Microprocessor controlled lower-limb prosthetics provide many advantages over mechanical prosthetics such as, increased walking speed, decreased self-reported falls and stumbles, and boosted self-image. However, these devices remain out of the financial reach of the average prosthetic user. Interviews were performed with Hugh Herr, Bob Dzuranda, and prosthetists in the New England area in order to investigate a means to increase robotic prosthetic availability. It was determined that the prosthetics industry suffers from a slow billing code application process, Medicare-imposed fitness restrictions (on amputees that are likely to suffer from diabetes or obesity), insurance contracts that hurt prosthetist office profits, and private health insurance plans that restrict patients' options.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Morrison, Benjamin Robert
• Topping, Daniel Alden

Subject

• Industry
• Innovation
• Health
• Well-Being
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-053112-025728

Keyword

• Robotics
• Medical care

Advisor

• Popovic, Marko B.

Year

• 2012

Date created

• 2012-05-31

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright