The Best Prosthetics for Athletes

Prosthetics are one of the first innovations biomedical engineering produced. In such a short time, they became a true engineering discipline after World War II, when many veterans returned home alive disabled. What are these prosthetics? Well, prosthetics simply refers to any “internal or external device(s) that substitute disabled/lost parts.

This post explores the best prosthetic options available for athletes, including the necessary key features, types, top brands, factors to consider while choosing one, and so on. Understanding these options will allow athletes to make informed decisions to enhance their performance and achieve their full potential.

What is a Prosthetic?

A prosthetic is a robotic device that replaces a missing part of the human body to allow mobility or improvisation when a limb is lost.

How did prosthetics come into existence?

Prosthetics didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It dates back to Ancient Egypt, where people were seen using wooden and leather prosthetics, like a prosthetic toe, on mummies dating back around 3000 years. That aside, modern-day prosthetics came to light through the French surgeon Ambroise Paré, who crafted functional prosthetics for soldiers during the 16th century. As a result, he is known as the “father of modern amputation and prosthetics” for his rapid development in the field. Here is a breakdown:

1. Ancient Greece and Rome through the Dark Ages

The first prosthetic proof was found in an Egyptian mummy over 3000 years old who claims to have a prosthetic toe made from wood and leather. Since that particular time, Roman scholars mark out any warrior who makes use of iron or wood to make artificial legs and arms. Unfortunately, the Dark Ages realized there was not enough progress, and this led to the creation of devices that covered more cosmetics use rather than for solely comfort and purpose. 

2. The Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution

In the 1500s, A French surgeon named Ambroise Parén made a substantial contribution by adding saddles and knee lock control to prosthetics. After this, he invented other pliable materials such as paper and leather in different forms and types. Due to its continuous industrial achievements, he became the father of prosthetics. 

During the Industrial Revolution, some of the technologies that were created were locking below-knee prosthetics, the ‘Anglesey leg’ which was further developed by catgut tendons, limb conserving surgeries, and the discovery of lighter material such as aluminum to be used instead of steel. 

3. The U.S. Civil War and the World Wars

In 1871, J.E. Hanger, a US civil war Invented the Hanger Limb Inc.. This company has contributed a lot to the modernization of prosthetics and today, it remains a great company leader. 

However, the occurrence of World War II brings limitations to their progress In prosthetic technologies. In 1945, the national constitution of science brought up the artificial limb program for scientific research and discoveries in the field range.  

4. Modern Prosthetics: Leaps and Bounds Ahead

In 1975, inventor Ysidro Martinez, an amputee, developed a limb that tends to reduce friction and improve stability. This transforms the standard of prosthetics and steers a new version of technology design to initiate more efficiency and comfort to humans. Gradually, light and strong materials such as carbon fiber are introduced which have highly modified the field. 

Before his shortcomings, Oscar Pistorius “Blade Runner”, contributed to the field, the double-leg amputee who was the first to participate in an Olympic event that took place around 2012. 

Features of sports prosthetics

Sports prosthetics are designed in a stable, convenient, and efficient way to suit a variety of sports and activities, mostly made from durable and lightweight materials. Their features include: 

• Design: Prosthetics can be made to suit different activities such as running, cycling, and swimming. They can also be applied in other activities like push-ups and muscle relaxers. 
• Materials: Basically, prosthetics are made from durable and flexible materials such as carbon fiber. 
• Joints: Prosthetics commonly include joints like knees and ankles. Yet, it may come with no joint based on the location of the amputation. 
• Suspension: Suspension systems are designed into prosthetics to aid an attachment to the body. It includes the vacuum suspension distal locking or sleeve suction. 
• Customization: Prosthetics come in different sizes, colors, and textures to fit different user’s preferences. 
• Accessories: Prosthetics are designed with accessories such as grips for tactile sensors, sports materials, and double-finger articulation. 
• Microprocessors: Microprocessors such as microchips are also integrated into prosthetics for sending messages or signals for improvement or fatigue reduction. 

Moreover, the prosthetists ‘healthcare workers are empowered to assist people in selecting the most compatible prosthetic constituent for their needs. 

