The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Madurai News : Artificial limb centre opened

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 02, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Artificial limb centre opened

By Our Staff Reporter

MADURAI, NOV. 1. A hi-tech artificial limb centre was opened at the Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Accident Surgery (IORAS) here today.

Briefing newspersons, D. Satish, of the IORAS, and J. Bright, of the Endolite India Limited, said people whose legs or hands got severed in accidents were travelling to foreign countries to get them replaced with artificial ones. Now they would get the facility here.

Explaining the process of fixing the limbs, Mr. Bright said the amputated portion of the leg would be measured and a silicon-covered polypropylene socket made to match the measurement. The socket would be fixed to the limb through a knob-type system. All parts in the limbs could be detached.

A. Devadoss, Director, IORAS, said it would take a minimum of six weeks after the operation to fit the limb.

Detailing the salient features of the limbs, he said a power cylinder would be placed inside to help the patient sustain any level of pressure while lifting heavy objects. A special brake would reduce the chances of the limb falling down and an adjustable knob would help the patient increase or decrease the length according to their needs. A turntable, rotating 360 degrees, would be fitted to the limb to help the patient sit in any posture.

Mr. Bright said these limbs could be fitted to persons of any age group and could be used for any number of years. While using the limbs, some minor changes had to be made.

Similar systems are available for hands. It comes in three types — `Mechanical', `Myo Electric' and cosmetic gloves. The Myo Electric hand is unique in that it has a sensor that will facilitate the movement of fingers. It is computer designed and a battery stored inside supports the functions. The battery can be charged like a mobile phone, and the wrist could be rotated, Dr. Satish said.

With all these features in the artificial limbs, the users would be able to lead a normal life, Dr. Satish and Mr. Bright said.

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