Meredith Britt, Liz Ellen, Heather Thomas
What are they?
Prostheses
are "false body parts" used to replace parts that have been amputated or
never properly developed. They are manufactured from different
materials, primarily man made alloys.
Why are they used?
Any
person who has had to do without a particular body part for any length
of time understands how difficult managing everyday life can be.
A prosthetic device will assist the person in coping with regular activities.
Currently many athletes who have lost legs or arms wear specialty prosthetics
which allow them to continue in their competition!
The History Behind Prosthetics.
The
first types of prostheses originated at the "dawn of time" and were
carved from wood, or any other natural material. The Romans are known
for their adoption of this technique and the advances they made.
More recently, prostheses are made to move just as a regular limb in order
for normal activity to be resumed. WWII led to a larger population
of amputees which caused more attention to be devoted to the production
of prosthetics.
The Physics Behind the Devices.
Prosthetic
devices must be designed to: fit the person, withstand the force of that
person's weight, withstand the person's motion, be durable for the person's
activity level, and be suitable for the person's environment.