Upper extremity limb loss: Functional restoration from prosthesis and targeted reinnervation to transplantation

Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface for Prostheses Control: Electrode Comparison

“…2 Although vascularized composite hand allotransplantation is an exciting option for select individuals, the standard restorative therapy for the majority of upper extremity amputees remains replacement prostheses. 3 With improvements in robotic technology, upper extremity prostheses are capable of emulating precise finger, hand, and wrist movements, and offer more natural and biomimetic replacement of lost function. 4,5 However, amputees continue to reject these sophisticated devices at unreasonably high rates in preference for conventional cable-driven, body-powered prosthetic limbs that provide little functional recovery beyond basic grasping.…”

Case report and literature review of the outcome following reimplantation of the arm

“…In recent years, there has been an improvement in prosthetic designs in terms of their form and function. 21 Carlsen et al 21 presented a 50-year-old patient with a similar injury to the index case who was initially treated with an above elbow myoelectric prosthesis. The myoelectric prosthesis for this injury allows for intuitive control of elbow flexion and extension; however, activating a cumbersome switch is required for forearm rotation and hand control.…”

“…The myoelectric prosthesis for this injury allows for intuitive control of elbow flexion and extension; however, activating a cumbersome switch is required for forearm rotation and hand control. 21 The patient’s frustration with the prosthesis despite improved function resulted in a revision using an allograft humerus to increase the lever arm and provide rotational stability for her new prosthetic device. The patient was far more satisfied postrevision surgery.…”

Vascularized Composite Allotransplant in the Realm of Regenerative Plastic Surgery

“…Currently, upper limb prostheses are not able to return sensation, fine motor control, and the tactile aesthetics of human tissue. 18 Prosthetic and osteointegrated implants are also available for some facial defects such as the ear or nose, but facial prostheses cannot be fitted for total facial injuries and cannot restore normal speech, swallowing, or the ability to smile. Additionally, all prostheses are sensitive to natural daily occurrences, particularly sebaceous skin secretions along with daylight radiation ( Figure 2).…”