Part Barbie: Artificial Limbs

WHAT ARE PROSTHETICS?

Prosthetics are artificial substitutes or replacements of a certain body part to help restore normal functions of the missing body part. People normally get artificial limbs because of amputations, traumatic events, or birth defects. There are still many problems with having artificial limbs but it is a changing concept that is improving.

 

Figure 1: This picture shows the main parts of a prosthetic leg. There are many designs of prosthetics for different uses but this is the general design. Source: Dr. Guruparsad: https://www.slideshare.net/sguruprasad311286/drguruprasad-orthotics-and-prosthetics

 

 

HOW DO PROSTHETICS WORK?

The general way of how prosthetics work is connecting the artificial limb to the amputated body part.

Figure 2: This describes how microprocessors are used to help with leg prosthetics. Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/94646029656113723/?lp=true

 

 

 

 

LEGS 

Leg prosthetics also includes directly attaching the prosthetic to the amputated bone. However, this can lead to diseases and is used as a last resort. At first, prosthetics were used to just support the body with limited movement but then later developed mechanical and electronic controls for more movement. Mechanical controls used basic technology, for prosthetics with joints, for movement. However, this was not effective, limiting and uncomfortable. Later, electronic controls were developed. This uses microprocessors and resistance to decrease joint stiffness and increase joint movement and stability in micro-seconds.

 

ARMS 

 

 

Figure 3: This shows how TMR (Targeted Muscle Reinnervation) works. Source: https://neurogadget.net/

 

 

Prosthetic arms also use microprocessors to help the arm function as a normal arm. Prosthetic arms use Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) where the amputated nerves connect to the prosthetic and to the sensors. The muscles produce nerve signals on the skin which is used to control prosthetic arms.

 

PROBLEMS

 

Figure 4: Back pain is one of the main long-term effects that come with prosthetics. Source: https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/live-in-the-triad-and-have-back-pain-you-should-read-this

 

 

 

There are many side effects that come with wearing prosthetics. Prosthetics, in general, can cause a lot of discomforts if it is not made or positioned properly. One main side effect for both upper and lower amputees is back pain. For upper amputees, the prosthetic can be heavy causing strain on the muscles. For lower amputees, the prosthetic could be positioned uncomfortably and can cause posture imbalance. Other effects are arthritic conditions, tendonitis, muscle imbalance, vascular disease, and more.

 

FUTURE STEPS

 

Figure 5: Bionic prosthetics that are controlled by the brain and provides sensory feedback is the new direction in prosthetics. Source: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/darpa-creates-feeling-prosthetic-arm

 

 

 

The next development scientists hope to achieve is bionic prosthetics. These would essentially mimic a real arm. So far only prosthetics that can be controlled by the brain have been developed. Scientists want to develop a bionic prosthetic because lately, healthcare has been needing more technology. These bionic prosthetics would also allow people to live more freely and comfortably.