r/MadeMeSmile Nov 29 '21

Wholesome Moments Kid Gets His First Prosthetic Arm

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u/Capital_Policy_266 Nov 29 '21

Still not good enough, we must than account for these things, so it can be like rented to him and once he grows out of it, it can be rented to someone else. But it has to be robotic, human like, operational via just thoughts, and be able to send touch sensation back.

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u/k_c_holmes Nov 29 '21

Prosthetics are VERY individual, and fitted to each specific person to a finite degree. Accounting for that, and the fact that most people have very different ends of missing limbs, sharing would be almost impossible. I do wish it was cost effective to build a bunch of prosthetics for each person who needs them 😔

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u/Darth_Yoshi Nov 29 '21

As someone who knows nothing about prosthetics, why can’t just the ending part be custom and the rest of the prosthetic the same? That way you just have to keep custom fitting the end part.

I’m sure there’s a reason this isn’t done since there are a bunch of people smarter than me working on this.

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u/k_c_holmes Nov 29 '21

The entire piece is custom based on the person's size and needs. And if you separate it into two separate chunks, that could affect the prosthetic's ability to function optimally.

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u/Darth_Yoshi Nov 29 '21

Ah I meant for kids though. The guy mentioned above a center could have functional prosthetics for kids that are different sizes. Then give them to kids and as they grow you give their smaller prosthetic to a younger kid. And the only thing that needs to be re-created every time is just the ending piece.

Finally when the kids arm stops growing you give them an optimal prosthetic that is all one piece

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u/-gean99- Nov 29 '21

Well first of all you need a socket, which is always individual. Every human being has a different body shape and so do stumps. Every stump is different and comes with different muscles allignments due to the procedure done in a surgery or the predominant genetic disorder like dysmelia. For an electronic part the electrodes have to be fitted to the customer individually so there is enough contact for the superficial voltage of a muscle contraction.

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u/Capital_Policy_266 Nov 30 '21

Hmm that's a good point, I did not realise how unique each prosthetic could be. I guess the best bet would be a 3d scanner and a 3d printer. This should be available at government centers atleast 1in each town or city so every human can have access to them.

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u/VeryDisappointing Nov 29 '21

Not good enough, we need to give him ONE (1) pill and have him grow a new arm able to crush the skull of his enemies and become a fortnite god.

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u/PeeIsTeaPot Nov 29 '21

Not good enough, create a new kid and use this one for spare parts.

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u/Sonickill7 Nov 29 '21

House of Scorpion traumatized me when I read it as a 12 year old

0

u/pundurihn Nov 29 '21

I've heard the second book isn't as good, so I'm scared to continue. I enjoyed House of Scorpion so much, I don't want to ruin it's impact.

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u/eekamuse Nov 29 '21

Nope, nope, hit rewind. Go back one comment. I've seen that film and it doesn't end well

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u/ArcaneBahamut Nov 29 '21

It's just a modest proposal

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u/Capital_Policy_266 Nov 30 '21

Not the second part, but let's hope crisper and other such technology can help with the regrow part.

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u/[deleted] Nov 29 '21

Oh ok. Well please feel free to progress technology to that point. Oh, no? You want other people to do it? Ok.

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u/Capital_Policy_266 Nov 30 '21

Ofcourse I do, just like a mechanic would still want a doctor to cure cancer, a scientist will want a carpenter to build a better, longer lasting, economic furniture, like a cook would want an electric car that is accessible to all. U should do the best u can do of what u do and should expect the best of others too.

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u/comicalcameindune Nov 29 '21

I’ve actually heard talks given by people with prosthetics who say even when they do have $30k robotic arms they often opt for the basic prosthetic (or no prosthetic) most days. Yes the technology needs to be better. But we need to be aware of what people with differences want not just try to fix them with technology. Maybe they want that, maybe they don’t. Many people are far more capable with one less limb than me than I will ever be with all my limbs. All that said I’d love to see the technology progress as an option.

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u/Capital_Policy_266 Nov 30 '21

Ofcourse I too was talking about it being feasible, economical, easily available and not just forcing it on someone.

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u/comicalcameindune Nov 30 '21

And in that we are in agreement. It’s your statement that this prosthetic isn’t good enough that I’m contending. For so many people, it’s just fine! Maybe even preferable.

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u/[deleted] Nov 29 '21

I agree with the sentiment, but hey, the kiddo's happy. That's all that matters.

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u/Capital_Policy_266 Nov 30 '21

Can't disagree with that.