The history of prosthetics stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of rudimentary prosthetic limbs dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. However, it was not until the 20th century that the field of prosthetics began to truly flourish, thanks in large part to the work of several pioneering individuals who could be referred to as the "founding fathers of prosthetics." In this blog post, we will explore the lives and achievements of these remarkable individuals and their lasting impact on the field of prosthetics.
Ambroise Paré: the pioneer
Ambroise Paré was a French surgeon who lived in the 16th century and is considered by many to be the father of modern amputation surgery as well as the father of modern prosthetics. In addition to being the official royal surgeon for 3 separate kings, he was also a pioneer. He conceived the idea of using ligatures to stop bleeding during amputations, instead of the most prevalent form of cauterisation which was with hot oil, which greatly improved the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Paré also developed several innovative prosthetic devices for amputated soldiers, including a hand prosthesis that could be opened and closed by the wearer using a series of springs and catches that he gave to a French army captain who stated that the prosthetic worked so well he could grip and release the reigns of his horse.
James Edward Hanger: the industrialist
James Edward Hanger was an American Confederate soldier who lost his leg in the Battle of Philippi in 1861. After his amputation, he became frustrated with the poor quality of prosthetic limbs available to him and decided to design his own. His invention, which utilized a jointed ankle and a knee joint with a rubber foot, revolutionized the field of prosthetics. Hanger went on to establish the first prosthetics manufacturing company in the United States, which still operates today as Hanger, Inc. His innovations and contributions to the field of prosthetics have had a profound impact on the industry, and his company has helped countless individuals with limb loss to lead more fulfilling lives.
Dr. Vanghetti: the inventor
Dr. Vanghetti was an Italian physician who is credited with having conducted numerous innovations in the field of prosthetics, namely upper limb prosthetics. A student of the University of Bologna, he was left distressed at the aftermath of the defeat of Adua (1 March 1896), in which the cruel punishments from the Abyssinians left many soldiers without a right and and left foot, and were given a wooden stump to act as their prosthetic. Dr. Vanghetti pioneered the principle of "kinematic prosthetics", in which the principle is for the prosthetic to be attached directly to the severed muscle in order to promote a more natural range of movement. While crude by modern standards, Dr. Vanghetti's invention was a significant step forward in the development of prosthetics and paved the way for future advancements in the field.
Van Phillips: the runner
Having been amputated at the age of 21, he was motivated to explore the field of prosthetics and attended the Northwestern University Medical School Prosthetic-Orthotic Center. Thanks to his education, he became a pioneer in the prosthetic industry, known for his groundbreaking work in creating the Flex-Foot, a revolutionary prosthetic foot that mimics the function of a natural foot that is still widely used by paralympians today. Phillips' invention was inspired by his love of running and his desire to create a more effective and comfortable prosthetic for athletes. The Flex-Foot proved to be a game-changer, allowing amputee runners to compete at a higher level and even break records. Phillips' achievement in the prosthetic industry not only improved the lives of amputees, but also paved the way for future advancements in prosthetic technology.
In conclusion, the prosthetics industry has been transformed by the work of many notable figures. These individuals have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of people with disabilities, developing innovative technologies that have transformed the field of prosthetics. Through their work, they have helped to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.
Hugh Herr: the scientist
Hugh Herr was a prodigy rock climber since the age of 8 and after an unfortunate episode during an excursion to Huntington Ravine in New Hampshire, he was forced to amputate both his legs due to extreme frostbite. After the doctors said he would never climb again, he proved them wrong by becoming an even better climber thanks to the innovative prosthetics that he created, such as prosthetic feet with high toe stiffness, allowing it to bear all of his weight on an area the size of a coin, and titanium spiked feet to help him climb on ice. Herr's personal experience with prosthetics motivated him to develop new and innovative technologies to help people with disabilities.
Now professor of Media Arts and Sciences at the MIT Media Lab, he also co-leads the Yang Center for Bionics at MIT.
Herr authored many scientific papers, patents, chronicling the science and technology behind his many innovations. His contributions to the field have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards for his work, including the National Institutes of Health Director's Pioneer Award and the Smithsonian American Ingenuity Award in Technology.
Many more !
The field of prosthetics is filled with passionate technicians, engineers and inventors who contributed to making the field progress towards greater autonomy for prosthetic users.
And you, any names you would add to the list ?