Amputee Life

Back pain is more prevalent among amputees compared to the general population. A study found that 52% of the amputee subjects reported having persistent and bothersome back pain, with 17% saying that their back pain was the worst pain they’ve ever experienced. This seems to be particularly true in lower-limb amputees.

Scientists at the University of Glasgow have developed a solar-powered synthetic skin that mimics the sense of touch. It does so without using expensive touch sensors that are used in more conventional prosthetic limbs. And everything is processed through the embedded solar cells and tiny LEDs.

Initial data from the National Limb Loss and Preservation Registry—a project expected to generate the first comprehensive repository of statistical data about limb loss—is scheduled to go online at some point this year.

Ken "Flex" Wheeler received the Olympia Inspiration and Courage Award at the 2020 Mr. Olympia for exemplifying courage when facing adversity.

Firm, elastic, and highly sensitive skin that can repair itself up to 5,000 times has been developed and could be used in future prosthetics. Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia have developed the electronic skin or e-skin.