Introduction
Prosthetic surgery is the branch of surgery dealing with the replacement of missing limbs or organs with artificial substitutes. it is also the branch of medicine dealing with the production and use of artificial body parts.
A
prosthetic surgeon can be a general surgeon, orthopedic or reconstructive
surgeon with knowledge of biomedical engineering. He along with a team of physiatrists,
psychiatrists and rehabilitation physiotherapist among others works towards
holistic care and cure of the physically disabled by the manufacture and use of
appropriate orthotic and prosthetic devices.
Centres
Orthotic
and prosthetic centers are integral to all the hospital facilities dealing with
amputations and musculoskeletal abnormalities around the world. Some of the
societies have glorious pasts lasting over half a century and have made
significant contribution on research and development of prosthesis in its
current form. [2] [3] [4]
India
is probably the only country where dedicated Army Surgeons practice the novel
art of Prosthetic Surgery in dedicated Artificial Limb Centre situated in Pune,
India. This is only fitting as first instance of amputation and prosthesis
usage in the world is mentioned in the Vedas, an ancient Sanskrit text from
India.[5]
The surgeon is the team head responsible for
all aspects of surgery of limbs, designing of prosthesis and guides the
production of prostheses using indigenous cost effective materials in the limb
center. [6]
Education
A
general surgeon, orthopedic or a reconstructive surgeon needs to acquire a
degree in biomedical engineering to enable him to master the prosthetic surgery
course. One such course is conducted by University of Spain.[7]
Scope
Prosthetic
devices have classically been linked with limb amputations. However with
technological strides auditory prosthesis or bionic ears and eyes have become
possible. With the rapid development of microprocessors the current thrust is
in development of highly sensitive light weight and intelligent prosthetics
like the bionic hand.
As
the cost of research is increases it entails increased burden on the patients
towards affording these new generation prosthesis. Projects like the open prosthetic
project aim to freely share the designs of prosthesis and achieve economical
production of the same for public use.[8]
Conclusion
A
prosthetic surgeon who has knowledge of the amputations as well as the
biomechanics of prosthesis is an integral part of the rehabilitation of the
amputees. The knowledge of surgery empowers him to extend his knowledge not
just in carrying out optimum amputations but also towards research and
development of the newer bionic prosthesis.
References
