Prosthetics
A few days ago, I watched a movie about cyborgs living comfortably in society. Two aspects impressed me: the ease of social integration and the technology. Of course, I was aware that the movie used a lot of special effects and graphics. Viewing that movie made me recall my science fiction ideas years ago about why the prosthetics industry falls short of real innovation.
Take for example the use of silicone polymers in Anaplastology. Sure, it was superior to the conventional materials used in the 1950s. It was constantly developed by Dow Corning and others into almost perfect versions. The whole materials technology for Anaplastology is based on using silicone polymers, including intrinsic and extrinsic pigments. The fabrication of life-like prostheses using molds is to facilitate the use of silicone polymers. Is there no other material that can be developed for the same purpose? Perhaps the neo-disruptive digital technology will force the use of other suitable materials that can be more easily used to 3D print. Perhaps biomaterials may have a role sooner rather than later. Perhaps it will eventually be possible to graft the prostheses permanently.
As far as functional prostheses are concerned, I look at the very sophisticated myoelectric upper limb and wonder about its functionality. The ones that I saw, lacked the normal functions at the wrist which enabled us to fine-tune docking food, and liquids to our mouth. The device also seemed fragile in the face of serious work functions. It appeared that such prostheses are being touted as futuristic and high-end. And they cost an arm and leg. Why do Prosthetists all over the world keep dispensing these prostheses to patients? Why do they not combine animatronics with the prostheses and make the device seem like a natural replacement? Why is there little or no sensory feedback?
Who is driving the prosthetics industry? Why are Prosthetists doing just assembly work? Patients using myoelectric upper limbs become performing artists impressing onlookers. Wake up, Prosthetists! It is high time.
Leiter F&E, RA bei steco-system-technik GmbH & Co. KG
6 天前unfortunately, not everything possible is legally allowed. Here in Europe the MDR made a lot of products disappear from the market, lead to a lack of oftions and forces therapists into "grey" areas to find siuitable options. Especially in a niche like anaplastology there is a misballance of possibilities and economic considerations. Leaglly we have medical devices which are used to make custom made medical devices. I would like if there was more pragmatism in this process. There are definitely interesting materials and technologies which might be helpful in prosthetics.