[The artificial hand. An overview of hand prostheses]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Patient demand for optimal hand reconstruction after injury or amputation is high.
• Existing prosthetic devices offer only basic hand functions, failing to integrate sensitive-tactile feedback with the central nervous system (CNS).
• Previous attempts at reconstructing complex hand functions have been hindered by unresolved prosthesis-CNS interface issues and mechanical complexities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a concise overview of high-performance, yet simple, orthotic and prosthetic devices.
• To address the limitations of current prosthetic technology in restoring comprehensive hand function.
• To introduce practical solutions for replacing lost forearm, hand, and finger function.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and technological advancements in hand prosthetics and orthotics.
• Analysis of challenges in achieving sensitive-tactile feedback integration with the CNS.
• Evaluation of mechanical engineering requirements for functional prosthetic devices.

Main Results:

• Significant challenges remain in achieving sensitive-tactile feedback integration between prostheses and the CNS.
• Complex finger control requires sophisticated mechanical engineering, often resulting in heavy and cumbersome prototypes.
• The survey highlights the need for "down-to-earth" solutions for functional restoration.

Conclusions:

• Restoring the sensitive-tactile connection between the hand and CNS remains a major unmet need in prosthetics.
• Developing functional, user-friendly prosthetic devices requires overcoming significant mechanical and interface challenges.
• This review introduces practical, high-performance orthotic and prosthetic devices for improved limb function restoration.