Bionic Limbs and How They Can Help the Handicapped

Bionic limbs are getting more and more common. They serve as replacements for missing limbs. The type of bionic limb is determined by the extent if the loss and the location of the loss. Some people are born with a missing limb, others may have lost in in an accident. In North America, the leading cause for losing limbs is losing limbs to diseases, such as cancer.

There are four types of bionic limbs. One of them is. Transtibial Prosthesis, which replaces legs lost beneath the knee, and also, there is Transfemoral Prosthesis, which is for legs lost above the knee. Another type of bionic limb is Transradial Prosthesis, which replaces and arm lost below elbow. The last type of bionic limb is Transhumeral Prosthesis, which replaces arms lost above the elbow.

In the past, people would use metal and wooden replacements. However, with the technology of today, we use plastics and carbon fiber. Computers are often used to help design and manufacture bionic limbs. Most bionic limbs are attached to the stump with belts, cuffs, or by suction. The stump usually fits on a socket, which is custom made to provide comfort. The only big problem with these bionic limb attachments is the rubbing between the stump and socket, which may cause discomfort. Another way to connect the stump to the bionic limb is by direct bone attachment. It gives the patient better control, but they cannot do intense activities like jogging because the bone may break.

One of the most amazing part about bionic limbs are how they even work. There is a technique called targeted muscle reinnervation, in which motor nerves that controlled muscled in the amputated limb are surgically rerouted so that they reinnervate with a large muscle. This way, when the person thinks can move the bionic limb by simply thinking, as if it were a real limb. Recent bionic limbs have improved the ability of the limb to read the signals from the brain waves.

Bionic limbs are becoming more important. More people are losing limbs in accidents, and to diseases, specifically cancer. However, the cost can get quite high, possibly up to $35,000. Luckily there are companies like Jaipur Foot, located in India, who try to make low cost bionic limbs that everyone can afford. In the near future, people will no longer have to get so down about losing limbs because they can replace it with something almost as good.

Sources:

"Artificial Limb." Wikipedia. 5 Nov 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_limb

Dybwad, Barb. "Bionic Man." Engadget. 23 June 2005. Engadget. 7 Nov 2007 http://www.engadget.com/2005/06/23/bionic-man-controls-artificial-limbs-with-his-mind/

"Man's bionic arm moves by thought." MSN Health and Fitness. MSN. 5 Nov 2007 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14790160/wid/11915773/?GT1=8506

Jango-Cohen, Judith. Bionics. New York: Learner Publications, 2006.