News
Being Bionic: How Technology Transformed My Life
December 18th 2018
I was born with the usual set of limbs. When I was nine months old, I contracted meningococcal septicaemia, a dangerous infection of the blood, which very nearly killed me. I survived, but because I had sustained major tissue damage, it became necessary to amputate my right leg below the…
New Prosthetic Hand System Allows User To 'Feel' Again
December 11th 2018
Researchers have developed a new prosthetic hand system with a fully implanted, wirelessly controlled neurostimulator that has restored "feeling" to a person with a hand amputation. Arizona State University researcher James Abbas is part of the multi-institutional research team. The ground-breaking research was revealed today at the annual meeting of…
Man Is By Nature A Social Animal: Social Integration Following Lower-Limb Amputation
November 28th 2018
This article reviews recent literature related to the value of social support among those who have experienced a lower-limb amputation as it relates to physical function and quality of life; the participation, satisfaction, and value of socialization in the first year after lower-limb amputation; and quality and characterization of relationships…
2018 Freedom Award
November 8th 2018
Teter Orthotics and Prosthetics was the 2018 Freedom Award winner. This award recognizes orthotics and prosthetics providers that deliver "exceptional standards of care" for military personnel. The award is sponsored by the Orthotic Prosthetic Group of America. "These dedicated professionals blend patient care with precision design to ensure our military heroes can have…
Veteran Reflects on 100 Years of Amputees Helping Amputees
November 6th 2018
On Nov. 11, Second World War veteran Charlie Jefferson will not only be thinking of all those who have served and continue to serve on behalf of Canada, he will also be reflecting on the 100th anniversary of The War Amps, an organization which has supported him and generations of…
Common Diabetes Meds May Raise Odds for Amputation
October 24th 2018
People with type 2 diabetes who are taking common drugs called diuretics may be at a significantly increased risk of losing a foot or leg, according to a new French study.
Researchers found that taking a diuretic raised the odds of having an amputation or requiring an angioplasty or bypass,…
STEM Students Creating Orthotics For Cerebral Palsy Patients
October 9th 2018
Project Lead The Way is a curriculum designed to provide students with opportunities, through projects and hands-on learning, to develop skills that are necessary to be successful in many STEM careers. This year, St. Ambrose Parish School seventh-grade students have a new learning opportunity as part of their STEM curriculum. They…
Vigorous Exercise Can Reduce Risk of Chronic Diseases, Disability in Older Adults
September 25th 2018
High levels of exercise can be beneficial for older adults in cutting down the risk of developing chronic diseases, according to new research. While it’s well established that exercise yields plenty of health benefits, the study findings provide evidence that older adults who engage in vigorous physical activity can stave…
Researchers Pair Virtual Reality, Tactile Prosthetics to Fight Amputees' Phantom Limb Sensations
September 11th 2018
Amputees experiencing painful phantom limb sensations may be able to find some relief in a novel therapeutic approach incorporating visual and tactile sensory technologies.
In a recent paper published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, & Psychiatry, a team of European researchers described a virtual reality experience powered by a headset…
Quadruple Amputee Achieves Firsts at Buffalo Amputee Golf Classic
August 30th 2018
Jim Hunt, a quadruple amputee, never had played golf with other amputees before. That was until he got to Brierwood Country Club Monday, when he got the chance to play with 12 other amputees at the Buffalo Amputee Golf Classic. And what made the event more special for Hunt: It…