Lee Cowan: Out On A Limb

By: Lee Cowan
Topics: Field Notes

(AP)

When I heard that I was doing a story on "bionic" men, I have to admit I was skeptical. There's been so much talk lately about artificial limbs, and promises that amputees could one day be as much machine as man, but none of them seemed entirely practical.

But what you'll see on tonight's CBS Evening News is different. These are truly a blend of medicine, anatomy, mechanics and computer technology, the closest I've ever seen to a "$6 million dollar man." And starting this week, the technology will actually be on the market.

But what impressed me more than anything was the excitement of the people using them. For the first time since losing a limb, they felt they had a bit of their old life back, and that brought with it a sense of confidence.

With more and more amputees coming back from Iraq, this kind of technology is vital. For too long, the field prosthetics seemed stagnant. It was only when younger, more active and very impatient amputees demanded better limbs that science caught up with desire. For the men you'll see tonight, and countless others who may benefit, these devices are like a wonder drug.

And once you see them in action – "wonder" is the key word.

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by jcorbin1958 September 26, 2006 12:36 PM EDT: What a wonderful, and uplifting story.
It gives people hope!; Reply to this comment


by maria551 September 26, 2006 12:30 AM EDT: Truly amazing story! I hope many other amputtees will be able to benefit from this technology in the near future. The young men and women from the wars especially. I have a nephew who was in Iraq who may be able to benefit from this story. Can you tell me the name of the company manufacturing this prosthetic device? Thank you for a wonderful and optomistic story.; Reply to this comment