War Zone Technology to Help Bring Normalcy to Boston's Wounded

the remarkable technology perfected in war zones that offers real hopes to the wounded. I'm here with our veteran of war zones, abc's martha raddatz and, martha, so many lost parts of their legs and... See More

the remarkable technology perfected in war zones that offers real hopes to the wounded. I'm here with our veteran of war zones, abc's martha raddatz and, martha, so many lost parts of their legs and doctors have learned so much to help them straight out of the bionic man. It's true. Hearing about these injuries was a reminder to so many and to me of the injuries our veterans have suffered but there is another reminder, the amazing progress we have made in treating them. When I first met mark little, bleeding and broken in the 28th combat support hospital in baghdad, he had lost both legs to a roadside bomb. You're pretty certain. Reporter: Four years later he was newly married and also walking, running and even playing hockey with a set of prosthetic legs. I could see a soldier that came off the battlefield 72 hours and honestly say to him or her that six months from now their life was going to look so much better. Reporter: For so many, the boston bombing victims recovery will be a long, hard road. But thanks to the painful experience of american troops over 12 years of war, that path is a more hopeful one. A decade ago I don't think we had anywhere near the ability to return functionality for a lost limb. But the advances that have been made have been absolutely amazing. Reporter: It's not just trauma care that has made huge advancements, rehab and the quality of life for amputees is better than ever. Bring that wrist up. Reporter: Civilians too are seeing the benefits in places like houston's memorial hermann-texas medical center. We see a lot of different advances that our patients are able to take advantage of. Reporter: Last year the rehabilitation institute of chicago showed off this leg that looks more terminator than prosthetic on an amputee who used it to climb all 103 stories of chicago's tallest building. It's the first bionic leg controlled by thoughts. It's a long process to psychologically over and establish a new normal in your life and move on. There is, of course, a high price tag for these prosthetics. They can range from $5,000 to up to $50,000 for the most advanced kind and not all insurance plans cover all the costs but i suspect in boston that town will rally to help those injured with whatever they need including the new england patriots who are kicking in too. Yes. Sam to your point earlier everybody chipping in to help. The healing power of hope that there is going to be a better tomorrow. It's amazing. I've seen it for 1 years and we'll see it in boston. Yes, we will.