The Technology Of Prosthetics

Prosthetics once made from wood now are made of stronger and lighter materials such as carbon fiber, titanium and kevlar. Artificial limbs are more efficient than ever. With the somewhat recent inclusion of myoelectric sensors, microprocessors, hydraulics and other technology we are making truly amazing adaptive devices. If you follow exponential increases in technology, the future of prosthetics along with many other things, is very exciting indeed.

Where We Are We Now
Prosthetic Feet
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The innovation of carbon fiber feet has brought about a lighter, stronger and more efficient foot than ever before. Most prosthetic feet today absorb and return energy due to their 'flex' and 'spring like' properties. Some of these feet offer such great properties that there is a growing consensus they may even give amputees an unfair advantage in some circumstances.
You may be familiar with the controversy involving Paralympian sprinter Oscar Pistorius . The amputee athlete was banned from Olympic trials due to possibly having an 'unfair advantage'. There were concerns that Pistorius' prosthetic feet gave him better than human running capabilities.
Oscar Pistorius 400 Meter Race at the 2008 Paralympic Games.
I personally do not feel that Mr. Pistorius has an advantage over other able bodied athletes. Test on and off the field have shown that he actually may still be at a disadvantage to an able bodied runner. I do feel in time, as technology increasingly advances, an amputee athlete could be at an advantage. If we follow the normal progression in technology, it definitely seems like a possibility. Able bodied athletes will continue to improve as they consistently have over time with better training techniques and equipment. The real question is will advances in artificial limbs surpass those of real ones?
Oscar in a motivational Nike Advertisement.

Prosthetic Arms and Hands
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Myoelectric technology has greatly advanced upper extremity artificial devices. A myoelectric arm works by placing sensors on the wearer's skin. By flexing and contracting muscles where the sensors are placed, the prosthetic device can be controlled. Artificial hand, wrist and elbow movement is possible with the use of multiple sensors.
A 5.5 minute video showing the inner workings of Myoelectric Technology.
With advancements in microprocessors the fine movement of prosthetic arms has become much wider. A user is now able to gently or firmly grab objects and simultaneously use different functions of the arm.
The Utah Arm Video.
 More information about the Utah Arm
The first electronic hands would just open and close, like a large pincher. Hands such as the The I-Limb have separate individually powered digits. The multi-articulating I-Limb has has various grip modes which can greatly improve a wearer's quality of life.

Prosthetic Knees
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There are many types of knee systems out there for amputees. The advances in technology, even in non-automated knees has improved vastly. There are manual knees that use variable friction or hydraulics to control knee swing and resistance. These knees offer an assortment of various walking options and stumble recovery.
Microprocessor knees come with technology that can learn the wearers walking patterns. Timing, force and swing sensors take readings multiple times per second as the amputee ambulates. The information provided by the sensors is used instantly to adjust the hydraulic knee accordingly. The knee will swing faster as the walker speeds up, offer more resistance when going down a hill, aid in stumble recovery and so fourth.
Bi-Lateral Amputees attack a ramp using the C-Leg.
Link with info about current microprocessor knees on the market: Electronic Knees

Where Things Are Headed
This section to features devices that are not widely available yet. I wanted to give a view of where prosthetics are headed. Smart prosthetics, like smart phones, are increasingly becoming more intelligent and offering more features.
Prosthetic Feet Of The Future
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There are only a few electronic feet currently being mass manufactured at this time. However many prototype feet are in development. While manual feet do mimic some human like movement, researchers are taking electronic feet to the next level.
The Proprio Foot and iWalk are two hi-tech feet currently in production.
Electronic Knees Of The Future
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There are microprocessor knees that currently adjust resistance while a person is walking. Researchers are developing prosthetic knees that push and pull the user, copying muscle movement. A knee that propels a person forward can give additional assistance up a hill, incline or stairs. Making foot over foot ambulation possible.
Links to cutting edge prosthetic knees:
Otto Bock Genium Bionic System
The Otto Bock X2 Knee
The Power Knee
Berkley Robotics Prototype Knee

