0 Item(s)
Impact of Emerging Technologies on Clinical Considerations: Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Surgeries, Pattern Recognition, Implanted Electrodes, Osseointegration, and Three-Dimensional Printed Solutions
State of the Science Conference Findings
Keyword(s)
upper-limb prosthesis, targeted muscle reinnervation, pattern recognition, imbedded myoelectrodes, osseointegration, 3D printing
In the recent past, there have been several technological advancements and applications to the field of Upper Limb Prosthetics that warrant attention to clinicians and the healthcare community. Targeted Muscle Reinnervation is a surgical procedure used to enhance the functional capabilities of myoelectric prosthesis users. This procedure has been in practice since 2002 and is no longer considered experimental. The other surgical procedure on the horizon for individuals with upper limb amputations is Osseointegration. Although this procedure that has been around in various forms for decades, refinement of the surgical intervention and minimization of negative outcomes has enabled individuals to benefit from this technology. Two other technologies that have been around for decades are Pattern Recognition and 3-D Printing. However, the application of these two processes, to the field of Upper Limb Prosthetics, is new, exciting and challenging. Integration of these and other technologies can meet opposition at first; as any changes do. The prosthetists will need to educate themselves in these technologies in order to continue seeking ways to improve the lives of individuals with whom they work. (J Prosthet Orthot. 2017;29:P35–P39)
Author(s)
Robert D. Lipschutz, CP, BSME
Description
Technological advancements continue to redefine upper-limb prosthetic solutions and potential outcomes. It is the choice of the clinician to either ignore or resist these new innovations or embrace and welcome them. Many of the technological advancements remain in research and development stages for extended periods before being released into the general population for clinical use. Once these advancements become commercially available, widespread adoption requires still more time. Several of these currently developing advancements involve surgical intervention beyond the initial amputation and postsurgical management. Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) and osseointegration (OI) are two surgical procedures that will have an increasing impact on clinical fitting of upper-limb prostheses. Pattern recognition (PR) and imbedded electrodes offer additional improvements in the functional control of externally powered devices and will require clinical understanding and acceptance. Three-dimensional (3D) printed solutions represent another technology movement that is beginning to have substantial presence in the upper-limb prosthetics community and must also be considered. This article summarizes the clinical considerations associated with these recent and continued technological advancements on upper-limb prosthetic care.