An overview of modern prosthetics

A study revealed that around 185,000 amputations are performed each year in America, and around three hundred thousand amputations are done in Europe. This huge load of amputation allows the collective progress of our species. Humanity responded to this threat with prosthetics. Prostheses have been around since the medieval ages. But after the emergence of bionics, they have become more efficient. Unlike medieval prostheses, modern ones are more agile, ergonomic and technologically superior. Despite such favourable differences, modern prosthesis still doesn't command enough reach among the commoners.

How it works

Bionics is the blessing of years of electrophysiology research. In the case of a bionic prosthesis, a powerful, onboard microcomputer controls the actions and gestures. The underlying task of this computer is the translation of EMG signals generated by the muscle residues. The EMG signal is generated by the movement of the muscles and picked up by EMG receptors placed on the user’s skin. These sensors can only detect motor signals as they are non-invasive in nature.

limitations

The working mechanism of a bionic prosthesis suggests that the residual muscles are essential for the proper functioning of a bionic prosthesis. Amputations are performed to save a life. Unstoppable cancer, an infection or a bad wound can be the reason. Due to their candid nature often amputations include all the relevant muscles. Hence, an amputee who has lost all these muscles is likely to be ineligible for the implementation of bionic prostheses. Additionally, progressive neurological disorders and dermatomal or spinal injuries are also detrimental when it comes to the implementation of bionic prostheses.

The future

3D printed organs will take some time before emerging as prostheses. Until then bionics is perhaps the best solution we have for the amputation problem. But the non-invasive nature of sensor placements will most likely be replaced by neuromusculoskeletal sensor paradigms. These sensors are directly in contact with sensory nerve bundles. A prosthetic hand with neuromusculoskeletal EMG sensors thus can feed sensory information to the brain. And a crisis of residual muscles can be dealt with ease with these sensors. Though the hardware requirement for sensory reception is high and these kinds of prostheses will take a long time before entering the market.

Awareness

In a country like ours, many amputees lose the motivation to carry on with life just because of the lack of awareness. They tend to think the amputation is a dead end and there is no turning back. The very knowledge of bionic prostheses and the potential of these devices can instil hope for rehabilitation. Immediately post-amputation, amputees ignore the phantom limb related inconveniences and lose the sweet phase for the implementation of bionic prostheses. The learned and enlightened must take up the responsibility of educating the unaware and try their best to instil the hope of coming back to life.

The situation we face regarding prostheses can only be dealt with through mutual cooperation between multiple social classes. And we must not hesitate given the prospects of a better future.

Saajan Sharma likes to read and write actively on upcoming HR trends and how HR is reshaping the business landscape. He likes to help businesses stay informed and up to date with established and emerging technologies like Payroll Software, SAP, etc.