ProstheticsAbdullateef 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 cadillac when a chevy will do?”

• Renewed cost every 3 to 5 years.

There are approximately 2 millions amputees in the United states

$ 0.25

$ 1.00

$ 11.00

Upper limb

Prosthesis

$ 3000

$ 30000

Lower Limb

Prosthesis

$ 5000

$ 50000

Bionic Prosthesis

$ 60000

$200000

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