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