Prosthetic limbs after amputation

Redressing a global imbalance?

There can be no doubt that over the last few years the technology associated with prosthetic limbs has improved exponentially, and has massively increased function, independence and activity for people with lower limb amputations.

In the UK, prosthetic limbs are now available which have the best ever cosmetic appearance – being matched to actual skin tones of the patient. Limbs can be provided which have motors and sensors designed to mimic the way in which muscles, tendons and ligaments work in the ankle and the knee – improving gait and reducing the physical effort otherwise required. There are even limbs which can be controlled by “thought” – where contracting muscles in the stump will produce a response from the prosthesis.

On top of that there is the developing practice of Osteointegration – a surgical process which implants a metal rod into bone on to which a prosthetic limb can be attached – reducing problems with the socket and allowing load to be put through the body in a more natural way.

However, even in the UK there remains a wide variation in the availability of these services and products. Many are not available on the NHS, and it remains the case that amputees who have a legitimate claim for damages against a third party usually have more and better options. Osteointegration is still in its relatively early stages and is only available from a limited number of surgeons in a small number of places around the world. Nevertheless when compared to provision in the developing world – the UK is blessed with some of the best prosthetists and technology the world has to offer, whereas it remains commonplace to see amputees in the developing world with no prosthetic provision, or little more than a wooden leg.

Against this background, it is amazing to see the work of British inventor, Ed Pennington-Ridge, who is developing a prosthetic limb which will cost less than £100.

As the inventor himself points out, amputation in the developing world is found in disproportionately high levels in young men – sometimes soldiers injured in conflicts, or people injured through accidents on mopeds – a prevalent method of travel. These people come from an active background, and without this invention may never have had an opportunity to return to an active and independent life.

Philip Edwards, a Serious Injury expert said:

“Those of us with experience in pursuing claims for amputees are familiar with the exciting range of cutting edge equipment available that can help our clients achieve their goals. It is sometimes the case that it is forgotten that this sort of provision is not available to everyone, sometimes in the UK, but certainly in the developing world. Having heard first hand from so many of our clients of the life changing impact of amputation, it is really heartening to hear that technology is being developed which has the potential to assist thousands of people across the world to return to an active life – which simply would not happen without people willing to innovate in this way”