How Technology Shapes Health Care
explanatory Essay
1114 words
How Technology Shapes Health Care Most of us are aware of the inadequacies of health care in the past.It is difficult to think of the old west without being reminded of the danger that bearing children posed to the women who lived during that period of time.A serious lack of knowledge about things such as bacteria, viruses, and the benefits of proper nutrition were to blame for countless unnecessary deaths.During the Civil War many amputations were needlessly performed because the use of simple antibiotics had not yet been made available. Many advances in the medical field have been made due to technology. The amputation procedure is not at all a recent undertaking of medicine. A 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy was recently found with a successful amputation of the big toe.In its place was the world’s oldest known prosthesis, a wooden toe (Svitil, 2001).The progression from wooden toes and peg legs made way to plaster molds and metal supports, but in the age of technology even these remedies seem ancient. Today’s prosthetics are becoming more highly advanced every day with the help of computers.The company, Otto Bock Orthopedics Industry of Duderstadt, Germany, is using computer chips to help prosthetic knees become more realistic. The company recently came out with a C-leg, which contains a lithium-ion battery and a microprocessor that measures the angle of the knee and the rate at which it’s bending 50 times per second.The computer then analyzes the input to anticipate the needs of the amputee and adjusts the resistance accordingly, providing him with a more stable footing (Savage, 2001).Just as a child learns about walking through experimentation, so are researchers.By studying test subjects walking on sensor pads the... ... middle of paper ... ...al life.Without computers it would have been almost impossible for Kevin to find the information he needed to locate Mr. Barron. Computers allow us to move out of the dark ages of medicine by making it possible for physicians and surgeons to push the limits of technology.They allow people with disabilities to continue living a semi-normal life and be integrated with society.Most importantly, computers allow us to participate in our own health care choices because the information in now available to us, enabling us to educate ourselves and no longer forcing us to rely on the decisions of others.This is truly freedom of choice! Works Cited: Andrews, R. (2001, March). The man who makes faces. Reader’s Digest, 128-133. Savage, N. (2001, April). A leg to stand on. Discover, 24-25. Svitil, K. A. (2001, April). Walk like an amputated Egyptian. Discover, 12.
In this essay, the author
- Explains how technology has shaped health care in the past. lack of knowledge about things such as bacteria, viruses, and the benefits of proper nutrition were to blame for countless unnecessary deaths.
- Explains that a 3,000-year-old egyptian mummy was recently found with the world's oldest known prosthesis, the wooden toe.
- Explains how otto bock orthopedics industry is using computer chips to help prosthetic knees become more realistic.
- Opines that computers allow us to experiment with bionics. researchers have been able to create a bio-engineered muscle fiber and hope to some day be unable to recreate an artificial skeleton powered by lab-grown muscles and controlled by the nervous system.
- Explains how computers have improved the medical field. ct-scans and x-rays allow doctors to see inside the human body in ways that would have been unimaginable fifty years ago.
- Explains that ultra-sound can detect fetal abnormalities and perform microscopic surgery on an infant before its birth allowing it a much higher chance of survival.
- Explains that blood clots can be cleared using a tiny tube monitored by an even smaller digital camera attached to the end of it, and some heart surgeries can now be performed with
- Explains how computers save lives, but there are other less obvious ways that many of us take for granted. the emergency room can have a patient’s medical file faxed even if they are out of town.
- Explains that computers and the internet allow people to become more responsible and involved in their own health care.
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- The Replacement of Amputated Limb by a Prosthetic Limbanalytical essayThe idea of having an amputated limb and being able to receive a prosthetic limb within a few short hours is still a dream in today’s world. Scientists and researchers have made huge leaps and bounds in recent years, but prosthetic limbs have been around for decades. The oldest ever found was in Cairo, Egypt in the year 2000. It was a prosthetic toe made of leather and wood from 3000 years ago (Clements, 2008). This limb showed us that for the most part prosthetics have not changed a whole lot, but how they are made has improved. Prosthetic limbs can now be designed by using CAD/CAM, computer aided design and manufacturing. They can speed up the process it takes to make the limbs for patients. Clinical use of this process is still slow to get going in a lot of states and the world. The most important part of the prosthetic limb to the patient is not whether the limbs functionality is better, but the comfort of the socket. The socket is where the residual limb will reside in the actual prosthetic limb. When the handmade casts are used, it is hard to make a socket that will work well for the patient because it is hard to make an exact replica of the limb. That is why more funding needs to go to places that will teach people how to use the CAD/CAM design process and to help companies buy the expensive fabrication sites to actually make the limbs. Not only is the use of CAD/CAM a better process, but it is faster and will get the patients a better fitting limb that they will want to use more often.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that prosthetic limbs can now be designed by using cad/cam, computer aided design and manufacturing.
