Smart prosthetics keep Veterans independent, active
How often do you consider what it takes to make the human body move? From simply driving to work, to taking a shower, or going for an evening stroll, most of us don’t think twice about our daily movements and what it takes to complete those actions.
For injured Veterans and individuals who are missing limbs and use prosthetics, those simple everyday tasks are often thoughtfully considered and carefully planned out.
Now, thanks to a newer technology in prosthetics, Veterans have an opportunity to continue enjoying life and their independence.
At the Salisbury VA Health Care System, clinical and nonclinical teams strive every day to find innovative ways to improve the lives of all Veterans, their caretakers, and their families.
A local Veteran’s recent healing journey showcases just how essential prosthetics can be to every Veteran’s Whole Health.
A Veteran’s mobility journey
For U.S. Army Veteran and Salisbury VA prosthetic lab patient Brian Miller, life with a new smart prosthetic is better than ever.
Miller was injured while serving as a 19D cavalry scout during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009, when four charged explosively formed penetrators detonated, sending shrapnel into his body and shattering his left leg.
After his injuries, Miller was sent home and had countless surgeries to save his left leg. Ultimately, in 2012, Miller was offered the option of amputating part of the leg and receiving a prosthetic.
Grappling with severe pain and lack of proper function, he decided to move forward, and his left leg, just above the knee, was amputated.
Because of Miller's active lifestyle, a traditional socket prosthetic could be cumbersome.
Then, last year, he was introduced to and upgraded to a Proteor Synergetic System (SYNSYS) smart prosthetic.
Miller’s already in-place osteo-integration, an implant at the end of the femur with a connector that attaches to a modular component, alongside an active lifestyle, made Miller an ideal candidate for the new smart prosthetic.
Miller is the first known person in the United States to receive the unique pairing of an osteo-integration and the SYNSYS system functioning together.
Why the smart prosthetic works
The knee and the foot of the smart prosthetic are linked together and communicate through a microprocessor.
Manufactured by Proteor, SYNSYS is a unique, integral mechatronic prosthetic system that offers a kinematic combination of the ankle and knee movements as a continuation of the hip.
For Miller, the smart prosthetic has reduced the strain and impact on his residual limbs, including his back and hips. With a 6’4” frame, Miller’s chronic pain from his injuries has reduced substantially after switching to the smart prosthetic.
“What makes it unique is that it's the only system that not only communicates from a microprocessor standpoint for the knee and foot, but it's linked together so it mimics the true biomechanics of walking,” said Cody Reimers, Orthotic and Prosthetic Lab Chief at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center.
Reimers added that he and his team are often on the lookout for new technologies that will enhance Veterans' quality of life and independence, working in collaboration with community partners such as Proteor to find the best solution and outcome for the Veteran.
“As a prosthetist, to be able to offer things like this to our Veterans improves the quality of life. From a clinical standpoint, the design makes more sense, especially with someone that has a history of issues with proximal joints,” said Reimers.
The 12-pound smart prosthetic moves and functions like a natural knee, ankle, and foot – a welcome addition to Miller’s lifestyle.
As a caretaker of his small farm and a part-time construction worker, Miller keeps active. The smart prosthetic constantly learns and adapts to his natural movements and walking gait, helping him to seamlessly accomplish his everyday chores and activities.
“This is the most natural feeling prosthetic that I’ve ever worn,” said Miller. “Hands down, osteo-integration is the way to go.”
About the Salisbury VA Health Care System
At the Salisbury VA Health Care System, our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Learn more at www.va.gov/salisbury-health-care.