How Far Along Are We With Modular Prosthetic Limbs?
Prosthetic limps are only becoming more complicated as technology continues to improve. The ability of technology to shape our lives is only going to become more relevant in the years and decades to come. Prosthetic limbs have had widespread interest for decades. Part of the reason is that everyone realizes how important their limbs are to their everyday life. Many great people have had the unfortunate experience of losing a limb. Whether it be due to disease or an accident, it is always been a tragic fate to befall someone. This is not to mention the brave men and women in combat uniforms who have lost their limbs defending their country. It is important to continue to improve prosthetic technologies to give these people hope and comfort.
History
One of the institutions that has been on the breaking edge of limb technology is Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) at Johns Hopkins. They have recently created a new kind of limb called the modular prosthetic limb. This limb represents a breakthrough in the existing technologies that allows the patient to merge with the limb itself. API uses a process called osseointegration to connect living tissue to an implant. The implant is physically connected to the bone and responds to nerve impulses that allow the implant to interpret and send a signal to the prosthetic. The prosthetic receives the signal and translates it into movements that represent where the patient directs the limb. This latest technology is supposed to merge the physical impulses of the patient into the movements of the prosthetic. It is an exciting step towards creating a new option for amputees.
This is substantial progress in limb technology, given that many prosthetics feel and look very separate from the user. Modular prosthetic limbs are designed to integrate with the user itself. This allows the amputee to direct the prosthetic from their own brain signals. As well, the prosthetic is more detailed than past models. It allows the user to move all five fingers nimbly and with ease. This includes picking up small objects and moving each finger of the hand individually. It is the hope that this technology will only continue to improve and that eventually amputees will have seamless movement of their prosthetics with their own brain signals. This ambitious project from API is one of the most advanced of its kind and significantly improves the technology behind limb replacement. Eventually it may get to the point where people cannot tell the difference between a prosthetic and a real limb. This is the hope of the brave men and women who have had to endure years of subpar limb replacements.
Everyday Patients
The scientists of APL have been working tirelessly to get this technology in the hands of everyday patients. The ability to move one’s limbs is one of the most important things that a person can do. This is why the development of this technology is so important. APL also hopes to expand and compound on this technology to apply it to different parts of the body as well. The modular prosthetic limb started development with the hand and fingers. Once the design is improved upon, it is possible that the same technology could be applied to feet and toes. These limbs offer a true glimpse into the future. It is possible that humans will become more integrated with technology as they continue to progress. Though this can have drawbacks, it is ultimately done with good intent.
A modern pioneer for the technique is amputee Johnny Matheny, the first person to receive the implant. He is quoted as saying that he wants others to benefit from his implant, “I want to help all amputees, not just me.” The issue is personal for Matheny, who had several children that went into the armed services. They were thankfully able to return with their limbs intact, but some of their friends were not so lucky. Matheny is viewing his implant as a way to benefit the researchers and to provide more relief to people that have had amputations. It is noble endeavor and we should all be grateful that brave people like Johnny have stepped up for the furthering of progress. It is unclear how long this technology will take to come to fruition, but it is likely that Matheny’s efforts will pay off over the long run. The ideal prosthetic is a limb that responds perfectly to every brain signal. This is a type of limb that would be indistinguishable from a non-prosthetic. Though this is an ambitious goal, it may not be as far out of reach as people think.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the modular prosthetic limb offers a breakthrough in technology that will benefit many different people. Some of the top researchers in the world are dedicated to getting this problem right. Though the API has made great strides in creating an outstanding prosthetic, it will still need the collaborative efforts of many different institutions to make it mainstream. The development is still in its early stages but offers a glimpse into what the future of prosthetics might hold. This is an exciting future where an implant can relate a signal to a robotic limb and replicate the natural movements of a hand. It is a great step forward for medical progress and morality. It will be interesting to see how the scientists will be able to develop this technology going forward. Though it is unclear how long the process will take, many people are committed to getting this right. If you are interested in learning more about the modular prosthetic limb, then visit the Johns Hopkins website to view the latest research. This is a talented team who will continue to make breakthroughs for the foreseeable future. This team will continue to be on the cutting edge of prosthetics for many decades to come.
