Abstract
This paper explains that prosthetic devices were needed the minute the first human was born with a missing or deformed limb, or the first person lost a limb in battle or even during the course of daily life. The author points out that the ancient principles on which prosthetics continue to rely are still amazingly efficient. It explains that in the past 25 years, there have been advances in prosthetic limb technology, such as lightweight plastics, composites and electronic systems; but there will be more, which will continue to open new directions for prosthetics. The paper relates that prostheses for amputations through the hip joint consist of a laminated hip basket, hip joint, knee joint, SACH foot, pipe connectors and external cosmetic finish; an active carbon fiber foot and multi-axis hydraulic and mechanical knee joint may also be used. Charts and illustrations.

Table of Contents
Overview Section
History of Lower Limb Prosthetics
Advancements and the Future
Aetiology and Incidence of Lower Limb Amputation
Pre- and Post-Operative Considerations in Lower Limb Amputation
Types of Surgery
Syme's Amputation
Below Knee Amputation
Above Knee Amputation
Hip Disarticulation
Pain Management
Types of Lower Limb Prosthetic Hardware
Literature Review Section

From the Paper
"Sometimes, especially after recorded history began, the reasons for needed prosthetic devices sounded eerily like some of the major 'hero' stories of today; the young man who cut off his own arm to escape entrapment in a crevice on a lonely mountain is one recent example. A few years ago, a man cut off his own lower leg when he caught it in a bear trap far from home or help. However, in Herodotus' The Histories, dating to 484 BCE, there is a story of a Persian named Hegestratus. Hegistratus was captured by the enemy and imprisoned with a leg iron. To escape, he cut off part of his own foot; later, he is said to have worn a wooden replacement, a prosthesis (University of Iowa Health Care Web site). Another account, however, notes that he used a 'wooden filler' to escape, traveling 30 miles before he was captured and "had his head amputated" (Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Web site). Not only was there no prosthetic head, Hegistratus did not live long enough to investigate what was available in foot prostheses at the time. While much of this knowledge is based on the verbal record, there was physical evidence of early prostheses. A tomb in Capua, Italy, offered an artificial leg made from copper and wood and dating to 200 BCE. Bombing in World War II destroyed it, however."

Tags:stability, principles, electronics, carbon, mechanism

Abstract
This paper explains that the problem of foot and leg ulcers on diabetic patients is significant because of its prevalence and the tens of thousands of amputations that occur due to unresolved ulcers. The author points out that the data collection procedure of tracing and photographing the wounds for eight weeks could be replicated; however, the measurement instruments or tools are not clearly described and the reliability and validity of the measurements were not addressed. The paper concludes that this research presents some interesting findings on a small scale; further research needs to be done to ensure that these results are replicated in other patient demographics, including female patients.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Literature Review
Theoretical Framework or Concepts
Research Design
Data Collection and Statistics
Discussion
Summary

From the Paper
"Healing rate concepts, previously studied, were utilized in this research. The concept of healing rate "was defined as the change in surface area divided by the mean circumference over time". This concept was meaningful to the study, as it allowed the researcher to determine the effectiveness of the maggot treatment, in relation to conventional treatment. Although they do not provide rationale for the question, hypotheses or purpose of the investigation, they are integral to the determination of the success of the research. This concept of healing rate is based on previous research."

Tags:amputations, healing, procedure, population, replication

Abstract
The paper explores the explosion of type 2 diabetes in elderly Americans and its major health concerns that include the body's inability to properly process sugar, heart problems, circulatory problems in feet and legs that can lead to amputations, blindness, kidney disease and hypertension. The paper reveals that there is no cure for diabetes, but shows how the disease is controllable through medications, diet guidelines requiring the abstinence of certain foods and the careful monitoring of blood sugars.

From the Paper
"The explosion of Type 2 Diabetes in Americans- especially in elderly Americans comes from two sources- first, heredity, but most of all from the lifestyle that lacks physical exercise and is the cause of dangerous obesity. When it comes to getting news and information out to the public, there is no doubt that cancer and heart disease tend to get more publicity and certainly receive more government and private research funds. At present there is no cure for Diabetes. What is worse is the fact that, Diabetes may be the fastest rising disease in the U. S. While Type I, or Juvenile Diabetes, the type that usually requires daily injections, is also on the increase, it is adult onset, or Type 2 Diabetes that is alarming in its growth."

Tags:glucose, blood, sugar, diet, obesity, medication

Abstract
The paper shows how in the first wars fought by American soldiers, medical science and the government were both completely unprepared in coping with the problems of veterans after war. The paper discusses soldiers' opium addiction, the over-use of amputation and the lack of resources to overcome the physical and mental injuries of war.

Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Drug Addiction-Soldiers Disease Ignored
Quick to Amputate and Failure to Assist
Mental Disabilities of Veterans Post-War
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The facts are that more Civil War veterans died from soldier's disease than were killed by war wounds. Immediately following the Civil War there were absolutely no reports whatsoever of addiction however, "there were 63,000 soldiers whose chronic diarrhea carried on after the war" (Adams, 1889 as cited in Mandel, 2008) Furthermore, there were more than 20,000 survivors of amputations that the Union doctors had reported. (US Surgeon General, 1883; as cited in Mandel, 2008) The work of Horatio Day entitled "The Opium Habit" which was published in 1868 relates information to the 'Soldier's Disease' stating: "The events of the last few years [Civil War] have unquestionably added greatly to their [confirmed opium eaters'] number."

