Abstract
War is an unfortunate reality with significant consequence for life and limb. Advances in medical care follow conflict as countries strive to care for their wounded. The United States has always offered its wounded warriors an unwavering commitment to provide the best available care, forging ahead toward the development of new technologies and rehabilitation strategies. As service members return from conflict to rejoin their families and communities, our goal is to restore their function to the highest possible degree in the shortest possible time.
Scientists, academicians, inventors, engineers, medical experts, and service members themselves have contributed to the evolution of prosthetic devices and to surgical and rehabilitation techniques. This has always been a collaborative effort, involving funding, expertise, and other resources from the US government, the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), universities, nonprofit organizations, and private interests. The history of prosthetic research and development has carved a fascinating narrative that stands as testament to the resolve of those who care for service members and veterans.
Over time, every component of the prosthetic limb – socket, joints, suspension, and appearance – has been altered as designs have evolved from the simple peg leg to complex mechanical device and more recently to sophisticated computerized neuroprosthetic systems. The impetus for progress has always been to better mimic human limbs. Rehabilitation has kept pace with prosthetic advances such that service members with limb loss are today considered “tactical athletes.” The innovation of countless dedicated contributors to prosthetic and rehabilitation research over the years has enhanced the lives of military service members and has had equal impact on civilians with limb loss worldwide.