Historical Perspective of the Surgical Innovations to Improve Prosthetic Control

Over the course of history, humanity has continuously pursued ways to restore the upper extremity after amputation. Both technology and new techniques have helped bring surgeons closer to recreating the biological upper extremity than ever before. Surgical innovations such as vessel ligation, proximal osteotomies, muscle flap closures, and infection control have their basis in historical accounts of amputation care. The 21st century has seen advances in surgical pain control after amputation, improved myoelectric prosthetic control, and the potential for sensory feedback. The combination and interplay of technology and surgical innovation will continue to drive the field of prosthetics forward.