Advancements, challenges and opportunities in upper-limb prosthetic sockets: A comprehensive review

The prosthetic socket is a key interface in upper-limb prostheses, directly affecting user comfort, control, and function. While reviews exist for lower-limb sockets, synthesis for upper-limb designs remains limited. To address this gap, this study systematically reviewed upper-limb prosthetic socket and interface designs, focusing on structural adaptability, material strategies, embedded sensing, manufacturing methods, and clinical translation. We searched major databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2025. Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria, categorized into complete socket systems and interface evaluations. Results indicate that hybrid socket concepts combining rigid shells with flexible liners or lattice structures represent a recurring direction, often enabled by additive manufacturing. Embedded pressure, capacitive, and bioelectric sensors are emerging for fit monitoring and control, yet many adaptive and sensor-integrated systems remain at the prototype or early-evaluation stage, with limited long-term clinical validation. This review highlights the prominence of flexible, sensor-rich interfaces but notes that clinical evidence is constrained by small sample sizes and inconsistent reporting. Future work should prioritize standardized clinical outcome measures, long-term user studies, and the integration of soft materials and electronics into clinically deployable designs.