Artificial Limbs
Artificial Limbs The invention of the artificial limbs was a major milestone in the medical world. Artificial limbs work so effectively and look so convincing, people might not even notice someone wearing one. Prosthesis is a device used to replace a lost limb. In addition to this, prosthesis can result in cosmetic improvements for the patient and build self-confidence. After years of research, science and technology have combined to make prosthetic limbs more efficient, comfortable, and lifelike than ever before. "The first artificial limbs were stiff and did not have joints that bent like real arms, hands, or legs" (Woods 40). The limbs were also heavy and uncomfortable. This made people only able to wear them for a short period of time. They usually were just a leather cup attached to a wooden peg. "The cup would be fitted over the stump, and attached by straps. The straps could easily come undone, and the limb would fall off" (Woods 40) . Artificial limbs since this time have improved greatly. In medieval times, "leg prosthesis was simply a bend at the knee with an artificial foot to fit in the stirrup"(Murphy 11). This was so the knight could sit comfortably in his saddle. It was useless in battle though, so the knight had to detach it before fighting. For amputated arms and hands, a crude hook was used. It did not have any movement skills, but it gave the wearer more freedom. In 1508, the German knight, Gotz von Berlicichingen, had his right arm amputated. His prosthetic arm was considered a miracle in his time. It looked like an iron glove and was strapped to the stump of the forearm with leather straps. With the help of gearwheels, the fingers could be revolved and fixed at a certain position. This allowed the knight to hold his sword and carry out his profession. In 1529, Ambroise Pare introduced amputation to the medical community. Pare was born in an era where life around him was a never-ending series of small battles. Those wars were being