If the bamboo fabric is just as durable as the fiberglass product and the cost of producing said product is no more expensive or equal to the fiberglass option, then yes, the bamboo fabric would be a likely substitute. However, even though it might be more "green friendly", is there a risk to the bamboo itself in reaping it to make the socket?

Of course, why not. We have also had the experience on research with Bamboo as prosthetic pylon at University of Malaya. And we are interested to have collaborations. I would be glad to hear more. Best of luck

This link shows a "for" argument:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6483596

and this link shows a little more detail in how the study actually progressed:

http://books.google.com/books?id=sdG-1hN_4TYC&pg=PA409&lpg=PA409&dq=using+bamboo+as+a+prosthetic+materials&source=bl&ots=eL15-DH_fQ&sig=Bcs9oj0aRG5cLAHwX-XJCKxjrYc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Aw-QT66wHKji2QWVyan_BA&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=using%20bamboo%20as%20a%20prosthetic%20materials&f=false

No problem. I figure the more we learn, the better we'll be able to discuss both the positives and the negatives. My question is, how big of an industry is bamboo (since I don't use it here in the states that often) and is there a threat to the bamboo crops in overusing it? Yes, it's always nice to see efforts made in using other materials for all items, but not at the risk of wiping out what bamboo we have. Since I'm more naive to this particular product, I'd want more details prior to saying, "Oh yes, it's absolutely a wonderful idea!"

Hi to all. Thank you for your replies. Bamboo is a renewable resource, that can flourish in 5 different climates. My research is of a experimental nature and if you have any suggestions, please let me know. Ramie fibre has been used as replacement for glass fibre - one study done by Campbell et al. 2012 in Glasgow, the other done by Irawan et al. 2011, both with success. I would like to use bamboo (as it is a good renewable resource) to compete with the traditional glass fibre. Here in South Africa, government centres uses glass fibre and private centres carbon and glass fibres - I would like to challenge the status quo.

It depends on what type of prosthetic you are talking about. For my patients, durability, stability, and how it feels and moves were factors when talking about external prosthesis such as: http://www.plasticsurgery4u.com/web_links_folder/plasticweb_prosthesis.html. When discussing internal prosthetic like an artificial joint then durability becomes critical as replacement is difficult and repeat surgery means more down time. The wear inside the human body is an amazing factor until we have prosthetic that can self regenerate as I have conceptualized with tissue 3D printing technology as discussed in this forum post: http://www.abodybeautiful.com/forum/index.php?topic=597.0. For the prosthetic ear patient, there is nothing more embarrassing than their appliance dropping off at an event into the soup! Yes, such events happen. Internal ear prosthetic fail without bulky soft tissue coverage that just cannot be made to look natural. They tend to wear through and become exposed and infected. There were many critical issues to bring up during discussions of risks, benefits, and alternate methods of care such as someone without an ear.

I have been alarmed with some manufactures going out with publicity stunts about their prosthetic without proof such as what happened described about this manufacturer of jaw implants who published their advertising before the scientific papers were available: http://www.abodybeautiful.com/forum/index.php?topic=605.0 Unfortunately this is becoming more common over the Internet.

Being green is nice, but there are so many other factors involved. I would need to better understand claims that something is equivalent or better before going green on any structural material replacement. I do like videos showing how something works or is better. Seeing it interact in real life with movies carries much more than verbal claims of being better. If you have links to such material, share it here or on one of our forums designed to permit easier linking, videos, and image presentations.

Michael Bermant, M.D.

Retied Plastic Surgeon

Would environmentally friendly materials that are compatible in function with fiber glass and other synthetic material influence your decision-making? As practitioner, would you still use the conventional material even if you know that the greener option is just as good or better to use? Or would you switch? Why would you switch?

As patient, would it matter if the prosthetist used a greener material to manufacture your prosthesis, or not? What is the psychological impact of greener mateials?

Hi, everyone. Thank you for your comments and contributions. I will keep you updated on my research project and article. I am passionate about orthotics and prosthetics and believe that innovation is the path forward.

It is not everyday South Africa gets a patent granted and even less an Orthotics and Prosthetics invention. I have entered my patent in the Innovation Garage Competition - and I need everybody to please vote for my patent by clicking the "like" button at my picture. Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/437276049688385/photos/a.791353537613966.1073741846.437276049688385/844959692253350/?type=3&theater

Please send to all you know. Please vote before the 27th of August.

Kind regards

Done! Best of luck!