able to support weight while flexed without collapsing, just like a biological leg. But even now, the research and development for the X-3 is in progress, which demonstrates the prevalence of this field. Scientists and health care professionals are continually working to improve the technology until the prosthetics can mimic human anatomy, and eventually surpass human limitations.
- In 2008, a bomb in Afghanistan destroyed Army Reserve SSG Alfredo de los Santos’s leg. But thanks to the X2, was able to walk and climb stairs.
- Army National Guard SSG Andre Murnane is another soldier that lost his right leg in 2009, but he returned to serve a year later and he is still in Special Forces today thanks to a bionic prosthetic leg.
What's ahead
Bionic prostheses are becoming closer and closer to human anatomy. Specifically, the bionic hand is developing a sense of touch. [link]
References
1. Metcalfe, T. (2013, January 9). Artificial limbs – We can rebuild you | Kidela .Kidela. Retrieved February 23, 2013, from http://www.kidela.com/healthcare/artificial-limbs-we-can-rebuild-you/
2. Matthews, W. (2012). Bionic reality. The Officer, 88(3), 24-27. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1037379373?accountid=29001
3. McDermott, N. (28 January 2013). Scientists create bionic body using artificial limbs and organs | Mail Online. Home | Mail Online. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2269824/Scientists-create-bionic-body-using-artificial-limbs-organs.html
Images
1. http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/11/04/article-2227785-15D9196C000005DC-200_634x399.jpg
2. http://gearcrave.frsucrave.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/prosthetic-leg.jpg
3. http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/192x/45/4f/00/454f00a8a26817cb1b9a4c4c7edaa3dd.jpg
1. Metcalfe, T. (2013, January 9). Artificial limbs – We can rebuild you | Kidela .Kidela. Retrieved February 23, 2013, from http://www.kidela.com/healthcare/artificial-limbs-we-can-rebuild-you/
2. Matthews, W. (2012). Bionic reality. The Officer, 88(3), 24-27. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1037379373?accountid=29001
3. McDermott, N. (28 January 2013). Scientists create bionic body using artificial limbs and organs | Mail Online. Home | Mail Online. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2269824/Scientists-create-bionic-body-using-artificial-limbs-organs.html
Images
1. http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/11/04/article-2227785-15D9196C000005DC-200_634x399.jpg
2. http://gearcrave.frsucrave.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/prosthetic-leg.jpg
3. http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/192x/45/4f/00/454f00a8a26817cb1b9a4c4c7edaa3dd.jpg
USciences
WR 102-06
Alan Duong