- Explains the optical laser digitizer, which is a tool that can be handheld and scans the body directly to produce the measurements and the image into cad/cam software.
- Explains how cad/cam can be used to develop a new prosthetic limb for amputees.
- Opines that prosthetics should be available to everyone, not just the people who can afford it.
- Explains that prosthetic limbs don't fit right because they are either hand-casted or not made with a certain patient in mind.
- Explains that optical laser digitizer has improved, but amputees still need comfortable prosthetic limbs. the three-step method was developed by david sengeh.
- Argues that the three step process of the measurement process developed by david sengeh would be even better.
2025 wordsRead More - advances in Prostheticsexplanatory essayProsthetic care goes back to the fifth Egyptian Dynasty. The basics of prosthetics started out with crutches. They were made of wood and leather for more comfort. A wooden toe was a big deal because it helps balance and perform a function to help you walk. Next peg legs and hooks were used. Fibers were used to have a sense of wholeness but weren’t functional. By the second or third peg legs cooper and wood were used. Later on iron was used but was inconvenient because of how much it weighed. Inventions have been worked on and expanded for example, the fixed position foot. Other inventions have become obsolete over the years like the use of iron, hand hooks, and peg legs ("The History of Prosthetics).
In this essay, the author
- Describes prosthetics as an artificial device that replaces a missing body part lost through trauma, disease, or congenital conditions.
- Cites lippincott williams and wilkins' "advanced prosthetic technologies: the arm".
- Explains how a hearing aid works and what modern hearing solutions have to offer.
- Summarizes ieee spectrum's "sensitive synthetic skin in the works for prosthetic arms." wheeless' textbook of orthopaedics.
1118 wordsRead More - Prosthetic Limbs Limitationsexplanatory essayThis prosthetic toe was made from wood and leather and was discovered in an Egyptian tomb of a female mummy. Dating back to this time, prosthetics would have been almost unheard of and would have only be made for the wealthy if needed. It was known as the ‘Cairo Toe’ consisted of two wooden pieces which were lashed together by leather thread through holes bored into the wood; the toe also had a leather strap which secured the toe to the foot through more leather threads. (IP
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the process of availability has expanded over time due to the rise and demand of prosthetics from people and military usage from amputation.
- Opines that paralympics has brought a positive view to prosthetics and their perceptions in this country because of the influential role models that have been brought forward.
- Explains that each case study summarises the answers given by participants from the questionnaire and aims to provide an accurate description of how each participant responds to the use of prosthetic limbs.
- Explains prosthetics are devices designed to re-place a missing part of the body. they are an invention that has come from the medical profession treating amputees.
- Explains that prosthetics are successful because of quality of life, self-confidence, ability to use a high functioning device, and regaining motion.
- Explains that the prosthetic headband was created between 1901 and 1930. the materials used are lighter and more comfortable, and the movement of the limbs is almost lifelike.
- Explains that medical prosthetics can cause physical and physiological issues, such as cancer, trauma, and congenital limb deficiency.
- Explains the social implications of prosthetic limbs in general society, such as the need for control or stability in certain work areas.
- Opines that physical changes to one's self after prosthetics are impacted by non-congenital limb difficulties. counselling with regard to realistic rehabilitation expectations and methods of coping with personal concerns or social difficulties should form an integral part of this preparation.
- Explains that 3 case studies have been included in their primary research. they asked questions about prosthetics and the difference between some non-user and users of prosthesis.
- Describes case study a, born with upper limb disfigurement and has used a prosthetic arm in the past made out of silicon.
- Analyzes how case study a used to wear their prosthetic all the time, but in recent years, they decided to not wear it at all.
1958 wordsRead More - Self Improvement In Max Barry's Machine Mananalytical essayHe infers this by saying, “I sat in bed and inspected the exegesis. I really needed tools to take it apart… I still found it surprising that this was as good as it got” (Barry 30). Describing it further as a bucket on a stick, feeling very wrong, and squeezing his leg so hard it feels as if all his stitches have popped (Barry 30-32). Lola Shanks, a prosthetist, assisted Charlie when learning how to use the leg. Mr. Shanks, Lola’s father, being an amputee of various limbs gives Lola the most experience in the field. Although she has the largest experience with prosthetics in the entirety of the book, the study of prosthetics is such a tiny department compared to the cancer research department, there are few options for artificial legs, arms, et cetera. In a case study in the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, “Researchers have concluded…they are useful for determining the type of interventions used in rehabilitation, but that it may not accurately assess the true function of the individuals within the community” (Staubach and Sutton). Meaning although those prosthetics can be useful in rehab, once the patient is back into reality they might not be the best option. In light of this Charlie proceeds to create a leg that does suit amputees in the real world. Once Lola sees what Charlie had invented mechanically engineered legs, she sees this as a world of
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how dr. charlie neumann, a modern day scientist at better future, introduces self-improvement through superior artificial parts. he realizes lola shanks should be rewarded with ownership of the advances in prosthetics.
