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The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that it would provide prosthetics to the estimated 20 to 25 victims of the Boston bombings who lost limbs. Because the bombs were placed on the ground, many of the victims will need new legs which cost between $8,000 and $12,000 for below-the-knee prosthetics and $40,000 to $60,000 for above-the-knee devices. That means that the total cost of the all the prosthetics could be as high as $1.5 million. "The last thing that someone should have to worry about when they lose ... a leg is to have adequate insurance coverage for a prosthetic device," said Kendra Calhoun, head of the Amputee Coalition.
And if the experiences of American military amputees is any guide, these victims might also get the most advanced prosthetics and physical therapy out there. Veterans have long been the recipients of innovative devices, and doctors have been perfecting the recovery process over the past few years. These advances are a bright side to the darkness of war but stand to change the lives of many. Since military surgeries have already influenced how the Boston victims were treated, it's not unreasonable to believe that the recovery process will be similarly filled with support..