Tags:soldier's, disease, amputations, opium, addiction

Abstract
This paper looks at the symptoms and mental state of those who suffer from apotemnophilia, a rare disorder, experienced by mentally competent people that want healthy limbs and/or digits removed from their bodies. It considers several factors such as: What apotemnophilia is, if amputation may be an effective way to treat the disorder, possible psychological causes and why amputation may be actually be necessary. It also discusses the ethical aspects of amputating healthy limbs and why this disorder is not yet included in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychological Disorders" (DSM).

From the Paper
"Apotemnophiles are often confused with acrotomophiles. The difference between the two is that acrotomophiles gain sexual gratification by being with or fantasizing about a person who has a disability or amputation. John Money (1977) originally coined the term "apotemnophilia" while looking at case studies of two men who became sexually aroused by the thought of being with a person who had an amputation or having one themselves (Money, 1977, p.117). It is likely that these two men were acrotomophiles, however the term apotemnophilia (note the suffix) has stood the test of time. Apotemnophiles simply wish to have their amputation(s) performed in an effort to become "whole". Apotemnophilia is not a problem of sexual desire, but a problem of body image (Elliot, p.73). "

Tags:acrotomophiles, amputation, bondy, disability, dsm, etiology, hippocratic, oath

Abstract
This paper describes the serious complications associated with Type 2 diabetes such as blindness, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease and limb amputation. According to the paper, complications of Type 2 diabetes can be nearly eliminated by increased physical activity and diet changes. Other methods of avoiding serious complications are cited, such as controlling blood glucose through physical activity and a healthy diet. The paper concludes by citing the triad of self-management for Type 2 Diabetes.

From the Paper
"Childhood obesity is at epidemic proportions. The epidemic can be seen on playgrounds around the nation. The tragedy of this self-imposed epidemic is that there are life altering complications that arise. Type 2 Diabetes is just one of the complications that follow obese children into adulthood. The top four contributing factors to obesity and eventually Type 2..."

Tags:teaching, plan, diabetes

Abstract
The paper explains that epidemiology relates to the investigation of how often and why various diseases occur in different groups of people (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2004). The paper further explains that epidemiological information has a practical purpose which relates to planning and evaluating interventions that are designed to prevent illness and to manage a particular illness among a specific population. This paper illustrates the patterns of distribution of diabetes among the elderly. The paper reveals that the prevalence of diabetes is extremely high since more than 20 million people in the United States have the disease (Deshpande & Harris-Hayes, 2008). The paper relates that the crucial issue with diabetes concerns complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation of lower extremities.

From the Paper
"Epidemiology relates to the investigation of how often and why various diseases occur in different groups of people (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2004). Epidemiological information has a practical purpose which relates to planning and evaluating interventions that are designed to prevent illness and to manage a particular illness among a specific population. This paper will illustrate the patterns of distribution of diabetes among the elderly. The prevalence of diabetes is extremely high since more than 20 million people in the United States have the disease (Deshpande &...)"

Tags:epidemiology, diabetes, elderly

Abstract
This paper considers various elements of diabetes and how this dreaded disease can be controlled. Specifically, the paper examines things such as diet and the unpleasant side effects of diabetes such as amputation the relationship between kidney disease and diabetes. It also discusses the relationship between cardiovascular disease and diabetes and finally the steps that can be taken to slow the progress of diabetes in individuals.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at various elements of diabetes and how this dreaded disease can be controlled. Specifically, the next several pages will look at the ensuing things: diet (and the obvious importance of diet); the relationship of diabetes to amputation (particularly lower limb amputation); the relationship between kidney disease and diabetes; the relationship between cardiovascular disease and diabetes; and the steps that can be taken to slow the progress of diabetes in individuals - or even ameliorate the condition these individuals find themselves in. In the..."

Tags:diabetes, fatal, treatment

Abstract
The body of knowledge regarding phantom limb syndrome and the associated complications has been a topic of interest for over a century. Phantom limb syndrome occurs when a patient, who has had a part of their body amputated, still experiences vivid sensations of feeling from the missing part. Since this subject has been such a mysterious part of medical lore for over a century, the paper reviews the most current state of research regarding these phenomena, by utilizing a literature review of twelve contemporary articles on the subject.

Paper Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Siddle (2004) concludes that the management of phantom limb pain is critical in a ensuring a patient's recovery from amputation. With this pain there could be adverse psychological implications for the patient, which could hinder their recovery. For this reason, when a patient is non-responsive to a traditional analgesic regimen, Siddle recommends the introduction of non-analgesic drugs, such as those that are typically used in epilepsy or depression."

Tags:amputee, sensation, hypnosis

Abstract
This paper discusses the film "Dances With Wolves" in relation to man's inhumanity to man, culture, our attitudes towards other cultures, and the media's portrayal of other cultures through the medium of film.

From the paper:

"The film ?Dances With Wolves? (Costner) looks in detail at the way strangers get to know each other. It is seen from the point of view of John Dunbar, a lieutenant fighting during the American Civil War. We meet the wounded hero in a field hospital just as he is about to have his leg amputated. However, when the doctors leave, he decides to rejoin his regiment, and invites death by riding his horse in a suicidal charge at the enemy lines."

Tags:america, american, americans, civil, costner, culture, dances, film, indians, inhumanity, kevin, man, native, north, race, sioux, war, westerns, wolves