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In medicine, a prosthesis, prosthetic, or prosthetic
limb (from Ancient Greek prósthesis, "addition, application,
attachment") is an artificial device extension that replaces a missing
body part. Prosthetic limbs are usually designed for function rather
than beauty - but one American designer is breaking with tradition.
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In 2004, Deborah Bevilacqua lost her lower leg in a motorcycle accident.
She had a custom-made prosthetic leg fitted in 2010. “Instead of trying
to blend in and be like everyone else, now I really go out of my way to
show off my leg," she says.
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Designer Scott Summit, who works with an orthopaedic surgeon to produce
prosthetics like Deborah's, says he is inspired to give amputees their
shape back, "but to do it in such a way that it enhances the body - in a
sense it is turning their body into sculpture."
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The team uses three-dimensional printing to create the prosthetic
covers. "3D printing is incredibly versatile, it can print anything you
can dream of," says Summit. "We’ve created many parts that are metal
lace for example, so it’s very delicate but actually very strong. We
really like playing with the dynamic of that."
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Summit, who works in the US, talks to clients to determine their taste -
for example, "a look of aggression or speed" or something more subdued.
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Chad Crittenden, a keen athlete and sportsman, lost his foot to cancer
nearly 10 years ago. He has a specially designed sports prosthetic for
playing football, with a built-in shin-guard.
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Summit's team has also provided prosthetic legs for soldiers. "They like
something that has a lot of energy in it, because you’re talking about a
guy who’s usually in his early 20s - that is someone who is full of
energy, and they like to show that whether they are in their car or
their motorcycle or their body."
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James, who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident, wanted something that
would complement his tattoos and his Harley Davidson.
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Summit's standard prosthetic weighs no more than 185g, about the weight
of a mobile phone. Some are even dishwasher-safe. (All photos courtesy
of Bespoke (TM) Fairings by 3D Systems Corporation. Scott Summit spoke
to the BBC World Service programme, The Strand. ) |