Osseointegration
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The technology of attaching a prosthesis directly to the human skeletal system is known as osseointegration. It is not a certainty that osseointegration is going to be widely used to fuse prosthetics more closely to the body. There is research being done to explore the feasibility of this technology. Firmly securing a prosthetic device to your limb is essential for efficiency. Presently it is still being debated if the upside the technology offers outweighs many of it's potential risk. Rejection, skeletal damage and infection are some of the possible current side effects of this procedure. None the less, osseointegration along with similar fields of study may eventually lead to creation of a more stable and personal prosthetic device.
Ossointegration Walking

Nerve Controlled Prosthetics
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Targeted sensory reinnervation is a surgical processes of installing residual nerves from an amputated limb path into alternative muscle tissue close to the skin. Sensors can be attached to the newly created nerve sites which fire electrical signals to operate a prosthesis.
A video exploring and explaining Reinnervation Technology

Mind Controlled Prosthetics
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I did not talk about auditory controlled devices (talk about...auditory...get it???). Those of us that text, speed dial and search the internet using voice commands know it is a reality already. Another signal that is greatly being explored are the electric signals we emit when firing brain neurons. There are many brain controlled prototype devices already being developed for people with spinal cord injuries. Using BCI (brain controlled intrerface) to operate artificial limbs and a whole array of every day devices will be an eventual reality.
University Of Florida Prosthetic Research.
A 14 minute Stanford Lecture On BCI technology.

Robotics
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There isn't much doubt robotics will enevitably become a bigger part of the prosthetic picture. These videos, while not directly related to prosthetics, show some of the applications possible.
Robotic Hand
Violin Playing Robot
Boston Dynamics BIGDOG Robot
SARCOS Exoskeleton Robot
Honda ASIMO Robot

Humanitarian Concerns
Prosthetics For Everyone - Low Tech Prosthetics From High Tech Ideals
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My favorite thing that technology has accomplished is the economical production of prosthetics for people from all walks of life. There have been many prosthetic feet, knees and sockets developed using modest means. Many affordable prosthetic devices would not be possible if it were not for original research in technology. Futuristic and high tech prosthetics are very cool, but in many cases a low tech device is the best. A person that uses the device minimally due to their physical capabilities, someone that uses a special prosthesis for a recreational activity, an individual that is frequently exposed to the element and when there is no funding present due to an individuals economic circumstances; May all be times when a inexpensive but reliable prosthesis is called for.
Even though these links are not to the latest and greatest prosthetic devices in the world, they are something very dear and close to my heart: making prosthetics available to everyone that needs them.

The $20 Jaipur Knee 
2ft Prosthetics - $25 Prosthesis
2ft Prosthetics - Organizational Overview
openprosthetics.org
Prosthetic Arm Made From A Plastic Soda Bottle
The Jaipur Foot

I stand in awe of technological advances that man has made over time. A small amount of technology and a lot of innovations can go a long way toward humanity.As we all know technology can be used for evil and destruction as well. I really feel we are at a crossroads with which way we are going to take society and use technology in the future.
The paradigm of business has changed greatly over the last couple of decades. I think we can all agree that it is still changing due to the information age. It is my wish that technology and information will be freely shared amongst all people, which will in turn lead to even greater advancements.

May All The Change In Your World Be Peaceful And Productive - TyW

The Value Of Time

I can't believe it is this time of year again. Time seems to get faster and faster as each year passes. My Father once told me time appears to move faster because "as you get older your perception of time changes as you become more aware of how valuable it is". Time becomes a more and more precious commodity because you realize that you have less and less of it. I'm not sure if 'realizing you have less time' is the sole reason it appears to move faster? It definitely seems like it could be a contributing factor?

The value of time is definitely one reason why I try to fully enjoy each day. I posted a quote recently that stated "Be the best you can, because some day you will not be at all". I think it runs true. Life is so short. Things can appear to pass in the blink of an eye. I know it isn't always easy to stay positive, but I think it is a worthy goal to strive for.

If you are a happy person chances are you can make others around you feel happy as well. A positive happy attitude is one of the greatest gifts anyone can share.

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My goals for this upcoming year are pretty simple:
- To get involved in Amputee Advocacy here in the Florida Gulf Coast area.
- To continue my amputee awareness campaign by participating in support groups and posting more instructional videos/blogs.
- To help empower other amputees through eduction and positive lifestyle.

