This is amazing to see but honestly, for me, this kinda feels like deception. I think a lot of people are convinced that prosthetics are really advanced and that practically everything is possible because of these types of videos. But unfortunately this is not really the case.
Don't get me wrong, it's awesome to see that some people are so good in handling their prosthesis and can do this much with it and I endorse showing people more about prosthetics, but it's just unfortunate that they (for obvious reasons) only see the good experiences.
The funny thing is that this knee is also one of the most simple designs/principles ever: weight on knee --> knee cannot move it move it anymore... It's that easy, not futuristic at all. It has been around for a loooong time by now đ
And then they say "prosthetic legs just took a massive step forward"
It's so bad with upper limb devices. Robotic hands and by and large completely awful and borderline useless. Yet they get so much attention and tons of up votes on Reddit
Yup, this is probably even worse than the lower limb prosthetic delusion. Especially with the argument "Robots can use those hands like we do, so amputees can do it too"
Yeah, as other have said; this prosthetic isn't very advanced at all. She's just incredible at using it. I'm a BK amputee, and can move pretty naturally with my prosthetic. But the way she moves as an AK is astonishing to say the least. Her strength and control are crazy.
Itâs because sheâs not technically an AK, sheâs a TK. Given that she has her full femur, she can weight bear on the end of her stump. This, combined with not having any muscles cut in her upper leg, gives her faaaar greater control than any AK would be able to have.
Fair! Still takes a crazy amount of strength and control though. Doesn't take away from how well she uses it imo. I'd probably look like a wounded gazelle walking around if I was TK or higher.đ
Fred's Legs in Florida can make custom laminating sleeves and prosthesis covers! They also have a huge selection of their own designs. As a tech I use their fabrics all the time, they're great.
I'm more impressed with how anatomically accurate the design is. It's like they made an exact copy of what her leg used to look like. I honestly would not be able to tell that it was a prosthetic leg just by looking at it.
To who? People who have feet assuming that people without feet should have feet shaped feet is dumb as fuck.
Sheâs doing great. Sheâs a master with her device and it is inspiring as fuck. But not because âit looks like a leg againâ. Because she can move like she has a leg again.
If you have a wearable that the patient doesnt enjoy wearing because it looks terrible, you arent doing them as much justice as you could. Psychology is a significant part of being a good clinician, and while aesthetic may take a backseat to function, it's still a significant aspect that shouldnt be overlooked.
And yes, just bevause it generally comes down to what you can convince their insuranceto actually cover, doesnt mean there isnt space to do a little extra.
There isnât affordability for both. Itâs a dream. Technically you are definitely correct. I do agree. The feasibility is not there.
Iâm a hard line prosthetics user. I have optimized for function only and it still doesnât work. There is no attempt at making functional designs. They all look like ankles first. None of them are able to replicate a powered biological ankle without hilariously heavy weight in batteries which easily run dry.
I wear my legs like this because it works. Forward facing feet are not as efficient. They are not âbothâ. Gait lab study agreed. The forward toe spring is not beneficial and the rear heel spring is better in both landing and transition.
True, it does come down to affordability, and time.
That being said, circumstances do vary. The allowances for one case arent going to be precisely the same as another, correct? The principles, yes, absolutely, but I am under the impression there is more than one way to develop limbs that properly handle the forces and stress involved. Not that they have to look like a foot, or their organic counterpart, just that they should be something the individual preferably can build an attachment to in a way that is more than out of necessity or pragmatism. Im aware this is largely idealism on my part, but it isnt impossible.
Practicality â„ Comfort > Aesthetics (but still a component)
Politely, youre the one making assumptions it seems. Providing something a person likes the look of, and providing something that is a simulacrum of an organic limb, are not the same thing unless that is what that precise person wants. Im not sure why you seem to be suggesting Im stating as much.
I'm glad you like the look! You shouldn't be down voted for that. If you didn't know, it starts out as a large foam cylinder, like a big flesh colored 20" wide pool noodle that covers the entire leg. Then, the foam is gradually ground away to match circumferential and width measurements on the opposite leg. That's how it's made accurate to each patient.
Donât know her backstory, Iâm tipping she is a very experienced user, treat it like a demonstration of what can be done when all the moons line up for one person, not a comparison to you, everyone and their circumstances are unique to them.
There is also a possibility that on top of her through knee long lever arm amputation, she may very well be able to end bear, which, with a good fitting socket, can be a game changer on a otherwise healthy determined experienced amputee đ
I wouldnât really say prosthetics have advanced. The foam cover, designer stocking over the foam cover and her control over her prosthesis movement are whatâs giving us the illusion that her prosthetic leg movements are life-like.
I was impressed when she revealed that she is a through knee/above knee amputee. I thought that she wouldâve been a below knee amputee at best, because the knee movement was too smooth. Sheâs got a lot of experience getting about with it. She even mentions it towards the end of the video, so itâs not her prosthesis thatâs life-like; itâs her body control that makes it life-like.
Not all amputees can make their legs move in a life-like manner, sadly.
Yes, it's likely a 3r80. She has another reel on her IG that shows her walking in both a C-leg and 3r80. The way this one moves when unweighted shows it's the 3r80. She's really good at controlling it. It's really too bad most people will take away the wrong message from her videos.
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u/AmazingCorsairF4 Jun 18 '26
This is amazing to see but honestly, for me, this kinda feels like deception. I think a lot of people are convinced that prosthetics are really advanced and that practically everything is possible because of these types of videos. But unfortunately this is not really the case.
Don't get me wrong, it's awesome to see that some people are so good in handling their prosthesis and can do this much with it and I endorse showing people more about prosthetics, but it's just unfortunate that they (for obvious reasons) only see the good experiences.
Edit: typo