Alex Simmons/RST said:
Most of the technology focus as far as I can see has been on he "exo-skeleton" (i.e. the stuff you attach to a leg) and less so on the interface between the residual limb and prosthetic. The main issue is that you are dealing with a dynamically changing limb (e.g. volume, shape changes through the day, let alone over time) and fitting it into a hard fixed volume and shaped shell, often nowadays made from carbon fibre.
The interface between skin and shell replaces the job of the missing skeleton - all forces are transmitted via the skin (which is why I think amputee runners are amazing, the impact forces are large relative to cycling). I could never contemplate attempting to run. Having a very snug fit is critically important, you do not want any movement as it creates shearing forces.
Although to be fair, there are some pretty funky computer controlled vacuum volume management systems, but they are unsuitable for performance applications such as athletics and cycling. More for everyday use.
My experience is relatively new, having had my amputation is 2007 and somewhat limited with only occasional exposure to other amputees (mostly at the amputee clinic and when I rode some paracycling events, with the world cup road race being where I saw the most in one place).
i guess there is only so much they can do with the interaction between the residual limb and prosthetic... it's a bit like feet swelling in shoes when you've been running around all day, non?. still, that's got to hurt when everything's not perfect.
have you tried a blade yourself? i've seen them on the street more often (usually with a tennis shoe at the bottom) and can't help but stare (mea culpa) and really really want to ask about it (but i've kept my mouth shut as i felt it was impolite)... are they more comfortable do you know?
no offence taken, I haven't read all comments in this thread in any case, I even made a moderately poor taste joke myself although I'm uncertain if many actually got it.
i saw your joke -- yeah, slightly poor taste but it made me smile all the same
There are certain types of low end prosthetics that can be quicker to get in/out of, but the liner and pin arrangement requires one to carefully place the liner over your stump (rolls on like a big fat condom), and often also then use a sock before putting on the leg.
In time frame terms, it's as if you had to say put on a sock and boot and tie up your boot laces before you would be able to stand and walk. If your liner is already on, then it's fairly quick.
The low end/cheaper prosthetics don't have the liner with pin - they are held on by the shape of the prosthetic being narrow above the knee and pressing in against the leg - they can hurt ripping them on/off as the knee is wider than the opening.
i think the above is important in terms of when OP said he put them on... in the heat of the moment, when he was scared and trying to protect, there was not time... that is, if we are to believe his story.
I haven't read the statements, just heard snippets via news. I'll leave judgement on him to the court, since they will have all the available information presented without the filter of the mass media.
All I know is a woman has died a brutal death that should never have happened, be it via an accident or nefarious action.
I was never a big fan to start with, less so after the CAS hearing to be able to compete in able bodied events which butchered the science and showed a willingness to play loose and fast with evidence and the truth for presumably a fame and wealth return.
very fair-minded. and thank you very much for answering what i was asking.
and, yes, we mustn't lose sight of her death