WEEK 4

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MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY + ART

When Professor Vesna first introduced the topic of the intersection of medical technology and art, the first thoughts that came to mind were about the creation of prosthetics and the world of plastic surgery. We learned in lectures this week a brief history of how plastic surgery emerged, and also how both prosthesis and plastic surgeries are becoming increasingly more prevalent in our modernizing society (Vesna). 


Macrovector. “Download Medical Technology Isometric Icons Vector Illustration for Free.” Vecteezy, Vecteezy, 11 May 2021, www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/2415755-medical-technology-isometric-icons-vector-illustration.


Plastic surgery is the epitome of the merging of medical technology and art. According to Professor Vesna, the beginnings of plastic surgery were results of war, dating back to about 4000 years ago (Vesna). The facial and head injuries resulting from chemical and physical destructive powers during WWI paved the way for the further development and need for reconstructive surgery (RamsayHealthcare). The progress of science and technology during the Renaissance era allowed for the development of many new innovative surgical techniques and operations relating to plastic surgery (Kita).



Reporter, Daily Mail. “The 16th Century Diagrams That Detail the World's First Nose Job.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 28 Dec. 2010, www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1341929/The-16th-century-diagrams-worlds-nose-job.html.



The scientific purpose of plastic surgery is to “repair and reconstruct missing or damaged tissue and skin” and to “restore the function and appearance of tissue and skin” to as close as it was before (NHS). An offshoot of plastic surgery is prosthesis, and the art of prosthetics. Prosthetics often come in the form of an artificial limb, and are created for those who are missing certain limbs in hopes to improve overall daily function (MedlinePlus). In the realm of prosthetics, technology is allowing for the creation of more advanced artificial limbs — some of these include consciously controlled limbs, the ability to 3D print limbs, and the emergence of bionic arms (Phillipa H).


International Paralympic Committee. “Cutting-Edge Technology behind Para Sports.” International Paralympic Committee, 16 Aug. 2021, www.paralympic.org/feature/cutting-edge-technology-behind-para-sports.


While I personally have not had experience with either plastic surgery or prosthetics, I have had personal friends or people in my community who have benefitted from the continued advances in both of these fields. Being a part of the track and field community, I have seen firsthand how athletes have benefitted both from plastic surgery and prosthetic limbs. A perfect example is with the Paralympics — many athletes are able to compete and continue to follow their passion because of the availability of prosthetics. The intersection of medical technology and art has been and continues to be extremely important to the well being of our society. I enjoyed the topics and materials surrounding this topic this week, and it has been my favorite thus far.






Works Cited

H, Philippa. “Top Advancements in Prosthetics in 2020.” Fish Insurance, 30 Dec. 2019, www.fishinsurance.co.uk/top-advancements-in-prosthetics-in-2020/.

Healthcare, Ramsay. “The History of Plastic Surgery.” Duchy Hospital, Ramsay Healthcare, 1 Dec. 2017, www.duchyhospital.co.uk/news/the-history-of-plastic-surgery.

Kita, Natalie. “History of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 16 May 2020, www.verywellhealth.com/the-history-of-plastic-surgery-2710193.

NHS. “Overview Plastic Surgery.” NHS Choices, NHS, 2022, www.nhs.uk/conditions/plastic-surgery/.

Plus, Medline. “Artificial Limbs.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 Sept. 2021, medlineplus.gov/artificiallimbs.html.

Vesna, Victoria. "Human Bodies and Medical Technology." April, 2022.

Comments

  1. Vivek ChotaiApril 21, 2022 at 11:43 PM

    Hi Alexandra,

    I agree with your point that prosthetics can be useful for people with disabilities. I think when thinking of who these people are it's really easy to imagine them as maybe missing a hand or another limb, which the prosthetic can replace. But medicine and technology mix in smaller ways too, like using hearing aids or glasses for people with color vision trouble. Some people may even have implants like a pacemaker or a device that measures insulin. So in these way's it's also important to remember these prosthetics that are often overlooked by our initial imagination.

    ReplyDelete
  2. asha_agarwal_desma9April 24, 2022 at 6:02 PM

    You did a great job!!! I was really interested in your ideas about the art found within the fields of plastic surgery and prosthetics. Prosthetics and plastic surgery help individuals take their lives into their own hands and feel more complete in their body, a form of art in itself. I was intrigued by the history of plastic surgery and your discussion of it as well!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Malia AllenApril 24, 2022 at 9:16 PM

    Hi Alexandra!
    I loved reading your blog this week. Reading about the connection between medical technology and art within plastic surgery was really interesting. I also really enjoyed reading all of the benefits in your blog, knowing that athletes can participate in sports due to prosthetics is great.

    ReplyDelete

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