Category: Blog

4 Factors When Looking for the Best Prosthetist – Our Guide

In the same way that you would find with a cardiologist, ophthalmologist, and orthodontist, finding the right prosthetist for your needs is an effort that entails quite a bit of research because of the various factors involved. 

From asking around for recommendations to incessantly calling different offices to get all the needed information, getting the right prosthetist can be quite laborious. With the prices of custom prosthetics on the rise, it’s only right that you settle with an option that suits your preferences. Fortunately, settling on the right choice for your investment and finding the best prosthetist to suit your needs doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might expect. 

To make the process of finding the perfect prosthesis much easier, here’s a quick checklist that you can use to find the best prosthetist as easily as possible: 

1. A proper background or list of credentials

Generally speaking, the key sign that a prosthetist is more than capable of servicing your needs lies in their list of credentials—namely, their degree, certifications, and list of satisfied clients. A potential prosthetist’s list of credentials is usually displayed on their official website or social media pages. If there aren’t any online references for a professional’s list of credentials, however, then you can always ask the prosthetist themselves for a copy of the record. 

2. Within a close distance from your home or office

Throughout the prosthesis process, you’ll need to shuttle back and forth a few times or several trips because of all the consultations, fittings, and updates to your prosthesis. Before settling on a particular professional, make sure that their office location is close to your home or office so that the entire process can be done efficiently and hassle-free.

3. Great reviews

Another telltale sign that a prosthetist can serve your needs as best as possible is if they have quite the list of reviews and testimonials to back up their claims of quality and service.

A quick search online will lead you to a few dozen detailed reviews about how the final product worked, how helpful the prosthetist was, and whether or not the investment was worth it. Such reviews give insight as to whether or not they’re worth contacting. Aside from the Internet, however, you can also contact the Amputee Coalition for reviews on any prosthetist in your area and ask for any recommendations for a more thorough search! 

4. A willingness and ability to answer every question that is asked

Once you narrow down your options and get in touch with your set of prospective prosthetists, the next factor to watch out for is their ability to answer every question that you may have. Before you call the office or set a meeting with a prosthetist, make sure to come prepared by gathering all the questions that you have in mind so that you can feel more confident in your decision. 

When it comes to asking questions, hold nothing back because the only way to gauge whether or not a prosthetist’s service is worth investing in is if they can ask any question you might have about the treatment itself. 

Finding the best prosthetist to work with for your treatment is integral to having a desirable experience that will carry over long after you’ve fully paid for your prosthesis. Throughout your entire search process, make sure to take these factors into mind so that you can easily understand whether or not a prosthetist’s services are worth shelling out your hard-earned money on! 

If you’re looking for a prosthetic foot, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

6 Tips for New Amputees Who Are Getting a New Prosthesis – Our Guide

Going through the experience of being a new amputee is never going to be easy as you’d like it to be. This is especially true if you used to live a fairly active life filled with hobbies and manual work. Thankfully, life doesn’t have to stop or completely change if you get an amputation because getting a prosthesis can get your overall function back to normal and perform just as well as you used to! 

If you’re fairly new to the idea of having a prosthesis and are keen on maximizing its potential and improving your experience in the long run, then there’s no need to worry because there are a few key tips that you can apply right away. To jump back into your regular routine as quickly as possible, here are six tips that you use to improve and enhance the use of your new prosthesis:

1. Always follow what your prosthetist says

One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure an easygoing and comfortable experience is always to follow your prosthetist’s orders for work. Dutifully following any recommendations and pieces of advice that a prosthetist gives will help with making all the necessary adjustments and guarantee a comfortable experience in no more than a few months! 

2. Keep your prosthesis as clean as possible

Another effective way to cut down the adjustment period with your prosthesis is to keep every corner of your new limb as clean as possible at all times. Practising a few simple routines, such as wearing prosthetic socks regularly, putting on a shrinker overnight, and keeping the insides of your liners clean can make a huge difference in the overall experience with your prosthesis.

3. Call your prosthetist right away if you’re having any issues

When it comes to living every day with your new prosthesis, it’s important to act on any slight issue with comfort, fit, or skin issues right away because small issues can easily grow into bigger ones if they aren’t treated. After you get your final fitting done, make sure to stay in touch with your prosthetist regularly and don’t forget to ask questions!