I look forward to a full year of advocacy, outreach, education and FUN!!


Wishing You A Full And Happy Holiday Season. Ty

Being Comfortable With Who You Are

Of all the things in the word one of the hardest has been to always be happy with who I am no matter who else likes me or not. I really get hurt sometimes when someone, for whatever reason does not like me. I have over time come to one conclusion - 'Some people are just not going to like you no matter what you do or how you act. No matter what!'

Recently, before I moved I tried to reach out to a few people from my past to try and apologize for differences we had. Some reacted very well, others told me to get lost and others just ignored me. Even though I did not feel wrong in some of the situations I tried my best to apologize, because I was hurt over losing what I considered important friendships and relationships. I thought I may never see some of these people ever again. I even lost some side friends that became casualties due to the fact that they work with or associate with the original person I had parted with. I have to tell you what hurt the most were those that did not accept my sincere efforts to make amends. After much thought I realized that I made an honest attempt and that is all I could do. For whatever reason the thought of not being liked, especially be some people I admired really stung.

Some of the friendships I lost were due to not being true to myself. Even though it is tempting to try and act different to try and fit in, in the end it just does not pay off. Either your true traits are gong to show sooner or later or you are going to end up a miserable person acting like something/someone you are not.

Think really hard about your daily routine. Do you act different around different people? Do you hold back some of your thoughts when talking to someone who has different beliefs than yourself? Do you act different on your first date with someone than you do after you have known them for a while? If you are honest then I think most of us can say we do.

Now I know being agreeable with others does not mean you are not happy with yourself. What I do know is that putting up a false front can turn you into a fake miserable person.

The saddest thing I can say about these situations is the damage is does to people. I know many that are successful and that appear to be on top of the world and who are miserable. Likewise I know honest and good people that get screwed over all the time...because they are so nice people walk all over them.

It can be very frustrating. Many of us often ask where is the justice in the world? I can tell you from personal experience that influential people can make you out into someone you are not.

Once again the best advice is to just try and be true to who you are. As touched upon in the last blog...I really do believe this world is only part of the journey. I wholeheartedly believe that being true to yourself, working hard and doing the right thing pays off in the end.

Truthfully - Ty

Inner Growth Through Discipline And Sacrifice

I have often talked a lot about working out and keeping yourself healthy. I am sure I have mentioned keeping a positive attitude. For sure I know I have mentioned that being open to new experiences or perspectives can help you fully enjoy life. What I have never directly mentioned is you need to feed your spirit as well.

Living healthy, being outgoing, staying upbeat and positive are sure fire methods to promote spiritual growth. A body that is running well on all cylinders makes it easy to address the prospect of inner expansion. These tenets, in my opinion, are only part of the puzzle though.

What is feeding your spirit? Well, for one I think it depends on the individual. There are a lot of religious teachings and beliefs out there. I think the guidelines to most Christian based religions stress good sound behavior. As far as I know most other religions do as well? (but I am no expert).  I do think delving into teachings of some type to try and achieve a better moral clarity is a wise investment of your time. At the very least I think studying some of these subjects can open up your mind. [There are many so called 'progressive' or 'liberal' minded people that seem to have a disdain for any teachings that have do with religion. I find this kind of funny because the whole point of being liberal or open minded is to accept others no matter what they are into, without ridiculing them in the process. I think the fear is that religion may be forced on others? Either way I don't condone cramming any subject down someones throat.] (With all the pop culture, sex and violence we see on TV on a daily basis...could studying something else really be that bad??). I think that fields such as philosophy, art  and science sometimes address our existence and purpose as well.

If you ask me the number one way to grow spiritually is through discipline. Discipline is what keeps your desires in check with your morality. We all like to eat good food. We all like to do things that make us feel good. We also know there are some things we should not do too much or at all. Through discipline we can keep those "things" in check.

Without keeping our behaviors in check we can damage ourselves and our fellow human beings. For instance, if you drink too much alcohol you can hurt yourself or someone else very easily. The same is true if you eat too much or give into other desires in an abusive way.

