One Step at a Time
by Mark Marich
Each year, some 200,000 people lose an arm or a leg each year in this country--70
percent are lower limb amputees. Through the departments of rehabilitation
services and orthopedics, I have the privilege of fitting up to 40 patients each
day at Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals with braces, prostheses and other
devices that help them adjust to life without a leg or an arm. As a lower limb
amputee myself, I know that just walking is an ongoing task. Anyone who has not
had the experience of losing a leg cannot possibly understand how much time and
energy is committed to the function of walking. Amputees must remain conscious
of how and where they place their foot with each and every step. Any mistake, no
matter how small, could result in a fall and possible injury.
I've worn 10 different types of artificial legs since I lost my leg in a
motorcycle accident 30 years ago. Naturally, when I heard about a new
prostheses, the world's first completely computer-controlled artificial leg, I
had to try it. In April 1999, I became one of the first to put the new leg into
action. The C-Leg System operates like a specialist adjusting the
device at every step because sensors in the foot tell the knee when and how much
to bend. The prosthesis also has a hydraulic feature to add stability. The new
technology allows therapists to hook up the limb to a personal computer and
tailor it to each patient. The system makes walking on uneven surfaces and down
slopes and stairs easier and safer.
Both as a user and a businessman, I think the C-Leg is the future of the
industry-it's miles ahead of anything I've ever experienced. Recently, I
find myself not "thinking" about walking anymore-I just do it
because it feels so natural. I've even considered the possibility of running
again.
I've been traveling on behalf of Otto Bock, the C-Leg's
manufacturer, to educate professionals about the device and its advantages.
Because of my involvement, practitioners throughout the Northeast will come to
Rhode Island Hospital this year to learn about the benefits of this new technology and patients
can hear about the system from someone who has experienced it first-hand.
For more information about the C-Leg System or services for amputees, contact
Northeast Prosthetics and Orthotics
at (401) 444-5477 or visit Otto
Bock online.
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