[Electric hand prosthesis. Today's applications and developmental patterns].

Progress in myoelectric control technology has over the years been incremental, due in part to the alternating focus of the R&D between control methodology and device hardware. The technology has over the past 50 years or so moved from single muscle control of a single prosthesis function to muscle group activity control of multifunction prostheses. Central to these changes have been developments in the means of extracting information from the myoelectric signal. This paper gives an overview of the myoelectric signal processing challenge, a brief look at the challenge from an historical perspective, the state-of-the-art in myoelectric signal processing for prosthesis control, and an indication of where this field is heading. The paper demonstrates that considerable progress has been made in providing clients with useful and reliable myoelectric communication channels, and that exciting work and developments are on the horizon.

Artificial Limbs↗

PubMed2006

[Management of upper limb deformities. Treatment concepts through the years].

The provision of aids and prostheses for patients with upper limb deficiencies has to be based on comprehensive knowledge in the field of orthopaedic technology. Taking into account the patient's complete background, evaluation of the possible functional benefit is mandatory in order to achieve good acceptance of a prosthesis in the long term. The extent of extremity "loss" and the remaining function of the deficient limb have an impact on the success of prosthetic fitting. Furthermore, there is a trend towards myoelectric prostheses, which seem to improve prosthetic acceptance. Bilateral congenital deficiency of the upper limbs cannot be equated with amputations. Most people affected do not push for a prosthesis, but should be provided with one, if the need arises. Decades of overuse of the deficient limbs often take their toll in terms of decreasing function as degenerative changes occur. As a consequence, artificial upper limbs may be obligatory to prevent loss of independence.

Artificial Limbs↗

PubMed2006

Rotationplasty--a unique surgical procedure with a functional outcome.

ROTATIONPLASTY is a surgical procedure that may be appropriate for children with severe congenital femoral deficiency or children with malignant tumors of the femur or proximal tibia. OSTEOTOMIES AND RESECTION of the femur and tibia are performed, allowing the patient's foot to be rotated 180 degrees and reattached while preserving the nerves, muscles, and blood supply. THE POSTERIOR-FACING FOOT functions as the patient's knee joint in a specially fitted prosthesis. Although the outcome is visually unusual, for some children, regaining function and physical capabilities outweighs cosmetic concerns. The surgical procedure is technically challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Artificial Limbs↗