Re: Hope for those who are disabledPosted by Karen Downs on February 08, 19101 at 00:47:33: In Reply to: Hope for those who are disabled posted by Ernie on February 07, 19101 at 17:35:52: Dear Ernie: The C-leg provides an advantage by adjusting the hydraulic unit to the cadance of the amputee's gait. It does not provide any power assist. Even walking on a level surface requires energy levels far in excess of any battery system's ability to store energy. A power source must be carried by the amputee (no long extension cords!). Arm function often has modest power requirements. An upper extremity is considerably lighter than a lower. While there are some systems that will allow an upper extremity amputee to lift, oh say, 30 pounds, that is not for a protracted period of time. A body-powered elbow coupled with a myoelectric wrist/"hand" can provide some strength with dexterity. Yet, many U/E amputees cannot generate sufficent voltage in their stumps for myoelectrics to function properly. Another factor to consider is the fact that more than 50% of upper extremity prostheses are abandoned because there is no tactile sensation. Children especially want "out" of hot and heavy prostheses. Children often have U/E prostheses because their parents want them to. They are abandoned. There is no prosthesis that can replace a flesh and blood and bone limb. A prosthesis is not an arm. It is not a leg. It is a tool a person uses to help the rest of his/her body from point A to point B. Just like a wheelchair. A body powered B/E prosthesis with a Dorrence #5A hook is not a hand. It is a tool that can be used to pick up stuff, perhaps food, and get it into one's mouth. As for extensions to bones; research is on-going, "as we speak" in the field of "osteo-intergration". What has been attempted is the introduction of a titanium rod into a femor which pierces the skin and extends beyond the distal stump. An extremely strong mating of a prosthesis can be acomplished. However, there are all kinds of on-going problems. The most apparent is keeping the site where the rod exists the skin clean and free of infection. Another is the integrety of the bone when bending forces are applied through the metal parts. Just lifting the limb will load the femor with considerable forces. Now for my "soapbox bit". I believe the real problems of the "disabled" are socially constructed. Society has decided, perhaps unconsciously, that buildings will be, curbs will be, stairs will be, "their" opinion will be that we somehow are found lacking as a consequence of these things being as they are. This is, I believe, why so many leg amputees want to walk "so no one can tell". Arm amputees wear limbs that are useless to them so they appear "normal". Good grief, who made being seen as "normal" a virtue? What is "normal"? Can't you amputees see that "normal" is what makes you disabled. I say screw it! I do not want to be normal. I want to live my life as I choose. I do not want to run over people with my wheelchair, but by God, I am not going to put myself in a cubbyhole society chooses for me either. Comments? Questions? a "burning at the stake"? Karen
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