Amputation

Most amputees report a sequela where they perceive painful sensations in the missing part of the amputated limbs1. This condition is known as phantom limb pain (PLP). While various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the etiology of PLP, it remains unclear1. In this essay, I will present the debate between two contrasting theories on the possible causes of PLP. One argues that PLP arises as a top-down phenomenon because of maladaptive cortical plasticity2, and conversely, the other…

In his novel, Machine Man, Max Barry creates a dystopian society within a science laboratory complex, Better Future. Brilliant ideas involving technical advances and future high-quality technologies will arise from the science district. Now, for most people, developing technologies to improve the quality of daily life is not morally wrong; however, when developing technologies sail too far to the point where the technology will compel people to create and alter themselves into “biologically and…

Oscar Pistorius is a name most athletic households know. He was the double amputee runner in the London 2012 Olympics. Pistorius had double blades on his legs thanks to biomechanics. However, many spectators viewed his blade legs as cheating, and an unfair advantage against the able body competitors, because they were engineered to help him be fast. Biomechanics does not only replace body parts for amputees but also uses one’s own body to reach its own potential. Furthermore, a responsible…

(“Facts about Amputations”). “Limb amputation is one of the most ancient of all surgical procedures with a history of more than 2,500 years” (Phillipo). Many individuals are affected by amputations worldwide. Through thorough research on this procedure, one finds out what amputations are, different causes, the surgical process, and rehabilitation. “Amputation is the intentional surgical removal of a limb or body part” (“Amputation-Medical-dictionary”). Most of the time an amputation occurs to…

The majority of amputation through the humorous or elbow result from trauma. The next most important is tumor control. Trans Humeral Amputation is a result of an injury or complication that involves surgically removal of the distal lower extremity, including the ulna and radius, the limb is removed from the elbow to phalanges. Surgically, it’s preferred because a Trans Humeral amputation is through the joint, not involving the bone or tissue but in some cases this is not appropriate. Elbow…

Having been born in the nineties and growing up throughout the two thousands I took a lot of technology for granted, assuming that they have already been around for a while and that it was common for everyone to have these technologies, for example the internet, computers, and video games, but it wasn’t until I was older that I realized how fast technology was advancing, and how much new technology I took for granted as a kid. We see great ideas and new advancements in technology pop up…

Prosthetic limbs have been giving people second chances at life for the last 150 years. In those 150 years prosthetic limbs have come a long way, but there is still many problems. Out of the many problems in the prosthetic limb industry, there is three main problems. The main problems include making the product available for the mass market, price of each limb, and the last problem for prosthetic limbs is advancing the technology. Although prosthetic limbs are essential for some of the people in…

Ramachandran begins his book with snippets of peculiar medical cases. The stories are fascinating because the brain is fragile, yet strong; damage to a particular part of the brain can lead to the expression of an odd behavior, yet the person can remain rational. Ramachandran (1998) expresses that these type of cases usually do not get much attention from doctors (i.e., neurologists and psychiatrists) and there has not been much investigation about the causes of their behaviors (p. 2). However,…

Over the past couple years many scientists have heard about this strange pain in a part of the body that no longer exists. It is called Phantom Limb Pain. Many amputees agree that this pain is too much. Phantom Limb Pain occurs in 80 percent of the people who have had a limb amputated. Some amputees may experience tingling, cramping, heat, and cold in that part that has been removed. The sensations that may have been experienced before the limb was removed may be experienced to the phantom limb.…

Braces are available for legs, feet, and hands. The Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation states, “Braces are orthotic devices used to hold part of the body in the correct position to allow function and healing” (2014). Individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease use braces to support the compromised muscles to move from place to place independently. Braces are the most common evidence-based intervention for those who have CMT. Typically, individuals with CMT use braces for the legs, ankles, and…