- Analyzes how charlie foreshadows creating a superior leg after the first day of rehab with his cutting edge new limb. lola shanks, an amputee, assisted charlie when learning how to use the leg.
- Compares lola and charlie's social skills. charlie scored a 0 on an empathy test meaning he has little to no ability to interact with others.
- Analyzes how lola takes her job very seriously due to the fact she was exposed to amputation at such an early age. she feels that it is her responsibility to make you succeed and be happy.
952 wordsRead More - Are Robotic Prosthetics: Are They Viable?analytical essayOrganisms are limited by the structure of their bodies. Some creatures are capable to do great things because of the number of limbs they have, or the density of their skin. Humans in particular are extremely reliant in the capabilities that our bodies bring to us. Our bodies however, are not all dependable, as we can injure ourselves, and even lose parts of our body. To combat this loss of body, the great minds of our species have created false limbs to replace what we have lost. This great improvement to our lives is known as, the prosthetic. In recent years this technology has expanded into a new form, that combines prosthetics and robotics to make life for people
In this essay, the author
- Explains that human beings are limited by the structure of their bodies, and have created false limbs to replace what they have lost. the prosthetic technology has expanded into a new form.
- Explains that some people believe robotic prosthetics prove their effectiveness for common use, such as a prototype that has sensors capable of sensing and reading signals sent to missing limbs.
- Argues that robotic prosthetics aren't viable for people to get their hands on.
- Explains that advanced prosthetic arms developed by pentagon set for sale on phys.org – news and articles on science and technology.
904 wordsRead More - History Of Prostheticsexplanatory essayThe first prosthetics that have been recorder were used by the Egyptians in 950 B.C. to 710 B.C. to look whole and anatomically complete, rather than being functional. In 300 B.C., an artificial below the knee limb made out of iron and bronze with a wooden core was found in Italy. This was later called the Capua leg. Most of the prostheses around the middle ages were made out of iron, bronze, or wood, but they did not look like a normal limb; instead, the prosthetics used before looked like pegs or hooks (Norton, 2007). Also, prosthetics were only given and fitted to those people who could afford them and needed them for battles, such as knights. Knights were given and fitted prosthetics not for functionality, but to hold up their shields and for battle purposes. During the renaissance period, steel and copper have been incorporated to make prosthetics. After the World War II, wooden and leather prosthetics were made, although there were many caveats regarding the materials used. The prosthetics were too heavy and the leather absorbed too much perspiration, thus, making it hard to
In this essay, the author
- Explains that prosthetics are used by people born without complete limbs and who have had amputations due to war, diseases, or accidents to function and be seen as "whole".
- Explains that the first prosthetics were used by the egyptians to look whole and anatomically complete, rather than being functional.
- Explains that the number of amputees in the world cannot be ascertain due to most countries not having exact records of people with limb amputations.
- Explains that limb prosthetics were used to keep knights available and ready for combat, and for the people to be seen as anatomically whole and hide congenital deformities.
1536 wordsRead More - The ReMotion Prosthetic Kneeexplanatory essayReMotion is a project created by D-Rev (Design Revolution), a not for profit organization working in third world countries, which creates and supplies prosthetic knees to amputees living on under $4 a day (Krista Donaldson, 2013). One of the company’s major constraints when designing the knee revolved around creating a product that performed at a standard equivalent to the high end prosthetic knees, but at a cost that was affordable and allowed for mass production. The project has been running since 2009 (Krista Donaldson, 2013) and over five and a half thousand amputees have since been fitted with the ReMotion knee, with the third version being made publicly available mid 2014 (‘A Cheap Prosthetic Knee For The Developing World, Designed From Patient Feedback’, n.d.)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that d-rev in the media - view the latest videos, news & press releases.
- Explains that a cheap prosthetic knee for the developing world, designed from patient feedback. co.exist. retrieved 22 may 2014.
- Cites taskforce, m. e. w., department of mechanical engineering, university of melbourne.
- Explains that the remotion knee is an incredibility important project, working in an area that would not occur to many. an engineer understands the world as it is, but works to make it better.
