Amputee Life — Prosthetic Trends

Microprocessor technology has been used in prosthetics since the late 1990s with the introduction of microprocessor (MCP) knees or more commonly known as computer-controlled knees. Since then, prosthetic manufacturers, such as Ottobock, Össur, and Endolite, have made continued improvements and added features to make walking more efficient. Today, this cutting-edge technology has expanded to include microprocessor feet.

When one loses a limb, the brain is unable to fully process and still sends signals. It will continue to send signals to that limb—this is the leading cause behind phantom limb pain. While this occurrence may cause discomfort, it gives prosthetic researchers hope to use these signals to continue improving prostheses until they feel and act like a biological limb.

Iceland-based prosthetics manufacturer, Össur, is one step closer to bringing mind-controlled prosthetics to the market. Late last year, the company teamed up with the Alfred Mann Foundation (AMF), a non-profit dedicated to developing medical technologies that will be accessible to the public. The partnership will allow Össur to license and develop the foundation’s implanted myoelectric sensor (IMES) and explore the potential of mind-controlled prosthetics.

In the past few years, we have enjoyed the release of one prosthetic development after another. While many have praised the creative and technical minds behind these breakthroughs, not much is said about the “human guinea pigs” who go through numerous tests so prosthetic researchers and manufacturers can release a viable product. We take a sneak peek into the research process.

We are living in exciting times, especially where the development of prosthetic technology is concerned. The past few years saw quantum leaps in research, the trajectory of which points to understanding the human brain and anatomy to create prostheses that increasingly feel more natural to use. Better designs promise a better quality of life for prosthetic users around the world, and there is no doubt that we will see more improvements in the following prosthetic tech this year.