4. Wear your prosthesis every day

Admittedly, it can be quite tempting to take your prosthesis off every chance you get because of how uncomfortable the entire experience can get. It is important, however, to wear your new prosthesis at all times because it will only get comfortable with daily use as your body accustoms to the feeling much faster.

5. Watch your weight

Know that your weight plays a significant role in how your prosthesis feels since your body’s composition can change when you gain weight, essentially leading to various forms of discomfort. The first few weeks after the amputation period, in particular, can either make or break the entire experience as the sudden inactivity can lead to increased fat, so make sure to keep your weight under control! 

6. Set goals for wearing your prosthesis

Holding yourself accountable by setting goals and doing everything you can to achieve them will make the entire experience of using a prosthesis much more comfortable in the long run. Certain goals, such as exercising more, walking farther, and adding more challenges to use your prosthesis, are great ways to speed up the acclimation period! 

Having a prosthesis is a life-changing experience for anyone to go through. By applying the right tips, you can live normally again as you did before the amputation! By following the tips mentioned in this article, you won’t have to feel any more discomfort or pain with using your prosthesis after a few short months! 

If you are looking for foot prosthesis solutions after getting foot amputation, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

5 Exercises to Improve Your Prosthetic Balance – Our Guide

The first step towards improving your balance requires you to strengthen your core. This doesn’t mean that you will only work on your abs. Instead, core work will take on a holistic approach of strengthening your abs, lower back, and even hip muscles. After a few months of working on your balance, you will notice that every step you take with your prosthetic leg will be much stronger and more deliberate. 

In this article, we will talk more about exercises that will help strengthen your core and other moves that will also improve your balance. 

1. Prosthetic leg balance

This move allows you to balance on your prosthetic leg. If you’re a beginner, make sure to have something to hold on to, such as a stable chair or a handrail within arm’s reach.

Then, with your feet together, lift your sound side foot with the knee facing forward or to the side. Hold the position with eyes open (and fixed on one spot to maintain your balance). Next, hold the same position with eyes closed. Switch feet and repeat 4 times on each foot.

If any move feels wrong or unsafe for you, stop and check with your prosthetist or physician. Depending on your health and physical condition, know that some exercises may not be recommended.

2. Leg swings

This move is excellent for warming up and stretching your hip muscles and joints. First, stand on your right leg and raise the left leg at least 3-6 inches off the floor. Keep your arms at your sides while you swing your left leg forward and backward, touching the floor for balance. While doing so, make sure that you keep your torso erect throughout the movement.

Next, increase the level of difficulty by repeating the move but without allowing your foot to touch the ground. Then, switch legs and repeat.

3. Prosthetic leg clock with arms

To perform this move, have an image of a clock in your mind. First, balance on your prosthetic leg. In doing so, keep your torso straight, head up, and hands on your hips. Point your arm straight overhead to 12 o’clock, then to the side at 3 o’clock, and then circle low and around to 9 o’clock without losing your balance. 

Increase the level of difficulty by having someone else call out the different times to you and even switching it up. After you’re done with your prosthetic leg, switch to the opposite arm and leg and repeat.

4. The clock on an unstable surface

Once you’re confident that you can balance on a stable surface, make it harder by trying the exercise on an unstable surface, such as a BOSU (Ballast Ball) platform. 

If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stand near a wall for safety. Start in the middle of the board on 2 feet. When you feel comfortable, carefully execute the moves that are similar to the Prosthetic Leg Clock exercise. Keep in mind that this exercise will be much harder than it seems.

5. One-legged squat

The one-legged squat is famous for developing great balance, leg strength, and flexibility, as well as coordination. First, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Point your left foot out front, make sure your toes are just barely touching the floor, and push your hips back and down into a one-legged squat position. 

Your right knee should be bent, your chest upright, eyes in front of you, and your arms out front. Then, slowly push your right leg up into the starting position. Make sure to keep your knee relaxed and your back flat throughout the movement. Switch legs, and repeat the movements.

An improved balance will create a stronger version of yourself, even possibly freeing you from lower back pain, which lessens the chance of serious injury in case of a fall. Within months, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your overall walking. Perform these ten exercises regularly and witness improvement in your prosthetic balance.

