Texas Company Upgrades Prostheses (tested on US soldier amputees)

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http://www.nbc5i.com/health/4641160/detail.html

The U.S. Army estimated that nearly 80 soldiers have lost an arm while on duty in the Middle East. Although nothing can truly replace a missing limb, a Dallas company has developed a new breed of prosthesis that helps give amputees greater mobility and independence.

The Dynamic Arm, developed by Advanced Arm Dynamics, uses advanced technology typically found in wireless communications devices and networks and the body's upper arm muscles to prompt movement of a prosthsis.

The Army has tested the prosthetses on soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Civilians who have tried the technology said the Dynamic Arm is far closer to a natural limb than the hooks of older technology.

Technology developers said the advanced prostheses will move individual fingers and nerves within five years. Researchers said wounded soldiers have helped provide insight into improving the prostheses. Prosthetic arms can cost between $25,000 and $100,000, although most insurance should cover the price.