Harold,
Which is better Fords or Chevys?
That being said I’d like you to read a quote from a book published in
1934, written by John Culbert Faries, entitled Limbs For The Limbless.
This book was written as an amputee’s consumer report for that era, and
it still holds relevant truths for today.
“The temptation to obtain business by unfair methods, to urge
superiority of one’s own product has not been lacking in the industry down
to the present time. Between 1846 and 1895, there were 249 patents issued
on artificial legs and arms. Some of these marked real improvements, but he
majority of them simply furnished the salesmen with talking points.”
Things haven’t changed all that much in the last 157 years. Finding
honest people, who will treat you fairly, and really comprehend what they
are talking about is still a problem today.
Another major hurdle for this small field is money. If investments do
not produce large dividends, research for the most part is lacking, and it
holds true in this case.
Criteria is also important when considering scientific evaluation.
What features, or functions are important, desired or even necessary for
evaluation to even take place and why? Examples could be comfort, function,
durability, and etc. How do you measure something as esoteric and subjective
as comfort or pain? A comfort meter or pain gauge? Of course a priority for
one person, i.e. highly cosmetic may not hold true for another i.e.
inexpensive.
Probably the greatest stimulus in the U.S. to improve the field has
occurred because of wars, the Civil War, W.W.I, and W.W.II. The fifteen
years following World War II have so far produced the largest volume of
comprehensive scientific prosthetic data and analyses, the likes of which
have never been equaled or exceeded in this country to this very day.
Is that because today’s societal values say, “things are good enough
the way they are right now”? That certainly was not the case during and
shortly after W.W. II. Have societies perceptions of the need to solve
problems produced by prosthetic limitations, changed that much in fifty or
so short years? Or is apathy, indifference, or some other force at wok
here?
Even so there are few prosthetic components which undergo scientific
analyses of sorts. But just because a component is durable does that also
make it essential? I think the reason for testing or lack there of is
variable. Economic limitations, and the fact that this profession is
simultaneously objective and subjective, or part science and part art.
A friend of mine likes to ask the question, “Can a computer paint a
picture or write a novel?” If it could, how would it compare with say a
Picasso, Rembrandt, or Van Gogh? Better? Worse? Why?
My advice is age old, caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. For me the
proof is in the pudding. I think getting good prosthetic results are still
the luck of the draw to some extent, as everyone is subject to time and
chance.
Good intentions are usually not enough, proficiency, experience,
education, expertise, insight, and ability all contribute highly to
successful results but are no guarantee. Remember the doctor delivers the
baby but does not guarantee it will live. Most often it seems that
superior, consistent results are achieved with structured purpose, plans,
and goals rather than serendipitous happy accidents.
Defining the intent of frauds, charlatans, and schlock artists in this
profession is not always an easy task. I think a modification of Judge
Rehnquist’s definition of pornography sums up my thinking along these lines,
“I can’t ‘always prove’ it but I know it when I see it”.
There is no panacea or magic bullet, but honesty, competence,
commitment, and sober vigilance, can go a long way to stemming and
controlling the pitfalls of outrageous and unsubstantiated claims. Remember
if it sounds to good to be true it usually is.
Choosing a qualified professional should be based on trust, confidence,
and good referrals. Find the practitioner who merits your confidence and
trust, is accountable, and you just may find an acceptable solution to your
needs.
As far as I know there aren’t many reliable tests for proving a persons
honesty.
Just remember the old Arab proverb, Trust in Allah, but tie up your
camel or was it, do your homework and ask lots of questions?
By the way, the answer to my first question is Fords.
Sincerely,
Kim L. Ruhl CPO
