Composite Prosthetic Limbs

Here is an interesting article about a company called GENER8. They have developed a composite prosthetic leg out of what appears to be carbon fiber. Unlike similar composite prosthetic legs which can cost between $700 - $5,000 each, GENER8 is shooting to provide their design at a price below $500. Their current target market is developing countries where affordable options are not currently available.

Although, in countries like India, where the average income is 38,084 Rupee's a year, or $2.34 a day, even a non-subsidized composite limb at a couple hundred dollars is probably still unaffordable for the average person. But, it is a move in the right direct...

Photo Credit: GENER8

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Bio Medical Composite Materials

 

Composites will continue to gain acceptance in the biomedical field. When compared to metals (titanium, nickle, stainless, etc) used in bio medical, composite materials have some distinct advantages. Composites are x-ray transparent allowing doctors to take less x-rays to better see injuries and how they are healing. Many patients have allergies to nickle and other alloys, which limit the bio medical components that can be used. Above is a paper going into further detail on the subject, and is worth the read.

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Carbon Fiber Composite Running Legs

Ever since I first heard of the "Cheetah Leg", a prosthetic leg made for running, I have been fascinated. The leg, partly designed upon the leg of a cheetah, it is made to feel as if the runner is standing on the ball of their foot. First introduced in the late 1990's these carbon legs have continued to make advancements, and the athletes using them are constantly breaking records. You can read about the latest technology in a recent New York Times article here.

Composite materials are being used in a wide range of applications, but this innovative design and use of carbon I find extremely amazing.

Below is a video from the TED conference in 1998, if you are not familiar with the TED conference, check it out when you have some free time. If you jump to about the 15min mark, you will see and learn about the first edition of these carbon legs.



Photo Credit: Tarique via flicker