What does controlling your behaviors through discipline have to do with spiritual growth? Without getting on a religious rant I can state it emphatically makes your a better person. Just think of the great things that are done when we make sacrifices to live right? Saving your money and living properly instead of boozing it up and being wreckless can be the difference between owning a home, going to jail or putting your kid through college...Need I say more? I am not saying to not live or have a good time. Moderation through discipline is the key.

We all know sacrifice is hard. Getting up in the morning to work out usually isn't any fun. Staying home and not going out to save money can seem pretty dull. What we all know though is that if we make these sacrifices they will pay off down the road on many different levels. Better health, more money and feeling better are just a few of the dividends these behaviors can lead to.

As many profess, some day when you body is broke down...your spirit will be the part that is left to carry on...Won't it do better if you showed discipline and made sacrifices for it?


A random video a college student did that I saw and liked: Kristy Creates A Star

PS Speaking of spirits and heavenly things I have relocated to Florida...I love it here.

Until Next Post - Ty

Second Chances

Recently on a flight to Florida I saw an article about actor Danny Trejo . The article was a quick and interesting read that features an interview with Trejo and pushes his latest movie Machete. The B style Machete is directed by Robert Rodriguez.

Machete is Trejo's first time, after over 25 years in the business, as a lead in a movie. Trejo, who has appeared in several movies since 1985, is a former con that was in and out prison for the majority of his first 40 years of life.

I started thinking about how Danny has gone on to reinvent his life and turn it around. The actor has risen up from the ashes of a bad situation and done something positive with his life. I found a lot of parallels between what Trejo has done and life after becoming an amputee. The article hit home even more for me as I was on a trip exploring possible future changes in my life...a possible new job and change of location.

After losing a limb, it is up to the individual to turn what is usually not an ideal situation into something positive. In my case I really did feel it was a second chance, especially after not being able to walk for a while after the accident.

I have had to learn to do most things differently. In most cases things are harder than they used to be. What is the alternative? I could have died? I could be brain dead or bed ridden? My bodily injuries could have been a lot greater than they were?

Life was not what many would have considered easy after my accident. At some points it was outright scary. All in all, I actually feel very lucky every day. I look at life so much differently. I enjoy doing some things that I used to consider tedious, because for a while I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to do them again.

I am a pretty huge Robert Rodriguez fan, so I will eventually probably go to see Machete. I know this is not everyones style of film. Rodriguez can often be known for some of his films containing gore, nudity, profanity and drug/alcohol references.

I am not promoting the R rated film as a family movie, unlike Spy Kids  or The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl , both also directed by Rodriguez. What I am promoting is a second chance, new possibilities and turning your life around.

I honestly believe that if you want to make changes in your life you can. In fact I think no matter how much or little help you have only you can be the one to initiate positive change.


Ty

Slow Down, Listen And Learn

I am sure we have all been there before. In a conversation with someone whom is just waiting for you to quit talking so they can speak. It can be very disheartening. I have found myself doing the same thing from time to time as well. I think occasionally we all do it. Many of us don't take the time to slow down and listen. After all our point/opinion is the one that counts...Right?

I have always had this knack to make an impression on people. Since becoming an amputee my presence seems even more pervasive when I enter a room. Rightly so, because in most instances it is something you just don't see every day. What has been hard for me to learn is that just because sometimes I am the focus point doesn't mean I have to do all the talking.

In all honesty I like attention. I used to play in a band, I was a jock in high school and well, I guess have always liked being noticed. Even in my younger years I am certain my 'acting up' in school was a craving for attention.

What I have learned (sometimes the hard way) is that attention comes with responsibility. Everything you do good or bad becomes amplified. In many instances notoriety is a good thing. You have a moment in which you can convey an ideal, point something out or touch a life with a positive message. On the other hand, a tacky remark, a demo that goes wrong or ignoring someone can make you look like a jerk.

When the spotlight is on you many things are possible. Someone may be drawn closer to you. Another person may shy away. Yet another individual may actually become combative because you just stole their thunder.