If you are looking for prosthetic foot solutions, Lindhe Xtend is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Our Guide to Preparing For Life With a Prosthesis – What to Know

After amputation, a new life awaits those who have lost one or more of their limbs. When you lose a part of our body, a prosthesis becomes your new extension. There’s no denying that the transitional period can be difficult for many. If you’ve recently lost a limb, it’s crucial to prepare for the day you’ll be fitted for a prosthesis. Preparation is key and is crucial to the periods both before and after surgery. 

Although much of the preparation is mental, there are still a few other things you’ll have to do to ready yourself for your prosthesis. Here are a few things you should know:

The Planning Process

The planning process requires the coordination of a surgeon, a prosthetist, and a physical therapist. The surgeon will perform the actual amputation while the prosthetist will design, fit, build, and adjust the prosthesis. During the entire process, your physical therapist will be by your side, assisting you in doing exercises before and after the surgery. He or she will also help you learn to use the prosthesis when the time comes.

It’s important for your team to discuss things with you beforehand so the amputation and rehabilitation process goes as smoothly as possible.

Exercising Before and After Surgery

You will need to exercise before and after your amputation. The goal is to increase muscle strength and flexibility because the more strong and flexible you are, the easier it will be for you to adjust to life with a prosthesis. 

Physical therapist-prescribed exercises can also help reduce swelling in the residual limb, while also preventing the tissues in the residual limb from shortening. In most cases, the exercises you have to do will depend on the type of amputation that was performed.

Preparing For Your Prosthesis After Surgery

A prosthesis can be worn soon after the surgery while your residual limb heals. Such a device can also be fit for long-term use when there is reduced swelling in the limb. 

A shrinker or an elastic bandage should be worn over the residual limb while there is still swelling. The compression helps to increase circulation and ease pain, reducing the symptoms of phantom limb.

Preparatory and Permanent Prosthesis

Once the swelling in your residual limb goes down, you may get fitted for a temporary prosthesis. This prosthesis is typically lightweight and easy to use, which is why some experts think it helps people learn to use a permanent prosthesis faster. 

Later on, this prosthesis is replaced with a permanent prosthesis, one that has higher-quality components. Alternatively, patients can choose to use a prosthesis with permanent components, but with a temporary socket and frame.

Using a Prosthesis 

When the prosthesis is delivered, you will then be taught the basics of using the prosthesis, which will include the following:

  • How to put the prosthesis on
  • How to take it off
  • How to walk with it
  • How to care for the skin of the residual limb and the prosthesis

Your physical therapist and occupational therapist will likely be the ones helping you to grow accustomed to life with a prosthesis. Their help will be invaluable for learning how to care for your prosthetic and residual limb.

Rehabilitation

Learning how to use a prosthetic is just the beginning of the recovery process. Amputees also need to undergo rehabilitation for amputation. This is coordinated by an occupational or physical therapist, along with the prosthetist.

The rehabilitation process itself entails different exercises designed to strengthen your muscles and maintain flexibility in the residual limb. Your team of professionals will also teach you how to use the prosthesis and assist you in your daily activities. Along with this is counselling or psychotherapy, which will help round out your care and make it easier to come to terms with the loss of your limb and life with a prosthetic.

Adjusting to life with a prosthesis can be difficult, but preparation truly is key. With our guide, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect, which will hopefully ease your anxieties and help you approach recovery with confidence. 

Are you looking for a high-quality foot prosthesis? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Visit Lindhe Extend for all your foot prosthesis needs today.

Our Guide to Technology Advancements in Prosthetics – What to Know

The use of advanced prosthetics today has overshadowed its interesting history. You’ll be surprised to know that prosthetics, despite its advancements, dates way back when the use of technology was still limited. 

The History of Prosthetics

According to history, the use of artificial limbs was found in Egypt because they had a tradition of creating limbs for mummified corpses who had missing body parts. They do this to make the dead look “whole” in the next life. 

The earliest discovery of prosthetics was around 3,000 years ago when archaeologists found the remains of a high-born woman with a wooden prosthetic toe that was attached to the woman’s foot by a leather strap. After undergoing further examinations, results show that the prosthetic toe was used in the woman’s daily life due to its apparent worn out spots. 

One hundred years ago, another proof of the use of prosthetics was unearthed again in Egypt, where it was made from plaster, linen, and glue. 

The Innovation in Prosthetics

It was in the early 1500s when the innovation in prosthetics took place. Ambroise Paré, a French surgeon, started to create prosthetics that mimic leg and arm movements. Eventually, the Civil War and other wars created a massive demand for prosthetics due to the high-record numbers of amputations. James Hanger, an American soldier, and one of the first amputees of the war created a prosthetic leg that features hinges in the knee and ankles. 

