Not necessarily

New materials, microprocessors and biomechanical devices are creating prosthetics that are more like a part of your body.  More active amputees are demanding lighter, more comfortable and more useful prosthetics.  These demands are being met by new innovations.  But the look of prosthetics is also changing.  Many people choose polished metal, or they decorate their prosthetics instead of trying to hide them.  Others decide that they function better without a prosthetic.

For a discussion of some of the history of the companies and universities behind the latest technologies, check out Marriott, Michael, “Robo-legs: In new smart arms and legs, sensors and software combine to blur the line between man and machine,” New York Times, Mon. June 23, 2005, E1, E8.