Very Athletic Amputee needing sports prostheses

[Roxy]

Below are the bartlett tendons. This knee is considered one of the best for snowboarding and is multi-functional. I also need a foot with some ankle flexion.

bartlett_tendon.jpg
bartlett_tendon2.jpeg

Wow!

I wonder if a hybrid approach would make sense? I know my 3D-Printer can't do this complexity with the required strength and accuracy. But If I was trying to do this for myself, I might be able to use my 3D-Printer to make molds to cast the parts out of a much higher strength composite material like Fiber-Glass Resin. And in fact, some of these parts are bigger than can really be done by the hobbyist 3D-Printers. But the molds probably could be done in sections for the big parts.

If that could be made to work, my guess is Fiber-Glass Resin isn't something that your skin is going to like to have in contact with it.

Note to Self: Stop taking my knees for granted!

[Geoff]

Wow!

I wonder if a hybrid approach would make sense? I know my 3D-Printer can't do this complexity with the required strength and accuracy. But If I was trying to do this for myself, I might be able to use my 3D-Printer to make molds to cast the parts out of a much higher strength composite material like Fiber-Glass Resin. And in fact, some of these parts are bigger than can really be done by the hobbyist 3D-Printers. But the molds probably could be done in sections for the big parts.

If that could be made to work, my guess is Fiber-Glass Resin isn't something that your skin is going to like to have in contact with it.

Note to Self: Stop taking my knees for granted!

Maybe a cross with some silicone moulding?

I think the main issue with a leg prosthesis (and boy would I be keen to help) is the size as you said, but considering the weight and torque strength required for the knee joint for example, probably several parts with fixings would be stronger.

Also, with all this flexible filament experimentation, I think it's about time someone tries to simulate tendons properly, if you could invent a natural feedback prosthesis that works on super tough artificial tendons, you might be able to achieve a more natural feeling prosthesis.

While I am lucky enough to still have my legs, I have come close once to losing them both in a car accident and have also broken my left Femur (split right down the middle) and knee, so I have some very small experience at least in the inner workings of at least my knee, it would be interesting to see if something totally new and revolutionary could be done here without all the billions of dollars and research grants.