Prosthetic Limbs

Photo courtesy UtahArm Internal parts of prosthetic hand

With the help of computer aided design (CAD) technology and some incredible materials like titanium, Kevlar and carbon fiber, scientists can make prosthetic limbs. Athletes like Rudy Garcia-Tolson take full advantage of this new technology. Despite having both legs amputated above the knee, Garcia-Tolson plays football, swims and even runs track. In fact, this amazing 15-year-old athlete will be competing in the 2004 Paralympics Games.

Rudy relies on two different types of Ossur foot prostheses. For most sports, he wears the Flex-Foot C-Sprint. For everyday activities, he uses Vari-Flex. Both types are made of carbon fiber. It is lightweight but super-strong and flexible. The designs don't look like natural legs and feet, but they have ankle motion and good shock absorption just like a real leg.

After appearing on the TV show "ER," the "Utah Arm" might be the most famous prosthetic limb. The Utah Arm and Hand System looks very natural. It works naturally too. The muscle tissue in the stump "talks" to the prosthetic limb through a computer. A long-lasting battery powers the movement of the hand, wrist and elbow.

Photo courtesy UtahArm Prosthetic arm