After World War I, the Walter Reed Army Hospital in the US created a huge number of artificial limbs to accommodate the returning wounded soldiers. When World War II rolled around, the UK made its mark in the world of prosthetics when the Queen Mary’s Hospital, became a place for artificial limbs in 1939. It was during World War II when the suction sock was introduced, which was built for above-knee prosthetics. 

Prosthetics Today

Advancements in technology now take prosthetics closer to fully replicating the full function of a human limb. Today, there are microprocessor knees that let prosthetics quickly adapt to their environments. There are also the blade prostheses that enable the wearer to sprint. 

Nowadays, prosthetics have better aesthetics, thanks to William Root, who created prosthetics with the use of titanium that allowed him to create intricate and unique designs for each person. Bionic arms are being created as well, and it features muscle sensors that are connected to the skin that will let for effective use of the limb. 

Prosthetics, in today’s context feature nerve detectors that control it. It operates through spinal motor neurons that allow for enhanced command sensor detection. This allows the user to think that they are actually moving the limb. 

Prosthetics have dramatically progressed in recent years. Now, prosthetics are highly-functioning, and, with the rate it’s going, it won’t come as a surprise if it operates as a real limb in the years to come. 

The advancements in prosthetics have also paved the way for more types to choose from in the market, especially for individuals who are keen on participating in sports activities. 

If you are looking for foot prosthesis solutions, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

Our Guide to Using an Artificial Limb – How to Return to Your Optimal Self

A new life awaits someone who has had an amputation. The idea of having a limb loss and navigating through life may seem a bit scary. It may inevitably come with a lot of challenges and complicated emotions. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be hard and struggling. With the right prosthesis and support system, you can simply bounce back to your optimal self with an artificial limb. 

For your guide and reference, here’s how to return to your normal self with the use of an artificial limb.

Artificial limb in a nutshell

A prosthesis is an artificial device meant to replace a missing body part, which may be lost through trauma, disease, or a condition present at birth. Prosthetic devices are specifically designed to assist patients in their everyday lives. They are custom made for each patient to create and achieve a comfortable fit. 

An artificial limb is a form of prosthetic devices. There is a wide range of artificial limbs created and designed, specific to patient types. They are typically built from strong, durable, and lightweight materials. These materials include carbon fibre, acrylic resin, silicone, thermoplastics, aluminium, or titanium. The purpose of an artificial limb is to facilitate the movement of a patient while still supporting the body weight.

How to transition to life with an artificial limb

The initial step that amputees take to acquire the right prosthetic device is to look for the prosthetist who can assist them. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Looking for a prosthetist: Make sure to research and look for a qualified prosthetist who knows your needs and understands your situation. This is because you will be working with the prosthetist for the rest of your life—from assessing your residual limb to getting the best artificial limb for you to assisting you even after your prosthesis has been attached.
  • Dealing with your prosthesis: Make sure to decide on the perfect fit for your artificial limb. Your prosthesis can offer you maximum independence by emulating what your natural limb does. With the right prosthesis, you can regain partial or full mobility, go back to work, do what you love to do, and bring back your self-worth.

How to find the right support

It’s worth knowing that regaining mobility and your whole life doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a collaborative effort of all the people that surround you—from your family to your prosthetist down to your support system. Consider having the following:

  • Support system: Know that your family and friends are your first support system. They will help you through recovery until you regain your independence. 
  • Peer support: It’s best to have peer support with individuals who can relate with you. It can be immensely helpful to talk to someone who shares your experiences. Fellow amputees can offer firsthand insights and be there for you. Overall, peer support is an essential part of recovery.
  • Prosthetist support: Your prosthetist will play a pivotal role in your recovery. Make sure to bring out to your prosthetist any concerns. Even if you are having emotional difficulties, talk to them, and ask how they can help. 

Final words

With the right artificial limb and the support system, you can surely rise above the situation. But all these boil down to you as the amputee. Never allow the loss of a limb to limit you by being resilient and doing what you love the most. For all you know, a great life still awaits you!

If you are looking for foot prosthesis solutions, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

Our Guide to Microprocessor Controlled Prosthetic & How it Works

From wooden legs to high-tech prostheses thanks to state-of-the-art resources, technology continues to revolutionize the development of prosthetic devices. It continues to evolve as applied science continues to evolve by the year, enriching the lives of amputees with the rise of computer-aided prosthetics. 

