Page 4 - TPE Prothèse Marylou, Mathis et Hugo

AXE 1- All about a prosthesis

Prosthesis’ history

History of prosthesis is not young at all. It is even linked with history. Indeed, when humans
found the standing position, they tried to stay standing. They also made some object which
helped them to stay standing and replace the members they have lost.
The oldest prosthesis have been found in Egypte 2600 years old. They are some toes
prosthesis made with wood and leather.

Hérodote, a famous greek historian, told near 400 years before J.C. in his book named
Calliope, that Thereupon Hegesistratus d’Elée cut his leg to escape the Spartian and made a
wood prosthesis. Today the prosthesis’ principles have not changed but only materials and
the methods to made it.

Then, at Middle Ages, prosthesis were made only to be useful. Only the richer disabled
people could have a more complex prosthesis. They were heavier and not practical and they
often were a part of armor of knights.

However, it is mostly after the Second World War, during the industrial revolution, that the
world of prosthesis was developed (thanks to a lot of discoveries). Later, the SACH foot was
created (Solid Ankle Cushion Heel). It was a foot made of neoprene foam followed later by
an articulated knee and an hydraulic knee.

10 years later, scientists discovered a lot of properties of some materials and the prosthesis
became lighter, more resistant and more efficient. Some prosthesis even can be controlled
by thinking.

Today, there are a lot of types of prostheses and a lot of different prices that can go to 100
000€. There are always some discoveries in the world of prosthesis so they can offer a great
help to disabled people. Moreover, with all this progress, a prosthesis could be more
performant than a human member. The danger is that the humanity could replace all this
member by prosthesis to be stronger, a real utopia.