1714 wordsRead More - The Influences in the Advancements of Prostheticsexplanatory essayThe most obvious factor in the influence of the advancements of prosthetics is mobility. Mobility has played a key role in prosthetics since the dawn of man and continues to be vital factor in the construction of prosthetics. In the prehistoric era, humans constructed prostheses from branches or wooden sockets. However, these prostheses did not offer the amputee much mobility. In a span of several thousand years, minor advancements were made in prosthetics, such as the materials the prostheses were made from and closer resemblance to the missing limb. In fact, it was not until the 16th century, did prosthetics reach a major breakthrough. In 1500, Ambrose Pare made upper and lower prostheses, which offered greater mobility and function than previous prostheses. Pare’s prostheses also offered insight in how prostheses should function and led the way to new more complex prostheses. These prostheses were often made from lighter materials and and had mechanical systems within the prosthesis. One example is the Anglesey leg. The Anglesey leg was an above the knee prosthesis. The prosthesis allowed the amputee to have a natural...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that prosthetics have enabled amputees to regain mobility and their lives. the history and physiological components of prostheses played an important role in their advancement.
- Explains that mobility has played a key role in prosthetics since the dawn of man and continues to be vital factor in the construction of prostheses.
- Explains that function is a major implication in the construction of prostheses. prosthetists used switches on the prosthetic, pulleys attached to the shoulder, or simply open and close it using the other limb.
- Explains that the impact of amputation can have many emotional effects on amputees.
- Explains how the civil war and the world war influenced the advancements of prosthetics. the surgeon general of the army founded the american orthotic and prosthetic association (aopa).
1024 wordsRead More - The Emergence of the Robotic Ageexplanatory essayStix, Gary. “Bionic Limbs, Rewired.” Scientific American 309.6 (2013): 14.MAS Ultra – School Edition. Web. 27 Jan. 2014
In this essay, the author
- Describes clarke, c arthur, profiles of the future: an enquiry into the limits of the possible.
- Opines that as technology increases, people will see more robots in the medical field and have robotics doing the jobs that people deem "robot worthy".
- Explains that the turing test is the most important test of artificial intelligence. cleverbot has learned from many people how to speak.
- Explains that stix, gary, john, ollie, aron, jacob, and david h. freedman, ''impatient futurist.
865 wordsRead More - Fitsocket Lab Reportexplanatory essayThe number of lower limb amputees is growing worldwide. Trauma, particularly vehicle accidents, and vascular-related diseases are the two major causes. Lower limb amputees use prosthesis for mobility during daily activities (Ma, 2015). A high percentage of amputees are not comfortable using their prosthetics and some cause infections. SocketComforter is designed to eliminate discomfort, adjust pressure in specific locations in the prosthetic, and optimize efficiency.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the number of lower limb amputees is growing worldwide. trauma, particularly vehicle accidents, and vascular-related diseases are the two major causes.
- Explains that mma monomers are used to produce prepolymers and create a modified base material for fabrication.
- Explains that a set of experiments will be conducted on 5 amputees to determine the location of their softer and harder tissues.
- Recommends resting the residual limb for at least 6 hours prior to the experiment. detach the prosthetics completely.
- Explains that the patient undergoes the testing with fitsocket three times to ensure the accuracy of the data provided. ces material selector will be used to find the finest and most comfortable material for the socket.
- Explains that the socket is molded and tested by the amputee after 4 months of data analysis to insure accuracy in results.
- Explains that the socketcomforter is a highly advanced prosthetic socket that allows for more flexibility and comfort during its use.
- Explains that prosthetic sockets are inflexible and firm to the touch, making it painful for patients to use them.
- Explains that the patellar tendon bearing and total surface bearing (tsb) are the most common socket options for amputees.
- Explains how socketcomforter is a highly advanced prosthetic socket that has adjustable pressure valves around the socket, comfortable for patient use, and customized to each patients needs according to their fitsocke
- Introduces the experimentee to the fitsocket, a robotic socket measurement device that directly measures tissue properties.
- Explains that al-fakih, osman, n. a., eshraghi, and jahanshahi, p. developed and validated fiber bragg grating sensing pad for interface pressure measurements within prosthetic sockets.
1098 wordsRead More - Winter The Dolphin Research Paperexplanatory essayMany animals, such as Winter the dolphin, have inspired great innovations in human prosthetics. After Winter lost her tale in a crab trap accident scientist began creating a custom prosthetics. While in the process they created a rubbery sock made of thermoplastic elastomer, now called Winter’s gel. Today this is used with a number of patients as a less irritating version of prosthetic liner. It is especially helpful for amputee athletes as it doesn’t slip when it gets
In this essay, the author
- Explains how winter the dolphin inspired innovations in human prosthetics. scientists created a rubbery sock made of thermoplastic elastomer, now called winter’s gel.
