Clinical Perspectives in Upper Limb Prostheses: An Update

Purpose of Review This paper aims to summarise the development trends in upper limb bionics over the past 5 years. Recent Findings Increasingly pattern recognition and regression control algorithms are being used to decode EMG signals for prosthetic control and are moving towards clinically available devices. Additionally, bionic reconstruction has built on the principles of targeted muscle reinnervation to add another rung to the reconstructive ladder for upper limb deficits. Finally, novel methods to provide sensation to prostheses are trialled not just in the laboratory but in home testing systems as well. Summary Engineering, surgical and rehabilitation methods are gradually adding more capabilities to modern prostheses, moving towards the goal of replicating natural hand function.