Prosthetics
This term is used to describe a range of artificial limbs, used to replace those that have been lost or damaged beyond repair, due to accident or injury. Prosthetics can also be used in the case of congenital birth defects such as a missing lower limb.
A prosthetic can take the form of an arm, leg, hand or foot and is controlled by a series of electronic components in order to work. These components include a controller, actuator, and biosensors which work upon a biofeedback system. This system works by interpreting signals from the biosensors and then relaying this through the controller. The controller then forwards these signals to the actuator which in turn causes affects the movement of the artificial limb.
Prosthetics are used in order to enable amputees to perform everyday tasks so that they can lead a normal life. Due to technological advances, these artificial limbs are made with sophisticated materials such as carbon or silicone and include realistic looking skin, veins and freckles.
These limbs are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing and so enable the wearer to feel less self-conscious about their appearance. In the case of the amputee, who may have been a keen sportsman or woman, these advancements can enable them to pursue their chosen activity.
In the case of athletics, amputee athletes use specially designed prosthetic legs or blades, made out of carbon which enable them to run down a track at speeds similar to able bodied athletes. However, this has led to some controversy recently as claims are being made that these prosthetic limbs give the amputee athlete an unfair advantage over the able bodied athlete. The area of prosthetic enhancements is one that is still open to discussion.