Innovations in the field of prosthetics are field by sheer need and urge of rehabilitation. Prosthetics are there to prevent amputees from becoming a burden for their families. If we consider humanity as a family, an amputation anywhere in the world can drag-down the aggression of human advancement. Amputations are desperate measures, done solely for saving a life. Amputations are done for preventing the propagation of cancer, an unstoppable infection, or one can lose a limb in an accident.
In the medieval age, only the European upper class had the privilege to access prosthetics. They were crudely made most of the time, and their weight limited the application massively. Today, blacksmiths are not the makers of prostheses. An entire industry specializing in manufacturing prosthetics is on the rise. Composite materials with high strength to weight ratio have replaced metal as the main building material. Today’s prostheses are lighter, sturdier and easier to wield.
After bionics were merged with prosthetics for conceiving a much more functional welding experience the industry witnessed a revolution. The bionic prostheses were successfully bridging the gap between man and machine in a way never seen before.
Unfortunately, the tech is still not for everyone. Two major obstacles stand in their way of becoming massively available. One is definitely price and the other one is anatomical compatibility.
This article will try to explain why in the coming decade these obstacles will gradually become redundant.
The question of compatibility
Bionic prostheses are controlled by an onboard microcomputer. The computer receives data from the strategically placed sensors and transcribes the data into movements and gestures as supported by the hardware. The sensors of a bionic prosthesis are placed in relevant alignment with the residual muscles, sometimes in an invasive manner. The purpose of these sensors is to pick up electromyographic signals from the muscles and feed them to the computer for further processing.
Clearly, the functioning of a bionic prosthesis heavily depends on the residual muscles. And amputees not presenting these muscles are considered ineligible for wielding the prosthesis. For instance, the bionic hand can only function properly if the necessary muscles are at least partially present after an amputation.
The upcoming decade will witness major changes and bionic prosthetics will become more compatible with the masses. The anatomical limitation of not having the necessary muscles will be tackled by the utilization of entire dermatomes. And what today’s prostheses lack in terms of sensory aspects will most likely be handled by neuromusculoskeletal interfaces and more sensitive sensors.
The question of cost
The value of a bionic hand or leg is determined by the number of actions it can perform effortlessly and the material in use for providing a better experience.
The inner linings of a prosthesis are made up of superhydrophobic materials for preventing sweat deposition and silicone elastomers are used for increased comfort to a massive extent. The frame and body of a prosthesis are designed for endurance and utility. But the challenge remains in making it less heavy. Composite materials with a high strength ratio are the solution to this problem. Today it costs a fortune but in the coming decade, the costs are bound to go down significantly. Hence, bionic prostheses of the future will be lighter, more versatile, and less expensive.
Awareness factor
Awareness regarding bionics and prosthetics is severely lacking in our country. Due to the absence of necessary awareness, people see amputation as a dead-end and lose the hope for carrying on. Additionally, after wielding a bionic prosthesis many tend to damage it very soon. As the knowledge regarding its limitations and abilities are simply out of reach. A venture trying to get a hold in the Indian market must understand the value of training and incubation periods.
For long-lasting empowering performance, a prosthesis should be maintained well.
After these three major issues are sorted, prostheses in India will definitely become mainstream. But the only with the promise of affordable service and extensive training and incubation sessions. With 3D tissue and organ printing on the distant horizon, the bionic prosthesis is probably going to be the best way of limb replacement for amputees until the next century.