Where is the RFI world at in terms of medical tech and prosthetics? Can they reattach a limb? Grow a new one? Or are prosthetic limbs still the solution?
So, the unfortunate answer is "it depends".
Reattachment is the most doable, but has these caveats:
- The damage has to be such that either end of the limb is in good condition
- No burns, tearing, or crushing
- Near immediate access to proper medical attention after the injury; even an hour can make it unfeasible
- Access to 'wealthy' medical system, i.e.:
- Military, large populated League World, or personally wealthy (mainly Terrans)
Regrowth remains HIGHLY experimental, and has downsides:
- Limited access
- The Musk/Bezos types might be rich enough
- Involves (temporary) genetic manipulation, either must be prepared ahead of time, or custom retrovirus made at MASSIVE expense
- Still only about 60% efficacy
- The longer before regrowth starts, the chance of success drop quickly
- Better with things like fingers than arms/legs
- Complications common years on.
Prosthetics range from static plastic and metal, to hyper realistic. It's very possible to have one that feels lifelike, has some decent sensory input, and without seeing the seam is convincing. (Honestly, the sex industry has really lead lifelike non-human materials research.)
- Widely available
- Commplexity and quality still ranges widely by wealth
- Low Rejection
- ~1% of the population has negative reaction and above-average rejection of neuron attachment, leads to complications
- HIGHLY dependent how many neuron attachments are possible.
- If a small number (10% - 30% of original) you can have robotic movement, little to no sensory input.
- Higher number is just a sliding scale of realistic movement and realistic sensations.
- Subject to quality of doctor/hospital, but much more affordable.