Prosthetics are becoming more functional and more comfortable, thanks to a variety of new technologies. Some advances involve improved designs and materials of construction, while others use microprocessors to increase the performance of prosthetics. Further improvements still in research and development offer a promising future to the estimated 5 million Americans, including 1.9 million amputees, who use assistive orthopedic devices.

Newly-developed composite materials and thermal plastics are stronger and lighter, allowing the construction of replacement limbs that enable users to be much more mobile. One outstanding example is South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius, a bilateral below-knee amputee who runs on carbon fiber J-shaped prostheses with the soles of running shoes attached. He has broken numerous Paralympic records and is petitioning to become the first amputee to compete in the Olympic Games.

Ever smaller and more powerful microprocessors, combined with the latest generations of sensors, miniature motors and power supplies, have revolutionized the performance of artificial foot and knee replacements. New models allow users to walk much more naturally, especially when going downstairs or downhill. For single amputees, sensors on the non-amputated foot can relay signals to the prosthetic one, keeping motions of the two feet coordinated.

Cutting-edge research sponsored by the US Defense Department is focused on creating prosthetic arms controlled directly by nerve impulses. When this technology is perfected and becomes available, it will allow quantum leaps in performance compared to current myoelectric arms, themselves hugely more capable than the previous generation of prostheses. Increased fine control will allow prosthetic users to achieve unparalleled functionality and perform many previously impossible tasks.

SOURCE: FoxNews