What is bionic prosthesis?
Bionic prostheses, unlike traditional prostheses, are a type of prosthesis designed with state-of-the-art technological systems, which allow imitating the natural movements of the human musculoskeletal system.
This type of prosthesis allows the person who wears it to perform movements in the same way he/she would be able to do it if he/she had the area or part of the body that is no longer there. In this way, bionic prostheses offer great independence, since they imitate the biomechanical processes of the muscles and bones of the body, responding to the need of not having to depend on anyone.
In this sense, there are four different types of bionic prostheses:
- Bionic leg prostheses
- Bionic hand prostheses
- Bionic arm prostheses
- Bionic knee prostheses
Why is it done?
Bionic prostheses are designed to restore independence lost due to an accident or birth defects.
When, due to birth problems or an accident, a person loses an area or part of the body, it is functionally affected, so that gestures and movements are limited. Traditionally, prostheses do not allow the same movements as a normal arm or leg. However, with these prostheses you can decide the force and speed you want to apply to perform each movement.
What does it consist of?
For the prosthesis to work properly, it is very important to take into account the fitting system. The part that connects the machine with the person must be manufactured by experts using the best technology.
In this sense, this type of prosthesis, unlike traditional prostheses that use muscles, takes advantage of sensory nerves, so that nerve impulses can be transmitted through the sensor to the motor. In this way, it indicates the movements that it wants to perform, in the same way that would happen with a healthy area or part of the body.
Preparation for the bionic prosthesis
Before a bionic prosthesis is fitted, the patient must undergo a series of preliminary tests:
- A blood test
- An X-ray
- An electrocardiogram
However, the specialist may require additional tests.
Care after the operation
After the placement of the prosthesis, it is important that the patient has a series of cares so that the prosthesis has durability in the time. These cares are the following:
- Keep the prosthesis clean
- Constant revision of the prosthesis in case any adjustment or replacement should be made
Alternatives to this treatment (other more advanced treatments)
The alternative techniques to this treatment that currently exist are traditional prostheses, but this is not a new technique. More specifically, bionic prostheses are the most advanced.