View source for Artificial Limbs

==Overview==
'''Artificial Limbs''' are replacements for individuals who have lost their original limbs in combat or other circumstances.  These limbs can range from simple inexpensive hooks or pegs to advanced replacements which mimic all of the functions of the original.  However, while advances in medical technology have allowed for the creation of superstrong limbs, these cannot be used as replacements since the remaining natural muscles in the patient's body cannot accommodate the extra stress.  Individuals who receive artificial limbs can expect to undergo several weeks of physical training in order to acclimate to their new prosthesis.<ref name=CBT>''Classic BattleTech RPG'', p. 145</ref>

==Artificial Limbs by Type==
<span id="Type One: Simple Limb"></span>
===Type One: Simple Limb===
These rudimentary functional and crudely cosmetic limbs are little more than hooks and pegs.  Type one prosthetic legs allow for very limited mobility and require the use of a cane or crutch to avoid falling.<ref name=CBT/>
<span id="Type Two: Useful Limb"></span>
===Type Two: Useful Limb===
Type two limbs cost twice as much but have more functionality to them - for example type two legs are slightly more mobile and do not require a cane while a type two hand might be fashioned as a mechanical claw.  Dexterity can still be a problem for those with these artificial limbs, and devices modified to accommodate their use by people with Type Two limbs costs twice as much as standard models.<ref name=CBT/>
<span id="Type Three: Prosthesis"></span>
===Type Three: Prosthesis===
Made from a dull, flesh-colored plastic these limbs are shaped and designed to operate like the originals.  A type three hand can operate most normal equipment, though with not the same speed as the original, and a person with a type three leg is able to run as normal, though not if both legs are replaced.<ref name=CBT/>
<span id="Type Four: Advanced Prosthesis"></span>
===Type Four: Advanced Prosthesis===
These constructs of metal and plastic can replicate all the functions of the original with only slightly less dexterity, and even a person with both legs replaced can run as normal.  They can also be covered with a convincing latex sheath at normal cost to replicate the effect of skin, although closer inspection or combat damage will reveal it to be artificial.<ref name=CBT/>
<span id="Type Five: Myomer Replacement"></span>
===Type Five: Myomer Replacement===
While prohibitively expensive, [[Myomer]] replacement limbs are the most lifelike; detailed cosmetic finishing at a cost of 5,000 [[C-bill]]s per limb can make them indistinguishable from a normal limb barring a medical examination.  These limbs have no limitations on movement and motor control and, for all practical purposes, function identically to a fully functional natural limb.<ref name=CBT/>
<span id="Type Six: Cloned Replacement Limbs"></span>
===Type Six: Cloned Replacement Limbs===
The [[Clans]], having made great strides in the field of medical technology, can replace any body part - except for the brain and spinal cord - with an identical cloned replacement.  It is however a very time-consuming process: growing a new nose or ear can take a week, while a new arm or leg will take three months.  As well the patient's wound cannot be allowed to fully heal, requiring them to be under a doctor's care in the meantime, and once implanted they must undergo a three-week physical therapy regimen to become accustomed to their new limb.  Consequently few Clan Warriors actually use cloned replacements for anything more serious than missing toes or fingers, unable to accept being inactive for the required length of time, and will instead opt to take Type Four replacement limbs.<ref>''Lostech'', p. 113-114</ref>

Clan MedTechs have demonstrated the capability to bud new eyes from gensamps (genetic samples) in a few days, then implant it in a growth matrix mounted on the patient's face.<ref>''Exodus Road'', p. 4</ref>  A MedTech told [[Precentor Martial of ComStar|Precentor Martial]] [[Anastasius Focht]] he could have restored his eye if he had been present at the time he lost it. Focht also heard of a broken spine being repaired.<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', Chapter 18</ref>

The [[Fidelis]] also have the technology to regrow lost limbs through the budding process.<ref>''Surrender Your Dreams'', p. 108</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Artificial_Limbs.PNG|Artificial Limbs in comparison from ''[[Technical Readout: 3026|TRO:3026]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
*''[[Classic BattleTech RPG]]''
*''[[Lostech: The MechWarrior Equipment Guide]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3026]]''

[[Category:Medical Equipment]]
[[Category:Cybernetic Enhancements and Implants]]