Keeping amputees on active duty

[Meeker Morgan]

Really.

This is an official press release:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46759

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2007 – A new prosthesis under development will give servicemember amputees more flexibility and help them better perform their military jobs if they choose to stay on active duty.

A preview of the new technology yesterday at Walter Reed Army Medical Center drew key staff and several servicemember amputees. The open forum allowed users to see improvements in prototype form and ask developers questions or offer suggestions.

In 2006, Otto Bock HealthCare, a global provider of prosthetic components that started out providing devices for German World War I veterans in 1919, began developing a prosthetic knee system that is an upgrade to its already popular C-Leg. It was awarded a three-year $1 million contract to develop a leg that will allow more servicemembers to stay on active duty if they choose to.

The prosthesis is for above-the-knee amputees and uses a microprocessor to control the knee’s hydraulic functions and anticipate the wearer’s actions and make changes in real time.

--- SNIP ---

Read the whole thing for more technical details.

It is truly astonishingly good technology, but ... :mad:

[Cobalt-60]

1. it just gets better doesn't it?

This will go down in history nest to the NAZI Volkssturm "ulcer" brigades.
The were assembled from old and unfit men that all needed the same medication.

[Lex1775]

2. I don't see the problem here?

They aren't being forced to stay in, this is only to help them if they choose to stay in.

[Grey]

3. however, what if they.......

must stay in to receive the new technology?