The article "Bionic Prosthetic Hands: a Review of Present Technology and Future Aspirations" written by R.G.E Clement gives insight into the present discoveries made, and how it is used in daily function. Historically, many amputees were destined to live in social stigma. It was not seen as important to solve the issue for their future abilities, and they were told to make do with things such as hooks or planks. They were ostracized for conditions they could not control and were given no help for their ailments. Over the past century, planks were slowly replaced with more lifelike replicas, but without full function. They played a role of a space filler, without the benefits of being able to use that space. However, this was not the only option for amputees. In 1999, the first recorded hand transplant was introduced to the masses, in order to gain some type of independence and mobility back. These transplants are incredibly difficult to perform as it takes multiple factors in order for it to be a successful transplant. There are things to consider such as size, function, and blood type. Another cause for concern is the immunosuppressant nature of the patient, and what potential infections can be triggered. Due to this, artificial limbs are the most common form of treatment for amputees. The first uses of bionic technology for limbs were unsuccessful. They were massive pieces of technology that had to be attached to a computer. They were incredibly heavy, and unable to perform full range of motion more than just raising an arm. The modern bionics are significantly smaller in size and have major motion advancements. Most hands have the ability to grip, touch keys, open and close fists, and raise the arm. These limbs also have the ability to be transported, unlike their parent prototypes. The detailing behind these bionic hands have given modular components back to those who use them. One of the biggest concerns towards improvement is the fine motor skills. In an organic hand, the motor skills readily available are connected to electrical signals from the brain to send towards the muscle to then move the hand when needed. These types of electrical control are not available in the same way for bionic hands. They still delay, they still have certain tics that gradually lessen the more a person gets used to wearing it. They still have specific electrical signals that help the body process the motion, which is due to myoelectrical connections made from electrodes in the bionic on to the remaining muscle. It then stimulates to do bare functions such as opening and closing the hand. However, without the full range of connection made from the brain, it is incredibly difficult to gauge things such as touch and pressure. They would not be able to feel these yet, as it is mainly controlled by somatosensory inputs. With these concerns in mind, what does it mean for the future of advancements in bionic appendages?
In an article "The Future of Bionic Limbs" by Laurent Frossard and David Lloyd, there is more specific information on what is the future of bionic limbs. Currently, the most modern solution to issues such as delay, and fine touch have been tried to be solved with microprocessors within the nervous system. These microprocessors are quintessential to the engine of the bionic limb and would be able to help control more fine touch. The way the limbs are attached has also changed in regard to function. They are now currently attached to the skeletal muscle left in the body where the amputation begins. Because of this, there is more electrical signal processing that can happen within the system. This shows future developments towards fine motor control, and hopefully further physiological systems connected to the neural pathways. There are also advancements made towards lessening infections after application. Many amputees are incredibly susceptible to infections after surgery. Dr. Frossard et al had introduced a new diagnostic system in order to better understand the residual body remaining after the loss of the limb. This will ensure a better approach towards underlying conditions to be aware of before attachment and lessen side effects afterward procedures. This is done by mimicking the body's natural response to infection, and seeing how the patient reacts prior to surgery.
The history of bionic limbs is important to understand when reflecting on what the technology looks like in day-to-day use. It continually progresses each year, and with that, more limbs become readily available for mass amounts of people who deserve that independence and structure. The bionic limbs used to be unable to move more than a few inches from their software, but today the models are able to travel, and actually give people back their normalcy.
References
Clement, R. G. E., Bugler, K. E., & Oliver, C. W. (2011). Bionic Prosthetic Hands: A Review of present technology and future aspirations. The Surgeon, 9(6), 336–340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surge.2011.06.001
The future of Bionic Limbs. (2021). Research Features, (134). https://doi.org/10.26904/rf-134-7477
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