In a field like prosthetics you have to walk a fine line and sometimes humble yourself. You need to slow down and listen. As a counselor and advocate I do a lot of talking, but by no means am I an expert on everything, even in prosthetics. We all have opinions and well you know what they say about those?

There are a lot of egos present in any field and the medical field is definitely no exception. I have made sales reps from other companies totally irate before. I have upset prosthetist or therapist that thought I was trying to undermine them. Sometimes these things were my fault other times the other individual was out of line. Unfortunately, it can be something as simple as jealousy/ego that can cause a bad situation. Throw the competitiveness of sales in the mix and things can really get complex.

While these instances are rare, they can do a real disservice to someone you are trying to help. The last thing a patient needs is to be in the middle of a tug-of-war while trying to deal with limb loss.

So even though I like attention and I feel my opinion is important. I have to step back from time to time and look at the big picture. I have found that keeping communication channels open can help stop 'misunderstandings'. I have also discovered that doing more listening and less talking can be very beneficial as well.

All relationships deserve respect. There are lines we need to keep with our professional relationships. When you are a person that lives your profession 24/7, the lines can begin to blur. I am and always will be an amputee for the rest of my life. Being an advocate, counselor, mentor and sales representative is not something that can be turned off by flipping a switch for me. What I have found is that there is always a chance to learn something.


We all want to be heard. We all want to count. In the hustle bustle it can sometimes be hard. I know we all feel the pressure to meet deadlines, get to point A from B and so fourth. If you go about the day only spouting your opinions to others what are you really accomplishing? Your opinion may very well be valid and helpful. If you don't listen properly you may not be giving the right advice.

One reason I love support groups is just about every time I go I learn something. I have learned things about phantom pain, amputee sports tips, tax breaks I am eligible for, liner/prosthetic care and much, much more.

My personal goal has been to try and listen more. One thing I know for sure is that we all communicate at a different rate and in a different way. We are all special individuals. We are all passionate (an expert) about something.

The next time you catch yourself blowing off what someone tells you, especially someone you care about or respect...Please take the time...and listen.

Included is a link from the ACA Comminicator about improving your listening skills:
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/communicator/vol1no6pg4.html

Until Next Post
Ty

A Free Ride

They have the old saying that 'the best things in life are free'. I am not sure who originally coined that phrase? I don't think it took long for someone else to come up with 'nothing is ever truly free' (or some offshoot similar to that).

In this mass marketing age sometimes all the stops come out in an attempt to lure us in. Many of us have rightly become sceptical of 'free' things. Often we just end up with a cynical disposition and a bad taste in our mouths.

In my own small way I try to change the 'if it is free there must be a catch' attitude. I often offer a free pedicab ride to someone when I feel it is warranted.

It is kind of funny the reactions that I get when I tell someone "How about a free ride?". You get the 'off standish' person that thinks there is some type of catch. Then there is the 'uninterested' person that just has other things on their mind. Once in a while you will get the person that really needs it.

Most of the time the people that get on for a free roll up the road have never been on a pedicab before. So in some ways a free ride is an investment in someone who may ride again sometime if they like it. When you do meet a person that has never taken a ride it is kind of amazing.

A few days ago I took some women that were staying at the Star Of Hope back to the center. They told me they were coming back from a career class. It was quite fun. I have taken some kids with their mothers from the center to the corner store as well and the delight on their young faces is just heart warming. I feel if, even for a moment, that I can help brighten someone's day then maybe it can make a difference somehow in their lives.


I have given rides to people that have lost their wallets, got left by their ride, don't have any cash on them and so fourth. Sometime I get a phone number or I am told to come by a place of work to get a hook-up on food, a phone or whatever kind of business the person may be in. I have never really followed up on any offers though. For me a smile coming from a kind face is more than enough.

That is the great thing about a pedicab ride. No one really ever takes one because they need to. 98 percent of the time the rides are well within walking distance for patrons. We often just shuttle people from bar to bar, their car to an event, from a hotel to dine somewhere...rides that are quicker than walking but not exactly something you would find yourself taking to the airport. I think the longest ride I have ever given has been around 6 miles or so. So in the end it is all about novelty and having fun. For just a brief moment out of the regular day it is a chance to feel special.


May you find special joy in the free things of life. Ty