Modular prosthetics—a philosophical view/1

This will be my definition of a modular system: “A system of elemental parts which can be combined in a variety of ways to amve at the functional entity desired from among a variety of functional options which the system allows”. The fewer parts required for the greatest variety of options, the more efficient is the modular system. (Imagine a system that could be adapted to both prosthetic and orthotic applications!). In prosthetics, the Term modular is almost synonymous with tubular or endoskeletal structures. These designs have their origins in experimental devices such as the universities in the United States were making as far back as the 1950’s. At Winnipeg, where the first system went into clinical use, the term “pylon prosthesis” was replaced with the term “modular prosthesis” when that term gained favour. The more recent designs are the systems we think of as modular now. I will accept these as representative of the modular concept, but not without discomfort. I believe other approaches would be more viable and should be entertained. What I will do now is look at modularization from a variety of viewpoints so that users and designers may approach a little closer should they wish to improve or replace the current designs. Viewpoints considered will be those of; 1) the designer 2) the prosthetist 3) the amputee 4) the institution 5) the paying agency 6 ) the citizen.