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Prosthetics. Abdullateef AL Fozaie. What are Prosthetics. Prosthetics are artificial device extensions that replace a missing body part Available in early forms dating back to the fifth Egyptian dynasty 2750-2625 BC Many forms and material composites
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Prosthetics Abdullateef AL Fozaie
What are Prosthetics • Prosthetics are artificial device extensions that replace a missing body part • Available in early forms dating back to the fifth Egyptian dynasty 2750-2625 BC • Many forms and material composites • Wide range in advanced technology and complexity • Generally have been simple devices until the 1980’s technology boom
Advancement • Introduction of Biomechanical (Bionic) Prosthetics • Quantum leap in the advancement of Prosthetics devices over the past three decades • Systems integration via BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) • Osseointegration; direct structural and functional connection between living tissue and prosthetic devices • Composite advances and prosthetic longevity
Access • Wide US availability in different forms and technologies in their basic forms • Slow spread of high tier devices due to complexity and cost to acquire, maintain and setup • Relatively short lifespan and require regular maintenance and adjustment (3-5 years)
Cost • The cost issue is a mixed bag, there are several different variations of prosthetic devices and the political agenda of insurance companies and states. • The biggest problem is the VA services provided for amputees • The general consensus of states and insurance companies is “Why get a cadillacwhen a chevy will do?” • Renewed cost every 3 to 5 years.
There are approximately 2 millions amputees in the United states
Quality of care • Quality of care has always been fairly poor for amputee’s , the social and psychological effects are immense let alone the physical disability • So when it comes to amputees its not as simple as hot gluing a piece of plastic, there’s along rehabilitation process as well mental care for some • Some disabilities can be very extensive and require personal home care and assistance • Issues of one’s dignity, self-reliance, productivity and ability to contribute to society
Political Agenda • Amputee health care has always been on the political agenda and was a pressing issue post Vietnam war due to the very high number of amputees • The issue has been refreshed due to the Iraq war and the medical advancement • Funding is still sub par and the ideology of why get a Cadillac when a Chevy will do won’t get us anywhere
Sources • http://www.brilliantbiomed.com/2009/09/politics-of-prosthetics-insuring.html • http://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/prostheses/prosthetics-costs.php • http://www.amputee-coalition.org/fact_sheets/assist_orgs.html • http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blprosthetic.htm • http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XBqjwxCda4A • http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ppILwXwsMng