What’s in the future of prosthetic limbs?
Integrating newer technology into prostheses can be divided into three general categories:
- changing the materials used to build prostheses
- how signals from the brain can control the prostheses
- how the prosthesis limb itself can adjust to different movements.
3D printing
3D-printing limbs with plastic filament lowers the final cost of limbs. It also allows for customisation. This can be especially helpful for very young amputees. It makes limbs cheaper to replace as they grow, and also makes the prosthetic limb something cool as opposed to something weird or different. Malaysian organisations providing 3D-printed limbs include the E-NABLE Nusantara chapter, based in Johor, and Delta Bionics, based in Perak.
Prostheses coverings can now also be printed using silicon, which makes them lighter, durable and easy to match to existing skin tones. Silicone is also bacteria-resistant, hypoallergenic, biologically compatible, and works well when combined with other materials.
Customised designs
Prostheses can be designed to fit the activity or work of their users. For example, Paralympians may run with blade prosthetics. For those doing heavy-duty work, more durable steel and titanium prostheses can better hold up to tasks.
Control systems
Control systems can be built into prosthetic limbs to work as a ‘brain’. It receives signals from the wearer’s brain and interprets them to move motors inside the limb. This makes moving around safer, faster, and more fluid. Advanced limbs can even
- save preset grips
- be connected to apps
- help users to walk on slopes or rough terrain
- respond to Bluetooth signals to activate specific movements.
Direct mind-to-limb control
Some prosthetic limbs do not have an attached ‘brain’, but instead use myoelectric sensors. These detect the natural electric signals given off my muscles and use them to help the limb move.
Restoring sensation
Prosthetic limbs will also be able to restore the wearer’s sense of touch. By implanting a device into nerves and connecting it to electrodes in the muscles, movement and grip can be translated into signals the brain recognises as touch.
New signal-decoding technology
Current powered prosthetics ‘learn’ how to move through pattern recognition. Training these patterns can be difficult and tiring for the user. However, scientists are developing a generic computer modules that copy the natural structures of the forearm, wrist and hand. This results in a shorter, easier period ‘teaching’ the limb how to work. It makes using the prosthetic easier and more intuitive.
Conclusion
Many new developments are coming, or are already here, to make using a prosthetic limb easier, more natural, and in some cases more fun. These technologies can be expensive. But with more widespread use, costs can come down and the technology can be made gradually more accessible to all income levels.
References
Chris L. (2019) The magic touch: bringing sensory feedback to brain-controlled prosthetics [Accessed: 30 September 2019] Available at: https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/features/future-prosthetics/
Forbes Insights (2019) Intuitive Limbs: The New Era in Prosthetic Technology [Accessed: 30 September 2019] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/insights-intelai/2019/02/11/intuitive-limbs-the-new-era-in-prosthetic-technology/#214457953e22
Hanger Clinic (2017) Microprocessor Prosthetic Feet [Accessed: 6 November 2019] Available at: http://hangerclinic.com/limb-loss/adult-lower-extremity/adv-tech/Pages/microprocessor-prosthetic-feet.aspx
Janneke G.M.V. (2018) New prosthetic technology lets you control artificial arms as your own biological limb [Accessed: 30 September 2019] Available at: https://www.utwente.nl/en/news/2018/11/146781/new-prosthetic-technology-lets-you-control-artificial-arms-as-your-own-biological-limb
Makoto N., Katsuya M., Mitsuhisa S., Manabu G., Takakazu I. (2008) The development of a knee joint (NAL-Knee) to allow trans-femoral prosthesis users to ascend and descend stairs or slopes [Accessed: 6 November 2019] Available at: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jspo1985/24/4/24_4_228/_article/-char/en
Mark S. (2018) 6 Prosthetic-Technology Breakthroughs That Promise Better Living Through Design [Accessed: 30 September 2019] Available at: https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/prosthetic-technology/
Nabtesco Corporation (2014) 4-Bar Hydraulic Microprocessor knee ALLUX [Accessed: 6 November 2019] Available at: http://www.allux.info/contents/technology.html
North Carolina State University (2018) New tech may make prosthetic hands easier for patients to use [Accessed: 30 September 2019] Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180522132703.htm
Nur Zarina O. (2019) A self-taught inventor-cum-former teacher creates 3D prosthetic hands for children [Accessed: 30 September 2019] Available at: https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/bots/2019/08/516077/self-taught-inventor-cum-former-teacher-creates-3d-prosthetic-hands
Össur (2015) Össur Introduces First Mind-Controlled Bionic Prosthetic Lower Limbs for Amputees [Accessed: 30 September 2019] Available at: https://www.ossur.com/corporate/about-ossur/ossur-news/1246-ossur-introduces-first-mind-controlled-bionic-prosthetic-lower-limbs-for-amputees
Össur (2016) i-Limb® Quantum [Accessed: 6 November 2019] Available at: https://www.ossur.com/prosthetic-solutions/products/touch-solutions/i-limb-quantum
stamos + braun prothesenwerk (2016) Silicone prosthesis out of a 3D-printer [Accessed: 6 November 2019] Available at: https://www.prothesenwerk.com/en/f156000171.html