Blog 7

          This minicourse has really opened my eyes to a whole world of prosthetics that I never knew about before.  Although I hope that I never have to be in the situation to need a prosthetic, I am now sure that I would be able to use the new technologies to vastly improve my life.  I was surprised at how personal the whole process is.  Many professors or researchers develop amazing technologies, but never really relate them to people. A favorite quote of mine is from the TV show Mercy, in which a nurse and a doctor are arguing about the best course of treatment.  The Doctor states that “I treat the disease” but the caring nurse replied that she “treats the patient.”  The scientists and researchers at the QoLT laboratories definitely treat the patient.  No one there is thought of as a number, or a socket that needs a prosthetic attached.

            Dr. Brewer explained how each patient is different and so is their situation.  Even though the newest and best technology is available, she understands that that is not always the right choice for the patient.  She is always respectful of the patients’ wishes, even when they may seem illogical in this time.  For example, some amputees choose to use the same prosthetic that they have used for 30 years, even though there are many more “better” possibilities.  Overall I think that this minicourse has given me some prospective.  It makes me appreciate those who have gone through such experiences that much more.

Blog 6

          Recently we discussed the books Soul Surfer and The Running Dream.  If I was in the situations of either of the main characters I think that I would want to try a prosthetic.  In the Running Dream, the main character, a track runner, loses one of her legs in a bus accident.  I would definitely want some sort of prosthetic because it is nearly impossible to do that sport without one.  However, I would have to try out a prosthetic if I was in a situation similar to Bethany’s.  I think that I might want one for surfing in terms of balance issues.  Surfing requires a lot of balance and the loss of an arm would really through off my balance.  I do understand why Bethany did not choose to wear one.  In either case I know that the main thing that would help me get through such a demanding time would be my friends and family.   I do not think that I would be able to get through such an incident alone.

Blog 5

          Dr. Brewer taught us that there are six types of grasps that the human hand can make—Hook, Lateral, Palmer, Cylindrical, Spherical, and Pincer.  The Hook grasp is used when someone picks up a bag.  The Lateral grasp, also known as the key pinch, is used when someone picks up a piece of paper.  The Palmer grasp is how someone grips a pen or pencil.  The Cylindrical grasp is how someone grasps something like a can.  The Spherical grasp is used to pick up round objects like a ball.  Finally, the Pincer grasp is used to pick up small objects.  There are two types of Pincer grasps, pad-to-pad and tip-to-tip.  Dr. Brewer also spoke about all the different ways a human hand can move, this is known as the “Degrees of Freedom.” The human hand has 21-17 degrees of freedom.

Blog 4

          In class we researched the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, in terms of the overwhelming numbers of amputees.  Many Haitians were trapped in piles of rubble for many days.  Those who made it out often had limbs crushed, which needed to be amputated.  Unfortunately, there are not many resources available in Haiti for those who are missing part of a limb.  Many doctors have gone to Haiti to combat the overwhelming need for prosthetics and overall education.  Missing a part of, or all of, a limb in Haiti is no easy task.  Aside from the physical disabilities, those with amputations are looked down upon by society.  It is very hard for an amputee to find work, so they are forced into greater poverty.  The physical issues, of needing prosthetics, are easy to solve, but many are trying to gain greater acceptance within the Haitian community for these people.

          I think that Bethany would like our proposed prosthetic for Chrisliane.  Bethany and Chrisliane are similar in their active lifestyles.  Our proposed prosthetic, the Otto Bock Harmony P3, is perfect for those with an active lifestyle.  It is easy to use and very comfortable.  I think that Bethany would like the comfort aspect, as well as the suction technology that is used to attach the prosthetic to the remaining limb.  Overall I think that Bethany would approve of this prosthetic.

Haitian Amputee Mother's Alliance Case

The aftermath of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti undoubtedly left a mark on this poverty stricken nation.  Approximately 250,000 Haitians were injured as a result of the earthquake and of those injured, approximately 100,000 were amputees. After the earthquake the demand for aid from surrounding nations was enormous; sure enough many countries were there to help. The need for prosthetics is still a predominant problem in Haiti. They are trying to urge outside countries and foundations to donate used prosthetics to the amputees. They are also trying to educate amputees to aid fellow amputees about cleaning their wounds and other fundamental processes. This is very important to prevent infections in the patients’ wounds. The Haitian Amputee Mothers Alliance (HAMA) was created in an effort to obtain high-quality prosthetics for the members of the group (about 60 women). Another important part is to make sure that their new limbs will be incorporated to fit their life styles.  

