9781422279908

Prosthetics try to bring people back to their full potential, even giving them the ability to run or play sports again.

Words to Understand in This Chapter

amputation— the process of surgically removing a limb or another body part. baby-boomer population— the post–World War II generation, born in the United States between 1945 and 1964; during this time there was a higher-than-aver- age birth rate. bilateral amputee— an amputee who has had both limbs removed, either both arms or both legs. biomechanics— the understanding of movement and the workings of living things, specifically humans. orthotics— the making of artificial joints, splints, and braces. prosthesis— an artificial limb or other body part. prosthetics— the making and fitting of artificial limbs or other body parts.