One of the most anticipated is the microprocessor-controlled prosthetics, a so-called “smart” version of prostheses. The device aims to improve mobility, reduce risks of falls, and overall enhance the quality of life for its wearers. 

How Microprocessor Technology Works 

Computerized prosthetics are built with a microprocessor, software, sensors, a hydraulic, pneumatic resistance system, and a battery. All the components worth in conjunction to enhance the amputee’s stability. Detecting environmental changes, for instance, is now possible due to the sensor monitors. 

It can evaluate different surfaces and speeds, which automatically adjusts the resistance to the bending and extension of the knee. This feedback calibrates the walking speed suitable for the terrain. With this feature, the wearer can quickly recover from any stumbles and have better control over their movements. 

Microprocessor Technology Promotes a New Level of Independence 

Microprocessor-controlled prosthetics opens up new opportunities for amputees as it gives them control over their swing and stance phases. With the ability to walk faster, slower, or go down and up the stairs with a natural gait, the wearers can enjoy a new level of independence. 

The feedback goes through multiple sensors 100 times a second, which means you can make adjustments with your next step in real-time. This recreates a controllable free-swinging motion with reliable stability with each move you make. It features the following benefits: 

  1. Stumble Recovery 

The revolutionary motor sensors inside the prosthetics can detect movements in real-time, which means it can sense if you’re in a high-risk position. For instance, if you’re about to trip, the microprocessor-controlled prostheses will harden up to act as support. This allows you to recover quickly, while the prostheses will normalize once it detects you’re back in a secure stance. 

  1. Extra Durability and Anti-Slip Features

Microprocessor-controlled prosthetic devices are built with a hard exterior to protect the hardware from environmental risks like scratches or dents. It also has an anti-slip feature to enhance the wearer’s stability when kneeling, all while improving user experience as the prostheses is easy to put on and take off. 

Microprocessor Technology as a Cutting Edge Solution

Microprocessor technology is a revolutionary step towards biological systems as it enhances the lives of amputees like never before. For one, the microprocessors are customizable, which means patients can fine-tune the device to match their natural gait. 

It also boasts of other features that help amputees adjust their walking speed along with a secure controlled recline for sitting positions. 

In Conclusion 

Microprocessor technology achieves a prosthetic milestone as it promotes a reliable and smooth interaction between the mechanics, electronics, and the user. With this advancement, amputees can reap the benefits of dynamic motors as they can adjust movements, normalize their gait, and achieve stability with the help of real-time electronics and high-resolution sensors. 

If you are looking for foot prosthesis solutions, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

2 Prosthetic Options for Athletes & Fitness Hobbyists – What to Know

The evolution of bionic devices ensures that sport-specific versions of prosthetics are available regardless of the type and need. Therefore, there is a specialized prosthetic that will help you perform better no matter what sport you play. 

Athletes can review several options for upper limb, knee, and foot prosthetics, which are appropriate for amputees and those requiring customized support. These prosthetic devices can help those who participate in sports, such as athletics, golf, cycling, hockey, fishing, and baseball.

Competitive prosthetics

The iLimb is one of the more fascinating prosthetic advancements for competitive athletes. It’s a bionic hand that allows finger and thumb movements to aid in a range of grips. This prosthetic is controllable via a mobile app that connects to the artificial hand.

Meanwhile, a microprocessor controls the Rheo Knee to stabilize movement, especially on challenging terrain. This prosthetic device also makes it easier for the individual to perform complicated motions like moving backwards and squat-to-standing movements.

Likewise, the Symbionic Leg is another prosthetic apparatus that combines microprocessors in the knee and ankle joints. This sports technology helps the athlete gain better stability and quick recovery after stumbling and also provides symmetry with the other leg. Other prosthetics for athletics include the Power Knee and the Proprio Foot, to name a few.

The Power Knee is the world’s first motorized prosthetic knee. It functions as an integrated extension of its user while using battery-powered capabilities to deal with asymmetrical movement and lost muscle capability. This ingenious device also has AI systems and motion sensors that help it adapt to the user’s walking style.

The Proprio Foot, on the other hand, is an adaptive ankle for moderately-active amputees. It has a dynamic carbon foot blade that adapts to the terrain and increases toe clearance in every swing. Proprio has three levels and has an accompanying app for iOS devices.

