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The earliest example of a Prosthetic ever discovers was a toe dating back between 950-710 BCE.
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In 1958, an artificial leg made of bronze and iron was discovered dating back to 300 BC, it was made with a wooden cone fore a below knee amputee.
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Ambroise Paré advanced and developed amputation surgeries and prosthetic limbs. He introduced modern amputation procédures in 1529 to the médical community.
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Ambroise Paré also advanced the development of prosthetic limbs by making prosthesis in 1536 for upper and lower extremity amputees. He invented an above knee device that had engineering features that are still included in today’s devices. He used leather, paper, and glue rather that heavy metals such as iron.
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In 1696, Pieter Verduyn developed the first non-locking blow knee prosthetic leg. It’s is currently still used (with many modifications) for joint devices.
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In 1800, James Potts designed a prosthetic that allowed more mobility because it was controlled by artificial tendons. This is now called the Selph Leg.
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In 1846, Benjamin Palmer improved leg prosthetic by adding a spring to the Selph Leg and creating a smooth appearance and concealed tendons to simulate a natural looking movement.
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In 1863, Dubois Parmlee advanced prosthetics even more by adding a suction socket, poly centric knee and multi-articulated foot. This means the foot and ankle had more motion and flexibility.
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In 1968 it was suggested to use aluminum rather than steel to make artificial limbs lighter and more functional. The lighter device wasn’t actually created until 1912.
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In 1984, Van Phillips developed the Flex-Foot. This was a type of foot for lower-limb (leg) prosthesis that revolutionised running for amputees. The prosthetic is light weight and stores kinetic energy, the energy is released at toe-off, helping the runner propel forward. It was first used for elite competition in 1988 at the Paralympic Games.
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In the 1990's a company called Sabolich Prosthetics developed sockets that were specifically designs and fitted for the particular patient. Before this, the prosthetic socket would be a square 'bucket' that was universal for everyone.
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In 1998, the microprocessor prosthetic was developed. It contained microchips in the knee that automatically adapts to the persons specific walking pattern, allowing for more natural leg movements.
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In 1999 the C-Leg was developed. This was a more affordable prosthetic that used a microprocessor to adapt to the persons walking patterns. The leg was also capable of walking on a variety of ground conditions. However could not be used for running.
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This newer prosthetic uses advances in computer, sensor, electric motor, and battery technology, giving it bionic capabilities. It is the first prosthetic with powered knee and ankle joints that operate in unison. It comes equipped with sensors that monitor its user’s motion. It has microprocessors programmed to use this data to predict what the person is trying to do and operate the device in ways that copy these movements. It lets people use 30-40 percent less of their own energy to operate.
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The company, Ossur, partnered with Nike and designed a new and improved prosthetic making running easier and more comfortable for amputees running on all types of terrain and distances. The prosthetic stores "vertical forces" when the heel makes contact with the ground, this reduces the amount of effort to move the leg forward. It also has a longer toe lever which creates more stability and reduces harsh impact. The Nike Sole offers great traction and improves performance for the runner.
