Limb Prosthetics

This textbook provides a thorough introduction and overview of the design and engineering of state-of-the-art prosthetics and assistive technologies. Innovations in prosthetics are increasingly made by cross-disciplinary thinking, and the author introduces the application of biomedical, mechanical, electrical, computer, and materials engineering principles to the design of artificial limbs. Coverage includes the fundamentals of biomechanics, biomechanical modeling and measurements, the basics of anatomy and physiology of limb defects, and the historical development of prosthetic design. This book stimulates the innovative thinking necessary for advancing limb restoration, and will be essential reading for students, as well as researchers, professional engineers, and prosthetists involved in the design and manufacture of artificial limbs. Learning enhanced by the exercises, including physical modeling with MATLAB and Simulink; Includes appendices with relevant equations and parameters for reference; Introduction to the design and engineering of prosthetics and assistive technologies.

The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that 56.7 million Americans had some type of disability in 2010, which represents 18.7 percent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population included in the 2010 Survey of Income and Program Participation. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. As of December 2015, approximately 11 million individuals were SSDI beneficiaries, and about 8 million were SSI beneficiaries. SSA currently considers assistive devices in the nonmedical and medical areas of its program guidelines. During determinations of substantial gainful activity and income eligibility for SSI benefits, the reasonable cost of items, devices, or services applicants need to enable them to work with their impairment is subtracted from eligible earnings, even if those items or services are used for activities of daily living in addition to work. In addition, SSA considers assistive devices in its medical disability determination process and assessment of work capacity. The Promise of Assistive Technology to Enhance Activity and Work Participation provides an analysis of selected assistive products and technologies, including wheeled and seated mobility devices, upper-extremity prostheses, and products and technologies selected by the committee that pertain to hearing and to communication and speech in adults.

This volume is a comprehensive overview of lower-limb prosthetics and orthotics, covering normal and pathological gait, lower-limb biomechanics, clinical applications, as well as prosthetic and orthotic designs and components. Clinical management is incorporated throughout the text, including basic surgical concepts, postoperative management, preprosthetic care, and training in the use of devices. Additionally, this text incorporates unique features relevant to physicians such as prescription writing and prosthetic and orthotic construction and modification, as well as the latest research regarding energy consumption and long-term utilization of protheses.

Focusing on the lower extremities and spine, this extensively illustrated text presents a problem-solving approach to the evaluation and prescription of prosthetics and orthotics in physical therapy interventions. Prosthetics and Orthotics presents the latest developments in materials and fabrications, an in-depth analysis of gait deviations and interventions, conditions, psychosocial issues, biomechanics, and more. This invaluable resource also includes pediatric and geriatric perspectives, scientific literature supporting evidence-based practice, exercise and functional activities for the patient, case studies following the APTA's "Guide to Physical Therapist Practice", critical thinking questions, lab activities and practical applications.

Powered Upper Limb Prostheses deals with the concept, implementation and clinical application of utilizing inherent electrical signals within normally innervated residual muscles under voluntary control of an upper limb amputee. This amplifies these signals by battery-powered electrical means to make a terminal device, the prosthetic hand, move to perform intended function. The reader is introduced to various facets of upper limb amputations and their clinical management in both children and adults. The authors from Canada, USA and Great Britain are well known practicioners, academics and researchers in the field. The book has over 130 illustrations and contains an extensive bibliography.