Cutting-edge prosthetics

Competitive athletes and fitness-minded hobbyists can take advantage of the benefits that come with sports prosthetics. One of these technological advancements is the carbon fibre blade for below-the-knee amputees. While there are fibre blades for casual walkers, there is a different version of which is meant for short-distance running. The latter features a curved shape that flexes every time the runner needs to push off from the ground.

Meanwhile, above-the-knee amputees use a combination of knee and foot sports prosthetics that remain durable even in slippery conditions and rugged terrains. It has adjustable ankles and shock absorbers depending on the athlete’s preference. There’s also the Moto Knee with hydraulic dampening for adjustments to different speeds. This high-impact device has interchangeable parts for varying motions.

Find the suitable prosthetic

Since sports prosthetics are not ideal for everyday use, you can seek the advice of your physician to pair the right devices for your specific needs. Without a doubt, modern technology gave rise to sports prosthetics that establish an equal playing field. However, if you want the latest prosthetics in the market, check out what Lindhe Xtend has to offer.

Found by swimmer and triple-amputee Christoffer Lindhe, they offer the Xtend Foot that adapts to various terrains and the Xtend Connect, which allows the user to disconnect their prothesis to dress comfortably. You can also purchase the Xtend Cover to protect the prosthetic and the Xtend Testrig that makes you comfortable walking in various terrain. 

If you are looking for foot prosthesis solutions for athletes and fitness hobbyists, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

The Advancement of Prosthetic Limb Developments in 2019 – What to Know

The production and improvement of prosthetic limbs are one of the biggest challenges in healthcare as engineers try to match nature. It aims to fulfil the same function as a natural part of the body, but even after centuries of development, the road to bionic limbs still fall short in functionality. Nevertheless, the future is bright as technology is changing the shape of prosthetics bit by bit.

Advances in technology are improving industries and the lives of many in various forms. Part of its significant improvement is seen in prosthetic limbs, where many are steadily breaking free from the limitations of basic attachments back in the day. In recent years, and in future predictions, artificial limbs are incorporating technologies that enhance the limb’s movement.

What Do Prosthetic Limbs Look Like Today?

Prosthetic limbs were once a tool to restore the appearance and function of an amputee’s missing limb. While it did not bring back full motion and the sense of touch, there were sport-specific prostheses that enabled amputees to continue their way of life. The designs were also made to enhance performance and reduce any risk of injury, which is why prosthesis plays a significant role in managing mobility.  

Its advancement through the years are significant, which is seen in one of the first revolutionary prosthetic designs back in the 1990s. Released in the United States, a microprocessor-controlled joint prosthetics revolutionized its entire function as it can now automatically adapt to an amputee’s unique needs.

For instance, utilizing a microprocessor-controlled joint for the legs can encourage the artificial limb to mimic the person’s specific walking patterns, increasing mobility and natural leg movement overall.  Advances in materials have also improved the design of prosthetic limbs, making the material lighter in weight and providing more skin-like coverings for a more natural finish. To the untrained eye, most prosthetic limbs are hard to distinguish from natural arms and legs.

Advances in Prosthetic Limbs and What to Expect in the Future

Prosthetics in recent years are more comfortable and highly-engineered like never before, but its production is moving at an electric pace with the rise of neuroprosthetics. This introduction has turned brain-controlled prosthetics as an essential field of research.

The idea is to utilize electrode rays and place it in the brain, nerves or muscles as a digital means of translating the message between the body and the brain. This means that through brainpower alone, amputees have a chance at controlling movement.

Stimulating Touch as the Next Frontier in Neural Prosthetics

A significant aspect that acts as a roadblock for the progress of neural prosthetics is the sense of touch. A lack of sensory feedback will compromise an amputee’s ability to develop dexterity, which is why different labs from across the world are focusing on developing electrically stimulating prosthetic limbs.

The UChicago research team, for instance, has a $3.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to cover their study on the brain’s somatosensory cortex. By studying how the system transmits sensory information from the body’s nerves to the brain, the possibility of creating prosthetics that stimulate the nerves through electrodes in real-time is becoming highly likely. 

Through time and more advances in technology, the next bionic human maybe just on the horizon. 

If you’re looking for foot prosthesis solutions, get in touch with Lindhe Xtend to see how we can help!