Amputations are emergency measures. Amputations are done in order to save lives. Cancer, accidents, and even infections can be the reason for amputation. This life-saving procedure gives back life at a steep cost.
The human body is like a fine-tuned instrument, built to use most of its anatomy. Loss of a limb disrupts this precise physio-anatomical balance. On an individual level, life becomes a hellish experience. Many simply lose the motivation of coming back to life. But the ones who can not afford to lose the livelihood they had, now have an option. Bionics is perhaps the most important addition to prosthetics, and right now the best rehabilitation option.
On a social level, amputees become a burden to their families and friends. The accumulating load of amputations eventually slows down a society. And on a greater level, the collective progress of mankind.
Prosthetics, since the medieval era, has catered to this problem. And today’s advanced prostheses are taking the game to a whole new level. But not everyone can assess the blessings of a prosthesis. The implementation of bionic prostheses is dependent upon the ideal conditions. And this article will try to shed some light on those conditions.
Nature of injury and other diseases
In order to wield a bionic prosthesis, a functional sensory-motor system is of the essence. An injury involving damage to the spine any relevant component can disqualify an amputee from wielding a bionic prosthesis. Additionally, the presence of neurodevelopmental disorders like ALS or Parkinson’s disease can also complicate the situation beyond repair.
The right length of the limb
A bionic prosthesis is controlled by an onboard microcomputer. This computer picks up electromyographic signals from the residual muscles with the help of electromyographic sensors. And in turn transcribes the information into gestures and actions. Hence the presence of residual muscles with retained functionality is important. Amputations are extreme measures often done in a candid manner to prevent the impending doom. It is not always possible for surgeons to fix the problem without any serious loss.
The willingness of wielding a prosthesis
Wielding a bionic prosthesis is not an easy task. It is important to educate the wielder before the welding process is initiated. And the process itself is tedious and long. This long hardship is important when it comes to learning a to wield a bionic prosthesis. Only the motivated ones can take up this challenge and prepare. Without the willingness and need of coming back to the pre amputation lifestyle it is not possible to learn and live with an instrument. During this period a manufacturer tries to calibrate a prosthesis, so that an empowering experience can be achieved.
Phantom limb phenomenon
Functioning of an organ or limb involves anatomical modifications like myelination, and synaptogenesis. After the loss of such an organ these modifications continue to remain active. An abrupt end in the existence of an organ thus is not immediately recognized by the brain. Thus a pseudo sensation of the lost limb remains. This frustrating sensation sometimes culminates into pain. In order to wield bionic prostheses with maximum finesse, these periods of extreme phantom phenomenon must be utilized. The remaining anatomical modifications causing this phenomenon can be somewhat neutralized by the use of a bionic prosthesis. If this the Phantom limb ceases to exist a bionic prosthesis can not be efficiently implemented. The empowering experience of a bionic prosthesis depends on these modifications. And it is also mutually beneficial to wield for both alleviation of pain and giving back lost abilities.
Awareness
Despite the blessings of bionic prostheses, many in our country are unaware about the very existence of the phenomenon. And due to the high prices of prostheses made by foreign manufacturers, many amputees fail to avail the benedictions. Thankfully, an Indian prosthetic limb company is stepping up the game. They are producing a robust prosthetic arm at a fraction of price compared to the foreign companies. Additionally, a company from India will better understand the needs of countrymen. Its is wise to expect better service and support from the local manufacturer as well. But the responsibility lies on us to join hands and enlighten the ones who are in need.