Chrisliane, an active 20 year old woman who lost her leg in the Haitian earthquake, is a member of this alliance looking for a better prosthetic.  We propose the Otto Bock Harmony P3 prosthetic leg for Chrisliane. This device has a very high rating for active amputees. This prosthetic has many advantages especially how the leg stays on very well due to the innovative suction technology.  As the amputee transfers weight on to the prosthetic it generates negative pressure, thus suctioning the prosthetic onto the remaining limb. This makes it more comfortable because the socket is connected using only air. The prosthetic also reduces the painful forces within the socket, and improves body awareness of the new limb. It is also very light weight which is perfect for patients with active lifestyles such as Chrisliane.

Blog 3

          Bethany Hamilton’s lost her left arm in a shark attack when she was only 13 years old.  Bethany was a professional surfer and surfing was her passion and her life.  Bethany’s story is a very inspirational one.  Instead of entering denial about her accident, she chose to face her “disability” and get back on that surf board.  Bethany’s faith allowed her to be this strong in a period of possible hopelessness.  Bethany has inspired people all across the world by her ability to get back on her board and to be able to surf through her troubles.

          While researching and talking about Bethany’s story the question that has appeared time and time again is: what would happen if you lost your arm?  Truthfully, I do not know what would happen.  We would all love to say that we would be as strong as Bethany was, but I think that I would probably go through a greater period of despair.  I also do think that I would adapt my life, but I am not sure if I would be able to do it to the extent that Bethany did.  I admire Bethany for her strength and persistence.  I can only hope that if I am in a similar situation, that I can be as dedicated as Bethany was

Blog 2

          We recently visited the University of Pittsburgh's QoLT laboratories in Bakery Square.  These labs focus on the engineering of prosthetic limbs.  Dr. Brewer explained to us how many prosthetics work and where certain types would be more effective.  For example, babies and toddlers do not need a complicated mechanism, they really only need that allows them to perform basic functions like walking and eating, but some others need advanced prosthetics to perform their daily activities.

          I really enjoyed seeing the robotic aids that they were working on at their lab.  The researchers have really worked hard to not only make a robot that will help the owner, but also one that is easy enough to use that the owner would actually use it.  For example, Dr. Brewer was working on a robotic arm that can be used to assist those who either lost a limb or they have one that does not function to the highest ability, such as one in a stroke victim.  Dr. Brewer and her team made a “skin” for the robotic arm that knew when it was being touched.  When one grabs the arm, the skin recognizes it and becomes nearly weightless so that the user can easily place it where needed.  Innovations such as these show that the researchers are getting down to a personal level; they recognize that they must adapt the technologies to peoples everyday lives.  I really appreciate the researchers’ efforts and their innovations on such fascinating technology.

Blog 1

          I researched the TRS Black Iron Master and their Black Iron Trainer.  These prosthesis are used mainly for lifting weights.  I never thought about how a weight-lifter's career would be finished, if they lost part of an arm.  The Black Iron Master is intended for the serious weight-lifters who need a prosthetic.  It is designed for the professional level.  It features a swinging clamp with two pads so that it can securely grip the weight.  The prosthetic then locks onto it manually, via a wing nut.  There is no way for the prosthetic to open besides the manual release of the wing nut.  This prosthetic would be perfect for any serious weight-lifter eager to return to his/her sport.

          The Black Iron Trainer is designed for those looking to increase their own personal fitness, but are not quite on the professional level.  It is similar to the Black Iron Master, but it is lighter and can only handle lighter loads.  The mechanism is similar to that of the the professional version, but smaller and designed for every-day weight-lifters.  Overall I think that this prosthetic will give those, who are very dedicated to lifting, a new chance to perform their sport, or just generally stay in shape.  However, it does seem challenging to operate this prosthetic.  For example, the lifter must manually open and close the clamp and it does not seem that there is any mechanism for turning the "wrist."  This would make the physical process of lifting the weights more difficult.  Overall, if the athlete is dedicated enough, he or she could make this prosthetic work for them, but it would undoubtedly be a challenge.