need to add title here

The DEKA Arm

September 20, 2009 5:00 PM

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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by torrese November 10, 2009 6:29 PM EST
Very impressive achievement. I have worked for over ten years on the representational end of this problem, from mathematical models to cortical neurons to simulations of versatile behavior. I have modeled arm motions and experimentally tested many related theoretical questions in neurological patients, in Parkinson's patients and in young people. I have great appreciation for what they have done and for the way in which they have approached the problem, particularly from a practical stand point. VERY creative!!! This work will help many people and will advance many related fields.

As for the inaccuracies on what makes us humans, it does not seem an intentional mistake made on purpose to offend people. Clearly if they are trying to help people recover function and so forth, they'd be the least probable to say something offensive on purpose. It was probably an unfortunate mistake due to being in front of the cameras and pressed for time, etc. It was insensitive yes, but not intended. He seemed too excited and happy for the potentials of this new discovery to be a bad guy. In any case, the mistake should not steer away the attention from what has been achieved here.

Way to go Deca and the engineering team!
Saludos from New Jersey
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by practicalprosthetist October 27, 2009 6:33 PM EDT
I feel badly for anyone that has lost a limb, but there is a limit as to how much gadget tolerance any amputee will endure, and the DECA arm exceeds what most amputees will accept. Most amputees want the most RELIABLE, comfortable, anf functional prosthesis possible. Spending 100 million so that the 200 vets can have an opposible thumb (that they have to operate with a foot switch) is a waste of VA funding. The story indicated that the project started with a clean slate. The 150 years of experience prosthetists have in fitting a residual limb to a mechanical device seemed to be ignored. Too bad, it might have saved the engineers some headaches. But hey, they got 100 million to build this mechanical marvel, they don't need any help. Ask the long time users of a prosthesis if they would want such a contraption. That would have been a good starting point. Fred Downs ought to be fired for signing off on this boondoggle. Amputees make for good film coverage, the real tradgedy of the wars are the head injuries that outnumber amputees 50:1. These victims need new technology to help function better in the presence of neuromuscular deficits.
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by bjhartford October 20, 2009 7:35 PM EDT
how would i contact a persopn in charge of a military operation like this or the "shadow". I have some ideas that I would like to contribute, if anyone has any ideas I would really appreciate it (please email me).

Thanks, bjhartford@hotmail.com
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by mom2tati September 29, 2009 12:11 PM EDT
As a mom of a child that was born without her left wrist and hand I appreciate the attention this is receiving. I think this is great since not much else is available. All I have ever been told is that when my daughter is old enough she can get a prosthetic if she wants. But I know if she had a lower extremity amputation she would have already been fitted with something. This information has given me hope that all amputess from military to children like my daughter have something to look forward to as advancements are being made in this field. Just hope that this reaches everyone that needs it and money is not an issue.
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by Cindy19632 September 24, 2009 2:41 PM EDT
As a medical non-professional of now 16 years, and an ex-prosthetic/orthotic office manager, I feel this device must and most importantly be presented to all available candidates/patients who qualify for an upper extremity device available on today's market. It is our responsible as fellow American's to promote the appropriate coding/billing and delivering of this device. Thank you for providing individuals across the world the ability to live a more productive life with the utilization of this prosthetic device. Cindy Crawford, Wildwood, FL
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by Allan_Wellhausen_Sr September 22, 2009 11:24 PM EDT
People who are making such a big issue out of the statement that an opposable thumb makes us human are people who have them and not people who have lost a hand or arm.

Granted there are a whole slew of primates with an opposable thumb, but we are not talking about what make us human as to what makes us feel human, the lose makes us feel less, and anyone who can?t see that simply is missing the point.

The work is long overdue and it?s a shame it taken a war to have gotten us this far. While I can?t say I like war, you cannot discount that a lot of Tec breakthroughs come about because a country is at war. The same went for the space race, a lot of people saw no need to get to the moon, but it was not so much getting there as it was making it possible to do so.

Sometime it?s not the goal but developing the means that make something worthwhile.
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by smarcus21 September 22, 2009 2:08 PM EDT
I cannot help but say DITTO to all the comments about the inaccuracy about what makes a person HUMAN! Aside from being wrong scientifically, it was insensitive and hurtful to those HUMANS who have lost limbs! My son is a 23 year old law student who lost his left arm in an unfortunate waverunner accident this past December. He did not miss any school and worked for 2 judges this past summer. He now has a Dynamic Arm made by Otto Bock and all the problems and challenges that everyone else with a prosthetic have commented about. It is uncomfortable, malfunctions often and is quite expensive! Unlike the soldiers, we have received no financial assistance and our insurance company has totally denied our claim! But, my son is an active, energetic and productive member of our society who is VERY MUCH HUMAN!
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by Kasara2010 September 21, 2009 11:19 PM EDT
I completely agree with bfdg46250. I was a bit offended by that statement. Humans are still humans without opposable thumbs. People who have lost a limb are not any less human than those who have all of their limbs- Though they may not feel that way at times, proportionally. I can only imagine having to live with out such an essential part of one's self. It is very brave. I seen people do some pretty amazing things with out their hand or leg. Good luck to all of you!
The DEKA arm should be included in President Obama's new healthcare reform for those who need it. Maybe it'll get more support after that. - Just a thought Im putting out there. I appluade all the brilliant minds and efforts that's been put to into this project.
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by hookuser September 21, 2009 7:38 PM EDT
i have been using a artificaL arm for 50 years have two hooks one for dress,and one for work. With the old mechincal elbow. yes they sweat and hot after 8 to 10 hours of wearing But it better than noting. hope they can fit many with the new DEKA ARM in the near future
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by bfdg46250 September 21, 2009 3:35 PM EDT
After reading through Scott Pelley's bio, it seems obvious why he does not believe, or was not aware that humans are not the only species who have opposable thumbs. Pelley was born, raised and educated in Texas. He broke the stories about Clinton's scandal, and he "somehow" landed the first interview with GW Bush after he was elected President.

