History of Arm Amputation PDF

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Summary on the History of arm amputations, prosthetic restorations, and rehabilitation...

Description

“History of Arm Amputation, Prosthetic Restoration, and Arm Rehabilitation,” by Dr. Robert H, Meier, details the background and evolution of amputation surgery and prosthetics and how they were medically treated. Meier begins with describing 5th century B.C. methods, in which amputation was used as a last resort for gangrene. The idea had then evolved into applying an antiquated anesthetic and burning all the dead and infected tissue. Upon discovery of circulation, a ligature was used to reduce hemorrhaging during an amputation. By the 1800’s, anesthesia allowed for longer operations thus producing better stumps to hold prosthetics. Many amputations were the result of wars, especially the Civil War. With advancing weapons, medicinal technology was advancing too. Between World War I and World War II, surgery involving amputations has evolved drastically, as there are solutions (prosthetics) offered, as well as rehabilitation. The number of amputations nowadays has generally decreased since advancements have made it easier to salvage limbs, and not as many traumatic incidents are occurring. The idea of prostheses has been around since 61 A.D., when Pliny wrote about the Roman general who replaced his right hand with an iron hand during the Second Punic War. During medieval times, ideas of prostheses included arms and legs made by a locksmith, with no voluntary control. In the 1800’s, simple prosthetics with controllable extremities were introduced, using the flexion of existing muscles to open and close fingers. By the end of World War II, artificial limbs became a high demand, so a research group was created to create prosthetics. An electrical powered prosthetic was created in 1949, and by the end of the century, many amputees relied on the conventional electric arm. Amputee treatment developed during World War II, to help those who had the misfortune of losing their limbs. Rehabilitation helped the amputees adjust to having their missing limbs replaced by artificial limbs. Clinically, electric arms are efficient; however, they do not perfectly replace a natural arm, complete with a natural wrist, hand, and elbow. The article portrays how far we have come in regards to amputation surgery and prosthetics, but how we also have a long way to go. The electrical control offers some coverage for the missing limb, but not entirely. However, the advancements have assisted people who have lost their limbs, in more ways than they have in the past. Ethically, people may not approve of electrically controllable limbs because it may give those people an advantage in achieving their goals, such as in sports....