Lec 17 - BK Prosthetic Limbs

Question 1

Prosthesis

Answer 1

An artificial device to replace or augment a missing or impaired part of the body.
Purpose could be to recover loss functionality, enhancement, or cosmetic

Question 2

Lower-extremity limb prostheses

Answer 2

Prostheses for hip, leg, or foot
Trans-tibial prostheses: below-knee (BK) artificial leg

Question 3

Causes of BK amputations

Answer 3

Congenital limb deficiency
Diabetic complications (81%)
Cardiovascular disease (6%)
Cancer (3%)
Trauma

Question 4

Countries affected by war, Landmines in 2003

Answer 4

Est. 110 anti-personnel devices in ground, scattered over 70 countries
26,000 amputations per year

Question 5

Parts of BK prosthetic limb

Answer 5

Socket, socket adaptor, tube clamp adaptor, pipe, endoskeletal finish, ankle, foot

Question 6

Layered carbon fire composition

Answer 6

Flexibility enables storage of energy during loading and gradual release of energy during forward progression
Design of carbon fiber heel and forefoot for better walking gait and less effort

Question 7

Aluminum composition

Answer 7

Lightweight, strong, durable
Socket adapter acts as anchor for lamination of socket
Tube clamp adapter attaches to pipe, adjusted (cut) for length and angle

Question 8

Improvements using nanointermediates

Answer 8

Carbon fiver composite applications using graphene or carbon nanotubes
Metal-matrix nanocomposites: greater strength and wear resistance

Question 9

Nano in Socket Technology

Answer 9

Design of socket is critical for proper usage of prosthesis
3D can be used to fit socket to stump precisely

Question 10

Osseointegration

Answer 10

Implants directly to the bone
Pro: no socket
Con: higher chance of infection and bone fractures

Nanosurface modification can enhance anchoring

Question 11

Bio-electrical interfaces for neural networking

Answer 11

Ability to control prosthetics interpreted neural signals from brain
implant options: brain, spinal cord, nerves

Question 12

Tactile-sensing skin

Answer 12

Carbon nanotube films from capacitor arrays - change capacitance depending on applied strain or pressure

Question 13

Artificial muscle

Answer 13

Spun nano-yarns that contract similarly to biological muscle

Question 14

Considerations

Answer 14

cost of nano-enabled prostheses
disposal of nano-enabled prostheses

Question 15

Replacement vs. enhancement

Answer 15

Athletic performance => unfair advantage
Use in violence => used as a weapon
Human vs. machine => definition