Prosthetics News
Designing Prosthetics That Give Female Veterans Confidence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 | Category: Prosthetics - National
The Girls' Lounge is partnering with the Voices of Veterans Tour aims to bring visibility to the needs of female veterans, and "how the integration of technology to develop personalized and customized prosthetics is essential to the acceptance of their new normal." Most prosthetics are geared for men, so they are trying to reimagine prosthetics for better fit and to personalize them to help women feel confident and beautiful.
"Prosthetics Ink" Sponsors First Female Veteran
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 | Category: Prosthetics - National
"Prosthetics Ink" sponsored their first female veteran, making her a "Pink Chrome" prosthesis. They are working with "The Girls' Lounge" to enhance the lives of female veteran amputees as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs "Innovation of Creations Challenge."
One Female Veteran's Epic Quest for A 'Foot That Fits"
Saturday, September 5, 2015 | Category: Prosthetics - National
For retired Army sergeant Brenda Reed "no struggle has filled her with such rage as her campaign for a foot that fits properly, said Reed, who often wears wide black sandals to fit her wide prosthetic. Last year, a VA specialist cut off the toes on Reed's prosthetic and shaved off the sides in an effort to make it fit into her shoes. Reed said not only didn't it fit, but she also found that she couldn't walk on it. She was given another prosthetic and told to make due. She didn't. She took her case to the VA secretary's office, calling and emailing Secretary McDonald.
Stratasys’ 3D Printing of Prosthetic Devices Spurs Innovation for Veterans at VA Make-a-thon
Friday, August 7, 2015 | Category: Prosthetics - National
125 designers, engineers, students, teachers and veterans attended "The VA Innovation Creation Series: Prosthetic and Assistive Technologies Challenge" make-a-thon event held in Richmond, Virginia during summer 2015. Fourteen Stratasys FDM-based 3D printers, ranging from MakerBots to the Fortus 450mc produced contestants’ designs over the course of two days. The focus of the challenge was to develop a device or solution to improve prosthetics to meet the differing needs of male and female veterans.
VA's Make-a-thon Produces 'Game-Changing' Device for Leg Prosthetics
Thursday, July 30, 2015 | Category: Prosthetics - National
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Innovation hosted their first-ever Make-A-Thon focused on prosthetics. Lisamarie Wiley, a 10th Mountain Division soldier who lost much of her lower left leg to a land mine, was one of many veterans who explained everyday problems they face with missing limbs. With their feedback, students and engineers brainstormed design ideas for two days, utilizing 3D printers to manufacture prototypes. Google, a corporate sponsor, donated $20,000 for the competition's first prize.
Rethinking Prosthetics for Female Veterans
Tuesday, June 16, 2015 | Category: Prosthetics - National
There are many prosthetic designs in the market, but many of them are unisex and cannot always fulfill needs specific to women. Andrea Ippolito (Department of Veterans Affairs fellow), Dara Dotz (works 3-D imaging and STEM), and Heather Irvine (Marketing and Creative Director at the The Ipsos Girls’ Lounge) are teaming up and hope to bring more attention to their cause and help female veterans.
Prosthetics with pizazz for female veterans spotlighted at D.C. festival
Friday, June 12, 2015 | Category: Prosthetics - National
There are women in combat who are coming back injured and a greater percentage, 6 percent, of female service members suffered such injuries in non-battle situations. Female amputees have a very difficult time finding artificial limbs that fit their smaller bodies, including narrower shoulders and wider hips. There are partnerships between industry and the Department of Veterans Affairs focused on manufacturing female-friendly prosthetics that are designed for more healthy living and will help them "step out in style."
VA Working on Prosthetics for Pregnant Women
Monday, September 29, 2014 | Category: Prosthetics - National
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), along with the Disabled American Veterans, is developing a prosthetic leg for pregnant women. The full development date has not been determined.