Types of sport prosthetics

The four basic types of prosthetics for sport are: transradial, transfemoral, transtibial, and transhumeral. Hence, we shall explain their basic function and how they work. 

• Transradial

This type of prosthetic is an artificial arm located beneath the elbow. It is basically used for cosmetic purposes and comes in two forms, the cable-operated and myoelectric prosthetic device. 

The cable-operated device works by connecting a saddle into an affected arm shoulder,  to aid more user control.

Likewise, the myoelectric prosthetic works by detecting muscle movement in the arm region through the sensors and moving the prosthetic either closing or opening the hand.   

• Transhumeral

A transhumeral prosthesis is also an attaching artificial arm in the human body located between the elbow and shoulder region. They are more complex than transradial prosthesis because of no elbow. The absence of the elbow makes hand movement more complicated and challenging. Moreso, the transhumeral prosthesis uses myoelectric sensors or their combination to move the artificial limb.   

• Transtibial

The transtibial prosthesis is an artificial leg located beneath the knee. It functions mostly by contributing weight and providing comfort to the knee movement without any form of assistance. While using the transtibial prosthetic, the user needs to walk straight since the artificial leg is unmovable.  

• Transfemoral

The transfemoral is the most complicated prosthetic device. It is an artificial leg  located above the knee, and is greatly affected by the  muscle of the residual limb. The transfemoral prosthesis functions well after the user has experienced a prolonged rehabilitation process. For precise movement, a socket should be attached for more conformity. 

Reputable sports prosthetics brands

1. Össur: Pioneering Bionics

Ossur is known globally in non-invasive orthopedics, changing the standard of prosthetics through developed materials and muscle signal detection. Their products claim to be innovative in years and generations to come. 

Sports & Athletic Prosthetics: The invention of the Cheetah® running blades allows Paralympic athletes to partake in different sports activities such as skiing, golfing, and others. 

2. Össur Touch Bionics: Upper Limb Specialists

Moreso, ossur has brought transformation in upper limb prosthetics. Their production of the i-Limb and Livingskin technology has helped to improve individual digit control and revolutionized cosmetic solutions. Due to their continuous development, they keep reshaping the upper limb prosthetics. 

3. Ottobock: A Legacy of Excellence

Within the era of rampant development in prosthetic devices, Ottobock has revolutionized the whole function of artificial limbs. Their portfolio demonstrations are: 

Microprocessor Knee Systems: The C-Leg® uses built-in computers to literally adjust knee movement, allowing users to walk freely at any level of speed. This provides more comfort and stability to the users. 

Specialized Knee Prosthetics: The Genium X3 provides additional protection by offering waterproof materials for either showering or swimming with prostheses, and the  Kenevo® supports the users by providing stability defense while performing their daily activities. 

Advanced Arm Prostheses & Hand Prosthetic Devices: Their hand prosthesis devices help to strengthen hand muscles, enabling the user to grip objects of greater size while DynamicArm® console allows elbow movement for lifting and stretching objects.   

Comfortable Socket Solutions: The Harmony® system uses vacuum technology to provide a durable connection between the prosthesis and the residual limb, lessening slippage and increasing comfort in daily activities.   In addition, Ottobock’s utilization of deep learning with gradual development in prosthesis has contributed to atheistic measures and activities. 

Choosing the best Prosthetic brand

Choosing an excellent prosthetic brand and design can have a remarkable impact on individuals with limb casualties. Hence, the advancement in technology has made available a broad range of prosthetics, making it difficult for users to choose the right one. Therefore, let’s discuss some factors you must take into consideration when looking for a prosthetic.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Prosthetic

• Prosthetic Functionality and Design: Consider the functionality and design of a prosthetic when looking for a prosthetic to meet your needs and requirements. Your lifestyle and daily activities will determine the type of  a prosthetic design to choose. For example, if you are a sports athlete or usually engage in sports activities, a prosthetic that has a durable and mobile design will surely fit most. Therefore, look for a prosthetic designed to comply with your body, fostering self-comfort and confidence. 

