National Day for People with Disabilities丨Today, we need to pay attention to this group of people...

August 11th of every year is the National Day for People with Disabilities , an important day that reminds us to pay attention to the rights and interests of people with disabilities and their rehabilitation.

Prosthetics and orthotics is a technology that aims to help people who have lost limb function regain their ability to take care of themselves and improve their quality of life. It combines the knowledge of medicine, engineering and art design to provide functional and aesthetic support for people with disabilities.

On this special day, by introducing common problems in prosthetics and orthotics, everyone can understand the technology, innovation and aesthetic engineering of prosthetics and orthotics, and help everyone better understand prosthetics and orthotics.

Frequently asked questions and answers about prosthetics and orthotics

1

What is a prosthesis?

A prosthesis is an artificial device used to replace a missing limb part. They can be upper limb prostheses (including fingers, hands, wrists and forearms) or lower limb prostheses (including feet, ankles, lower legs and thighs). Prostheses are designed to restore lost function and provide a natural appearance to help individuals reintegrate into everyday life.

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2

Can prosthetic limbs provide the same functions as real limbs?

Prosthetic limbs can provide a certain degree of functionality, but they cannot completely replace real limbs. Modern prosthetic technology continues to develop, and some prosthetic limbs can achieve a fairly high level of functionality, such as leg prostheses that can walk and run, and arm prostheses that can perform fine hand movements. However, compared to real limbs, prosthetic limbs still have some limitations, especially in terms of sensation and fine control.

3

Do prosthetic limbs require special care?

Yes, prostheses require special care and maintenance. Keeping your prosthesis clean is an important part of care and maintenance, and regular cleaning and disinfecting can prevent infection. In addition, depending on the type and material of your prosthesis, special maintenance steps may be required, such as adjusting attachments, replacing base pads, etc. Your prosthetist will provide you with detailed care instructions to ensure the proper use and life of your prosthesis.

4

Does the prosthesis restrict movement and sports activities?

The type and design of the prosthesis determines the suitability for sports and athletic activities. Modern prostheses can support many sports and athletic activities, such as running, swimming, basketball, etc. However, the specific activities and sports that can be participated in depend on the type of prosthesis, the individual's degree of disability, and the individual's health. Some prostheses may need to be customized or specially designed to meet the needs of specific sports.

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5

Do prostheses need to be replaced regularly?

Prostheses generally require regular maintenance and adjustments, but whether they need to be replaced depends on a number of factors, such as individual growth, wear and tear, and advances in technology. For children and adolescents, they may need to have their prostheses replaced regularly due to the demands of growth and development. For adults, prostheses generally last longer, but may still need to be repaired and replaced. A prosthetic professional can provide advice on maintenance and replacement based on the individual's situation and needs.

6

What are orthotics?

An orthosis is a medical device that can be used to support, correct or improve the posture, movement or function of a body part. It is usually made of appropriate materials, customized to the needs of the individual, and used to improve posture, provide stability or relieve pain.

7

When are orthotics used?

Orthotics are used for many different conditions, including fracture rehabilitation, spinal deformities (such as scoliosis or spina bifida), joint problems (such as knee or hip arthritis), muscle weakness or injury, and neurological conditions (such as stroke or spinal cord injury). They can be used to improve posture, provide stability, increase range of motion, or relieve pain.

8

What impact do orthotics have on quality of life?

For many people, orthotics can significantly improve quality of life. They can reduce pain, improve posture and stability, restore or increase movement, and help individuals re-engage in daily and social life. The use of orthotics can also improve an individual’s confidence and self-esteem, increasing belief in their abilities.

Technological progress in prosthetics and orthotics

There have been many exciting advances in prosthetic and orthotic technology over the past few years. Here are some of the latest developments in prosthetic and orthotic technology.

1.3D printing technology: 3D printing technology has had a significant impact on the manufacture of prosthetics and orthotics. It makes the customization of prosthetics and orthotics easier and more precise. By using 3D printing technology, customized prosthetics and orthotics can be quickly manufactured according to the individual's body shape and needs, providing better fit and

Comfort.

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2. Intelligent sensing technology: The application of intelligent sensing technology adds more functions and convenience to prostheses and orthoses. By integrating sensors and electronic systems, orthoses can sense the posture and movement of the body and make corresponding adjustments and support. For example, some prostheses and orthoses can automatically adjust the support strength or angle according to the individual's gait and activity needs to provide better support and stability.

3. Lightweight materials: The application of new lightweight materials (such as carbon fiber and polymers) makes prostheses and orthoses lighter and more comfortable. These materials have excellent strength and durability, while reducing the weight of prostheses and orthoses, allowing individuals to feel freer and more natural when using them.

4. Adjustability and personalization: Nowadays, prostheses and orthoses are becoming more and more adjustable and personalized. The components of both can be adjusted according to individual needs to accommodate different postures and movement requirements. In addition, individuals can choose different colors, patterns and styles to make prostheses and orthoses more personalized and in line with fashion trends.

5. Remote monitoring and data analysis: By integrating remote monitoring and data analysis technology, the use and effect of prostheses and orthoses can be tracked and evaluated in real time. Medical professionals can obtain user data through remote access systems and conduct regular evaluations and adjustments to ensure the best effect and individual comfort of prostheses and orthoses.

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In addition, the combination of prosthetic engineering and clinical medicine has promoted some amazing progress in the field of prosthetics.

1. Neural-controlled prosthesis: Neural-controlled prosthesis is one of the most eye-catching technologies. Direct control of the prosthesis can be achieved by implanting electrodes into the nerve endings of the residual limb or the cerebral cortex. This technology uses nerve signals around the residual limb to convey the user's intentions to the prosthesis, achieving more natural and precise movements.

2. Bionic exoskeleton: A bionic exoskeleton is a device that combines prosthetics and robotics. It can support and enhance the body's ability to move, enabling people with disabilities to withstand greater loads, walk longer distances, and even crawl and climb. The development of bionic exoskeletons is of great significance for rehabilitation and assisted walking.

3. Nerve regeneration and replantation technology: Research on nerve regeneration and replantation technology aims to promote the regeneration and restoration of damaged nerves. These technologies include stem cell therapy, nerve transplantation, and restoration of synaptic connections. Although these technologies are still in the experimental stage, they are expected to improve the perception and movement ability of prosthetic users in the future.

These new advances provide more options and improvements for the manufacture and use of prosthetics and orthotics, which can improve the effectiveness, comfort and personalization of prosthetics and orthotics. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, we can expect more innovation and development in prosthetic and orthotic technology in the future.

Planning and production

Produced by: Chinese Medical Association

Author: Feng Kaiyun China Rehabilitation Research Center

Review丨Liu Jinsong, Senior Engineer, China Rehabilitation Research Center

Editor: Yang Yaping