79 wordsRead More - Gotz Von Berlichingen Biographycomparative essayGotz Von Berlichingen was a knight who lost his right arm from a cannon blast in 1505. At the young age of 24, and as a man who made a living off of war, Gotz needed his right arm. This mercenary is the very first person known to have a prosthetic one. Prosthesis is a device, either external or implanted that substitutes for a missing or defective body part. The prosthetic arm that Gotz used was made of iron and complete with articulated fingers which were spring action and an array of levers and buttons. It allowed Gotz to hold a quill, play cards, direct his horse, and grip a lance. Gotz and his arm made of iron went on to great infamy. He was outlawed by the Holy Roman Emperor and even lead a peasant revolt. Gotz preferred his new arm saying it had “rendered more service in the fight than ever did the original flesh”. This just shows how prosthetics can change the lives of many. The arm was a mechanical masterpiece centuries ahead of its time and it laid the foundation for modern prosthetics.1
In this essay, the author
- Explains that gotz von berlichingen lost his right arm from a cannon blast in 1505. the mercenary was the first person known to have prosthetics.
- Explains that in 2006, the defense advanced research projects agency (darpa) launched the revolutionizing prosthetics program to restore natural limb function to war veterans.
- Explains that darpa believed that after two phases of development, a fully functional prosthetic device would be almost perfected.
- Explains that the deka arm is a mind controlled prosthetic limb and is the first to get the food and drug administration approval.
- Compares the mpl to the deka arm, which requires rerouting muscle signals that move down the missing limb into residual muscles.
- Explains that the mpl's focus is to improve the inside components of the limb including the microprocessors and integrated circuit systems.
- Explains the reason behind improving the mpl is simple: an estimated 2 million americans have had an arm or leg amputated from injury or illness. the more efficient the arm, the happier the patient.
1040 wordsRead More - Orthotic Therapyopinion essayThroughout past couple years I have had the pleasure of shadowing and learning from a number of Pedorthists, in 3 provinces. With that being said, I have observed several, personalized orthotic designing methods that have all resulted in positive outcomes. It was noted that not only the fabricating methods differ, but assessments, casting techniques, and appointment procedures as a whole differed.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that they have shadowed and learned from pedorthists in 3 provinces. they have observed several personalized orthotic designing methods that have all result in positive outcomes.
- Opines that the mechanism in which foot orthoses produce beneficial results is still widely debated, so it cannot be as simple as re-aligning bones/joint.
- Opines that there are several areas that should be considered while exploring new orthotic paradigms.
- Opines that individual responses to orthotics should be more examined and considered in orthotic therapy. there are no objective tests that can determine how an individual will react.
- Opines that describing orthotic intervention with this viewpoint rational and the easiest to convey therapy to clients and peers.
- Argues that the "skeletal alignment" concept fails to explain how many individuals can display abnormal gait patterns yet never experience overuse or mechanical injuries. dr. kirby summarizes this concept well.
- Explains that the body subconsciously adjusts each step from feedback from the previous step. a systematic review conducted by aboutorabi et al, found an increase in balance control via vibratory and magnetic insoles.
- Opines that while the lack of scientific evidences supporting orthotic therapy may seem daunting, one can look forward and relish new and exciting advancements regarding foot biomechanics, orthotics, and the field of pedorthic.
529 wordsRead More - Biomechanicsexplanatory essayIn order to develop this prosthesis they had to go through two main phases, the analysis of a jogger wearing a standard walking prosthesis and computer simulation of the flexing of the knee on this walking prosthesis. They had to measure rotation, weight bearing, moments, and t...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that biomechanics is the study of the structure and function of biological systems using mechanics. it develops artificial limbs and footwear specifically to aid the body in performance.
- Explains the use of biomechanics in the development of prosthetic limbs used for the handicapped.
- Explains that in order to develop the prosthesis, they had to go through two phases: analysis of a jogger and computer simulation of knee flexing. they used mathematical equations to spring force and stiffness.
- Explains that biomechanics is used in the study of sports actions, such as the motion of throwing a baseball.
- Explains the use of biomechanics in the subject of crash simulation, human stress testing, and collision testing.
- Explains that biomechanics is a well-developed area in science and engineering where studies are performed. many universities have an advancements in technology so that we may understand and operate our human bodies.
626 wordsRead More