Did you know that Veterans test new prosthesis that could change lives for amputees?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 08:12:36 -0500

Did you know that Veterans test new prosthesis that could change lives for amputees?

Two military veterans who lost limbs due to war injuries are ready to take-on a groundbreaking new surgery that could change the lives of amputees.

RP Members check out this video!

http://kutv.com/news/local/veterans-test-new-prosthesis-that-could-change-lives-for-amputees

It's called Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis or POP. A titanium stud will be implanted into the femur, it will have a clip on the outside of the leg.

"What we're planning, and we hope this works, is to design a prosthetic leg that will clip on much like a ski boot would clip into a binding," said Dr. Laurence Meyer, director of research for the Salt Lake City Veteran's Administration. He says it's a whole new way to deal with a missing limb.

The technology has been a collaborative effort between doctors, scientists and engineers, ten years in the making and is now possible through a partnership between the Utah VA and University of Utah surgeons.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 4 at 2015 8:16 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 08:16:44 -0500

I like seeing things that will help out wounded folks.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 4 at 2015 8:51 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 08:51:37 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs when I was recovering from Mitral Valve repair surgery in March 2003 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, I had to go to podiatry and I sat there with some of teh first amputees coming back from OIF. They were universally young and generally in good spirits as they learned how to use their prosthetic legs.
Over the succeeding years I have seen newer generations of prosthetic limbs. I thank God that He blesses people with wisdom to design, manufacture, and surgically connect prosthetic limbs and guides the hands and minds of those who provide physical therapy to people with prosthetic limbs.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 4 at 2015 9:42 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 09:42:47 -0500

This is a great idea, anything to help is always great!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Dec 4 at 2015 10:27 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 10:27:45 -0500

If it reduces the stump pain that amputees experience, this will be amazing...

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Dec 4 at 2015 10:28 AM

SGT Patrick Reno — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 10:28:11 -0500

Have a friend that had a below knee amputation in his 20's from an accident. He is 52 now and has had several legs through the years. Just got a new one last year. He says it is incredible compared to his old one. The advances have been huge.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Dec 4 at 2015 12:49 PM

COL Ted Mc — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 12:49:44 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Mikel; I know that I've posted this one before, but it does fit in. (The video takes a bit of time to load - I think that the steam pressure at the CBC's server is a bit low.)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/veteran-trevor-greene-exoskeleton-walk-1.3233299

Exoskeleton helps Capt. Trevor Greene take first steps after axe attack

A Canadian veteran, who survived a vicious axe attack in Afghanistan nine years ago, has taken his first public steps using an exoskeleton customized by SFU researchers.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Dec 4 at 2015 1:22 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 13:22:05 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs It is a great idea, the thought of them drilling like that into the femur makes my stomach drop. Just sounds painful. Even though I know they will be under for the actual surgery, it just sounds painful. Nothing but respect for our wounded vets.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 4 at 2015 2:33 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:33:24 -0500

If you have never heard of the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio and what they do for our wounded warriors, check out this video. If you know of anyone that needs their assistance, call them. I had the opportunity to visit this place this past year and left with a sense of pride of what it does for our warriors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hx2RyMpEzs

Center for the Intrepid

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