It's obvious that Pelley is just as misinformed and deluded about evolution as the rest of right-wing America. Of course, he's going to think that humans are the only ones with opposable thumbs. He probably also thinks that women have more ribs than men and that the earth is only 6000 years old, and that fossils were put here by the devil to "trick us" and "test our faith".

How can we really trust a news program like 60 Minutes to be impartial, when the partisan bias against reality is so apparent on in their reporting.
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by ptbagger September 21, 2009 2:27 PM EDT
Dear Deka,

I have copied the comments I put on the CBS website where the video has been posted with Mr Downs & 60 Minutes;

I completely understand the feeling that Mr Down's had when he picked up the cup and held the screw. It is an amazing feeling and truly makes you feel whole again! I have worn and still do wear a Hosmer which is the arm that Mr Down's is wearing in the video.

I was fitted with a Myo electric Utah elbow prosthetic arm by RGP of San Diego back in 1996 or 98. This arm has technology similar to what the Veterans Administration is working on now. There have been a few Myo electrics out for about 25 or 30 years but they are very heavy and tend to malfunction all too often. The new technology I hope has improved the reliability of these devices but I would still question the weight issue.

The Hosmer was designed back 40+ years ago and has many if not all of the same design today! It is a great device that when it breaks often you can fix it yourself instead of having to see a Prosthetist.

The technology is getting a burst of funding because of the two wars that we are involved in. Big $$$ for a device that is more like a novelty than it is truly practical and functional. I currently have $140,000+ worth of prosthetic arms but I use the most basic and least expensive 100% of the time; a $5000 Hosmer elbow that was invented back in the late 40s or early 50s.

There is a gentleman in this video that has a below elbow amputation which makes a world of difference in functionality of these arms; he would only need a forearm. Above elbow amputations require a full length upper socket and becomes much heavier than they are worth. Once they malfunction while a user is wearing it, it becomes useless and I would venture to say any wearer will take it off within 5-6 minutes. I take it off within 2 minutes.

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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by CaptainHook01 September 21, 2009 2:26 PM EDT
This statement as a congenital amputee of the lower arm sure did not make me feel very good.

"And when you lose your hand you've lost something that makes you human," Pelley remarked.

Made this screen name up just for Mr Pelley. Yes I do think it is rather obscene. But I thought the comment was too actually less than human.
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by TVEVP September 21, 2009 1:19 PM EDT
Way to go Kurt and the rest of the DEKA team!
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by abrozo September 21, 2009 11:43 AM EDT
I believe the cost of the research, $100 mil, is nothing compared to the economic value. For example, a service person who has lost their arm under the age of 25 has thirty plus years of career. Conservatively, say the arm allows the solider to earn $1k - $5k a year more from the ability to use two arms and live independently. That single arm will generate $90k. Attach 1000 arms, and the program has paid for itself. Its important to calculate the economic value of these programs to demonstrate that they are great gifts to humanity AND great investments in the real economy by the USA.
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by energycheck September 21, 2009 11:21 AM EDT
What a great illustration of the power of the mind. Watching him pick up grapes is great. What a great way to restore confidence in those injured by aggression. Restore peace and hope to Marines and soilders.
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by NatrualnSassy September 20, 2009 11:10 PM EDT
Hello to all. I just wanted to say that I thank you for this story. I am by far not an expert on opposable thumbs or robotic arms. However, I hope by broadcasting this type of show, our country will support and continue to put more effort into helping our hurting military troops. It's not about who's better or right, but coming together for the betterment of our nation. Thanks again for sharing. I will be posting a story on my blog to hopefully spread the word. Thanks again.
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by mpatnode September 20, 2009 10:54 PM EDT
I feel that the DECA Arm program should work with the Jim Henson's Creature Shop. they have been making robotic arms for a long time. they look better then the DECA ones look. they have a grate set up for thinking out side the box.
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by JMPP1 September 20, 2009 10:52 PM EDT
"You're so right Scott. Because, think about what makes us separate from every other animal species. We have an opposable thumb. That is, in fact, what makes us human," Ling said.
**********************
I am vastly disappointed that this erroneous and ill-informed statement made it past Mr. Pelley and your producers. While I recognize the seriousness of this story, I find that any errors, especially one of this magnitude, undermine CBS and 60 Minutes as a credible informed News Organization.

Of course, Humans are not the only species who have opposable thumbs. One could argue the human feet, knees and the shape of our pelvis's work to make us human, but one cannot argue that about our opposable thumbs. However, opposable thumbs are the distinguishing feature of PRIMATES, not of humans. Chimpanzees, Orangutans, Gorillas, Gibbons, All Monkeys, Baboons, Lemurs and even Lorises all have opposable thumbs. These hands are biomechanically the same as human hands.

I respect Colonel Ling for the work that he has put forth in replicating this marvel of evolutioin, but wish that CBS would not help facilitate the myth that opposable thumbs are somehow unique to humans. They are not.
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by shumcheeyin September 20, 2009 10:37 PM EDT
Remarkable story for those amputee soldiers. It is inspiring to me as I too live a life similar to an amputee.
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