Prosthetic Inclusivity: The Need for Personalization

In a recent piece by Chloé Valentine Toscano, published by NBC News, the amputee community received a spotlight on an often-overlooked issue: the lack of inclusivity in prosthetics. Toscano highlights the disparity in size availability for prosthetic limbs, drawing a comparison to the diverse sizing available in everyday items like clothing and accessories.

As Toscano points out, even in a world where XXXS to 6x clothing options are becoming more accessible, amputees struggle to find prosthetics that adequately fit their bodies. She describes how, after losing her left arm, she was faced with limited options for a prosthetic hand—none of which properly fit her needs.

A Common Dilemma in Prosthetics

This isn't a singular experience. Toscano's frustration echoes across the prosthetic community. Whether it's an ill-fitting hand or an oversized foot, the "one-size-fits-all" approach to prosthetics often leads to discomfort and dissatisfaction. While functionality remains a priority in prosthetic development, the emotional and psychological impact of an aesthetically pleasing, properly fitting limb cannot be understated.

This begs the question: Why is an industry designed to meet the needs of disabled individuals failing to consider inclusivity in size and appearance?

Prosthetic Companies Must Innovate Beyond Functionality

Marins Med, a company that prides itself on offering user-centric solutions, has long recognized that prosthetic devices need to serve the whole person, not just the physical function. This is why we’ve emphasized the development of devices that balance form and function.

Darryl DuBre, CTO of Marins Med, echoes this sentiment: "Our approach with products like the ProHook has always been to create prosthetics that users feel proud to wear—both for what they allow them to do and how they make them feel about themselves."

While our devices excel in durability and functionality, we are actively exploring ways to incorporate more aesthetic options into our products. It’s not just about creating a tool; it’s about creating something that feels like an extension of the person who wears it.

The Promise of 3D Printing

Toscano highlights the rise of 3D printing as a solution for customizable prosthetics, noting the strides made by companies like Unlimited Tomorrow. These innovations allow for the creation of limbs that are unique to the user, a potential game-changer for those who have long settled for subpar fits.

At Marins Med, we see this as the next frontier in prosthetic development. While 3D printing is still in its infancy for certain prosthetic applications, we are committed to staying on the cutting edge of this technology. By collaborating with innovative partners like Root3Labs and Victoria Hand Project, we aim to be at the forefront of a movement toward fully customizable prosthetics for all amputees, regardless of limb type or level.

Looking Toward the Future

As the prosthetic industry moves forward, it’s crucial that we prioritize inclusivity in all aspects of design—size, shape, and aesthetic. Companies that manufacture prosthetic parts need to expand their product lines to offer a variety of sizes and appearances. Without these options, we’re not truly serving the community.

At Marins Med, we are dedicated to ensuring that our prosthetics do more than just work—they fit, both physically and emotionally. We believe that the future of prosthetics lies in a balance of function, form, and personal expression. And we’re proud to be a part of that future.

Chloé Valentine Toscano is a writer whose work on disability advocacy has appeared in Huffington Post, them., Allure, Salon, Nylon, Wired and more. She’s currently working on an adult fiction novel that follows the journey of a young amputee woman whose fate begins to align with that of her imaginary friend since childhood, beginning with the loss of her arm. Read more about her mission at www.chloevalentinewrites.com and follow her on Instagram @chloevalentinetoscano