8 months ago
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)-- A terrible rock climbing accident broke both Jeff Fuller's legs. His left leg needed to be amputated. He credits having a support group, including family, and a team of specialists to help him find a new "normal."
Fuller explains, "I had doctors that were concerned about my well being beyond the fact of just patching me up."
Those doctors and specialists included experts like Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist Joseph Smith with Infinite Technologies in Arlington, Va.
The backroom at Infinite Technologies may look akin to a woodshop, but Smith's team is combining the latest scientific advancements, practical know-how, and a lot of sensitivity to make each artificial limb unique.
Smith says, "From age and severity, to what their health issue is, to the component you would suggest for them, to their lifestyle and what they're going to face. It all makes a package that you have to design with the patient."
A prosthetic that offers flexibility and freedom begins with gathering an exact impression of the limb.
Smith explains, "A prosthesis has a socket that fits around the limb and it's custom made to fit different shapes and sizes and all the components goes underneath that."
The artificial limbs are made using the latest materials, such as silicone liner that's a healthier synthetic on the skin. Digital scanning technology can pinpoint exactly where modifications in the prosthetic need to be made for greater flexibility, comfort, and freedom.
Adeel Kausar lost his right leg due to a severe blood clot. At 23-years-old, he can continue to enjoy the life he did before. He realized early during his transition that "...it's up to you to pick yourself up."
Jeff Fuller says, "Everyone wants to hold the door open for you or push people out of the way so you can get by, and a lot of times it's not necessary. I'd like to think that I am the same way I am before."
Written by Lauren Vance
9NEWS NOW & wusa9.com
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