Treatment and Prosthetics

Prosthetics have made a difference in many people's lives who have undergone amputations. Prosthetics can be used for functional purposes or cosmetic purposes, and sometimes for both. The fit, materials, and technology for prosthetics have improved drastically in the past several decades, increasing quality of life for people everywhere. For example, the magazine TIME awarded Touch Bionics with the number 14 invention for 2008 for its break through invention of its Bionic Hand, which is the first commercially available hand of its kind. The research Touch Bionics used to develop the Bionic Hand goes all the way back to the 1960s. Touch Bionics is also seeking to develop similar bionic solutions for the human wrist, fingers and arm.

Prosthetics can also be used to assist amputees in their athletic pursuits. In 2007, Heather Mills made headlines when she performed on the televised dancing competition "Dancing with the Stars." Another recent example of an amputee competing at a very level is Oscar Pistorius. Mr. Pistorius, a track sprinter, had to win a legal dispute just to compete for a spot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

If you are coping with amputation, as a injury victim or someone who cares, we encourage you to visit our amputation injury resources: Amputation Types & Causes, Compensation for Amputees, Amputation Costs, Emotional Impact of Amputation, Amputation Treatment & Prosthetics, Amputation Injuries: Medical & Legal Issues.

In addition to incorporating the use of prosthetics, some amputees may be candidates for new surgical techniques. Your doctors can advise you regarding your options, but there are many resources to help you to know what options are available to you.

The National Amputation Foundation has many helpful programs and services to help amputees, including a medical equipment donation program for those in need.