The Deka Arm
September 17, 2009 11:09 AM
New technology is making it possible for amputees to pick up small objects they never thought they would master thanks to the biggest innovation in prosthetic arms since WW II. Scott Pelley reports.
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- I am blessed with all my limbs and when ever I see someting like this DEKA arm I tell myself, thank God their is hope for people with disabilities. As a former Marine I know a lot of vets have lost limbs in War but the bottom line is when is the government going to step in and pay the cost to fit, supply and maintain these type of products for our troops? How are the average families going to be able to afford such devices for their loved ones? These prosthetic companies don't do this stuff for free. Now as a nurse I see all too often, most people can't afford these fancy new products, and once they do get one, they can't maintain them. So what good does it do to get everyone's hopes up and then crush them when the sales representative comes and crushes them with the cost. It is just another blow to an already broken person. The companies need to take that into consideration and not just do it to become millionairs off other's problems....Mike
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- I am a Electronics, Robotic, Automation major at Centralia College in Washington State and this project is something amazing!!! My professor brought this broadcast to our attention and it gives me great hopes to be able to be a part of something like DEKA is doing. I am former Marine and know first hand how this must make our troops feel about their future and how our country can continue to take care of them. Hoorah!!! I am looking forward to what our future holds!!! Arbie Groninger
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- AWESOME Anything for are vets.
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- This is way old. I saw the EXACT same demonstration with legs in Israel at The Technion in 1986.
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- I lost my right arm in February 09 and have been fighting to get the Veterans Administration to help me. I have no advocate or liason to help me break the stalemate. All I get is red tape and the run around as no one seems to be interested in making the decision that could restore my functionality. Anyone with any imput that could help me is invited to leave a comment for me. Thank you. Ron
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- I speak from experience and relate to this gentlemans emotions. I have worn a Boston Elbo, a Utah Arm and 3 Hosmers and bottom line is, if any of the myo-electrics malfunction, they are un-usable and do nothing for an upper limb amputee! I have done 1000s of task with my Hosmers and have even repaired them at times when they broke; you can't do that with the myo-electrics. My Utah Arm was valued in excess of $80k back in 1996 yet now it is sitting in a closet. The cost to repair it or replace it is way beyond most Individuals with Disabilities resources. Hangar Prosthetics doesn't even want to take the time to fix my hosmer because they, and so many other prosthetic suppliers are all about the $$$!
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