• Fit and Comfort: A well suited and comfortable prosthesis is necessary for utmost functionality. To achieve this aim, you need to associate with your prosthesis. Getting accurate feedback will make your prosthesis comfortable and well-fitted. Moreover, the socket which attached your prosthetic device to your limb should provide comfort, prevent pain, pressure sores and skin damage.  Hence, choose a well cofty and fitted prosthetic for prolonged usage. 

• Durability and Maintenance: Considering the durability and maintenance of a prosthetic before choosing is essential. A durable prosthetic component should be designed to resist some difficulties on an activity basis.  However, make sure your prosthetist knows the activities you are involved in, so that the prosthetics are made to meet your activities necessities. More so, seek your prosthetist for the longevity and maintenance  of the prosthetic. Consider the durability and maintenance conditions of the prosthetic such as socks, liners and knee supplies. 

• Cost and Insurance Coverage: Before choosing a prosthetic component, look into their cost and examine if it is worth it.  In white countries like Canada, each region has its prosthetic refund policy.  However, your prosthetist will enlighten you more and discuss with you about the obligations. Also, ensure to seek your coverage and discover the prosthetic options available for reimbursement. In case you have insurance providers, seek them for assistance on the extent of coverage and cost difference. 

By considering these factors, individuals with limb loss can find a prosthesis that meets their needs and requirements. In addition, ensure to work hand in hand with your prosthetist to gain more insight while in the race to a fulfilling and ideal life. 

The impact of Artificial Intelligence on Prosthetics

Today, we can see how AI has evolved into our  everyday lives. If truly the use of artificial intelligence has gotten into our daily routine, in what way has it evolved with prosthetics? First of all, AI is now lowering the gap between a biological limb and a prosthetic one. This gap is continuously reducing as AI continues to advance. As a result, the modern age prosthetic has become lighter and simpler. Talking about the myoelectric prostheses which are one of the modern limbs, depends on electromyography signals (EMG) from residual limb muscle for movement and control.

This is simply done by integrating sensors into the muscle skin on the residual limb. Therefore, the movement is transformed into an electric signal after the user’s muscle contract, sending commands to stimulate the movement of the prosthesis. About the leg prosthesis, the residual limb sensor connected to the leg will determine the individual muscle movement and integrate AI to bend the prosthetic knee and successfully adjust the movement period.

The Future realm of prosthetics

As the prosthetic limb continues to advance and with a view to the future, prosthetic limb potential is likely to go beyond the biological limb. The reason is that modern prosthetics tend to possess more abilities such as speed delays, and functional and limited dexterity. However, the users of myoelectric limbs may find it difficult to use which makes this scope of view challenging.

More so, the Prosthetic AI-made systems can analyze the pattern of the nerve motions and apply them to the actual hand movements. Several nerve signals can be observed by the AI decoder at the same time such as pinching that requires the movement of the hand.

Therefore, in the future, there is a high possibility that fully sensory feedback will be activated, enabling users to sense the object they are in contact with. For more development, the researchers are working on an ideal way to connect Prosthetics with the somatosensory system. Eventually, the prosthetic limb is going to become more influential in eras to come. 

Conclusion

Overall, sport prosthetics provide more speed, endurance, and agility for athletes, enhancing the stability and functionality of the user. By choosing the right prosthetic, an athlete can accomplish his/her aim and goals at each sports event. However, challenges may arise, but being devoted and engaged can significantly make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

When would I start to walk after my amputation?

The time of walking after your amputations depends on your health, your circulation and the amount of postoperative difficulty you pass through. Typically, a well-being person with good circulation should be willing to get a prosthetic one month after surgery. 

Can I continue to engage in sports with my prosthesis?

Yes, you can begin to participate in sports with prosthetics. However, it is crucial to examine your goals with your prosthesis during the period of your treatment. With this, you can find out the best way out to embark on the race with no difficulties. 

How long should my prosthesis last?

It is most common for the prosthesis to last between 2 and 4 years,  depending on your way of using it. If you have a hard time with your prosthesis, it may reduce the time range.