Advances in lower-limb prosthetic technology.
The boundaries once faced by individuals with amputations are quickly being overcome through biotechnology. Although there are currently no prosthetics capable of replicating anatomic function, there have been radical advancements in prosthetic technology, medical science, and rehabilitation in the past 30 years, vastly improving functional mobility and quality of life for individuals with lower-limb amputations. What once seemed impossible is rapidly becoming reality. The future seems limitless, and the replication of anatomic function now seems possible.
Laferrier
Justin Z
JZ
Department of Research and Development, Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, 7108 Highland Dr., BLDG 4, Pittsburgh, PA 15260-1260, USA. jzl15@pitt.edu
Gailey
Robert
R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004582:Electronics, Medical; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D007866:Leg; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016348:Osseointegration; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D011788:Quality of Life