2 research outputs found
Recommended from our members
The ToMPAW modular prosthesis - a platform for research in upper limb prosthetics
Current designs of commercial arm prostheses do not support a modular approach. This means that an arm customised to the user needs becomes an assembly of disparate devices. The ToMPAW consortium was created to build on each participants earlier experiences from limb fitting, orthopaedic, technological engineering and from precision manufacture techniques in order to create a whole arm system from fingers to shoulder joint that was fully modular, both mechanically and electronically. A modular control system has been implemented which serves as a platform for research in upper limb prosthetics. The modular approach enables each prosthesis to be easily modified, programmed or extended according to each individual’s needs thus making it possible to try out different control schemes and mechanical realizations building on a small set of modules. Four experimental hands and two arm systems have had limited clinical use at two centres in the UK and Sweden, in addition advanced arm control could be easily implemented with few changes to the system. A modular approach has the potential to cut limb fitting costs by reducing the time needed for fitting and maintenance and the number of articles to be held in stock, either by the supplier or at the limb centre
Cutting Edge Bionics in Highly Impaired Individuals: A Case of Challenges and Opportunities
Highly impaired individuals stand to benefit greatly from cutting-edge bionic technology, however concurrent functional deficits may complicate the adaptation of such technology. Here, we present a case in which a visually impaired individual with bilateral burn injury amputation was provided with a novel transradial neuromusculoskeletal prosthesis comprising skeletal attachment via osseointegration and implanted electrodes in nerves and muscles for control and sensory feedback. Difficulties maintaining implant hygiene and donning and doffing the prosthesis arose due to his contralateral amputation, ipsilateral eye loss, and contralateral impaired vision necessitating continuous adaptations to the electromechanical interface. Despite these setbacks, the participant still demonstrated improvements in functional outcomes and the ability to control the prosthesis in various limb positions using the implanted electrodes. Our results demonstrate the importance of a multidisciplinary, iterative, and patient-centered approach to making cutting-edge technology accessible to patients with high levels of impairment