[Exoprosthetic Replacement of the Upper Extremity]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Upper limb prosthetics have seen significant advancements, particularly in control strategies.
• New nerve surgical concepts and pattern recognition technology have improved myoelectric prosthesis control.
• Amputation level significantly influences prosthetic fitting challenges and functional outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the possibilities and limitations of exoprosthetic limb replacement across different amputation levels.
• To explore recent technological and surgical developments in upper extremity prosthetics.
• To highlight the critical evaluation needed for prosthetic fitting, especially in partial hand amputations.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent developments in nerve surgical concepts for improved prosthesis control.
• Analysis of pattern recognition technologies for intuitive myoelectric prosthesis control.
• Discussion of challenges and outcomes associated with various upper limb amputation levels.

Main Results:

• Nerve surgical concepts and pattern recognition enable more natural control of multifunctional myoelectric prostheses.
• Functional outcomes and prosthetic attachment challenges vary significantly with amputation level.
• Partial hand amputations may benefit more from biologic reconstructive concepts than prosthetic fitting.

Conclusions:

• Technological and surgical innovations are driving advancements in upper limb exoprosthetic replacement.
• The choice between prosthetic fitting and biologic reconstruction requires careful consideration of amputation level and patient needs.
• Further research is needed to optimize prosthetic solutions and reconstructive strategies for all upper limb amputation levels.