Experts state that when it comes to developing technology in the field of rehabilitation, one of the most promising points is the innovative product designs made especially in prosthetic and orthotic devices, and this innovative approach will be effective in improving an individual's quality of life. Experts point out that the widespread use of 3D printer and scanner systems will bring significant advancements in producing realistic limbs and function-enhancing orthoses.
Lecturer at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Expert Physiotherapist Mert İlhan, evaluated the concept of innovative products in the field of orthotics and prosthetics.
Innovative product design in prosthetic and orthotic devices offers hope
Lecturer, Expert Physiotherapist Mert İlhan, stated that one of the most promising aspects when it comes to developing technology in rehabilitation is the innovative product designs made specifically for prosthetic and orthotic devices, and added: “Prosthetic and orthotic technologies, which saw increased use after World War II due to a rising disabled population, have made significant progress today with the advancement of technological developments and software science. Innovative products in the field of orthotics and prosthetics encompass all devices used to increase individuals' functional capacities, whose functions are enhanced through technology-assisted modifications, and which are commercially ready for sale or customizable according to need.”
A wide range of rehabilitation devices are available
Lecturer, Expert Physiotherapist Mert İlhan, noted that developments in the field of orthotics and prosthetics encompass a wide range of rehabilitation devices, from myoelectric prosthetic arms supported by artificial nerve receptors to ankle-foot orthoses that aid walking by supporting muscle function with electrical stimulation, and said: “Robotic bionic hands, hydraulic ankle technologies, orthoses and prostheses produced with carbon material technologies, water-resistant sports prostheses, technology-assisted walking aids are just a few of these. The high-tech orthoses and prostheses, which constitute the majority of these innovations, are modifications obtained by developing devices that have been in use for many years with biosensors and software.”
Microprocessors and biosensors enable natural movements
Expert Physiotherapist Mert İlhan noted that neuromuscular signal receivers and microprocessors, especially used in the field of prosthetics, enable artificial prosthetic joints to function close to normal, and stated: “Microprocessors and biosensors placed inside prostheses can learn individuals' movement patterns, adapt to their gait, and enable smooth and natural movements like a healthy joint when movements deviate from normal. Having artificial limbs with movement patterns closer to normal not only supports individuals' motor functions but also their psychological well-being, increasing their social participation.”
The development of three-dimensional printer and scanner technologies is also important
Lecturer, Expert Physiotherapist Mert İlhan, drew attention to the fact that a significant portion of innovative initiatives in the field of orthotics and prosthetics have gained momentum with the development of 3D printer and scanner technologies, and stated: “3D printer technology, used for creating high-quality custom designs, has become frequently preferred for the production of durable custom prostheses and orthoses also used in sports and recreational activities. Orthoses and prostheses made through computer-aided measurement and production enable individuals to adapt easily to the device, also preventing previously experienced cosmetic problems.”
Wearable technologies facilitate individual adaptation
Lecturer, Expert Physiotherapist Mert İlhan, stated that innovative products, especially in terms of wearable technology, can facilitate people's lives and added:
“Innovative steps taken in the field of wearable technologies provide significant improvements in individuals' adaptation to their environment by enabling a new material added to their bodies to function as close to normal as possible. Innovative products obtained through developments in rehabilitation technologies facilitate individuals' attainment of maximum functional independence. By improving the sense of control, it increases individuals' participation in their daily life roles. It particularly reduces caregiver burnout that may develop in the families of disabled individuals and increases the treatment efficiency of healthcare professionals in the rehabilitation team.”
It will be possible for every individual to access them
Lecturer, Expert Physiotherapist Mert İlhan, noted that high costs are among the primary obstacles for innovative products in the field of orthotics and prosthetics, and stated: “Furthermore, the repair and maintenance of these devices are quite difficult. Initiatives in this field offer hope that every individual will be able to access these devices.”
The quality of life for disabled individuals will increase
Lecturer, Expert Physiotherapist Mert İlhan, stated that it would be possible to say that future innovative initiatives in this field will make great strides towards developing sensory integration systems to increase the body's adaptation to devices, creating realistic movements by perceiving all senses, and added: “The widespread adoption of designs that can sense and provide kinesthetic feedback to the user will significantly increase the quality of life for individuals with multiple disabilities, enabling them to use these technologies comfortably.”
Realistic limbs may be possible with 3D printers
Lecturer, Expert Physiotherapist Mert İlhan, stated that prostheses and orthoses used in the past had limited functional features and stigmatizing cosmetic problems that would reduce individuals' social participation, and added: “The widespread use of 3D printer and scanner systems will bring significant advancements in producing realistic limbs and function-enhancing orthoses.
Since these units and similar devices consist of software and sensors, technological developments in them will ensure an increase in innovative products in this field. The production of more stable, environmentally unaffected, high-performance, small-sized, and low-cost biosensors will be an important step towards the widespread adoption of these devices.”