That differences exist between lower- and upper-limb osseointegration (OI) processes surprises no one. Although by definition upper- and lower-limb OI systems both attach the prosthesis directly to the bone, avoiding the use of a socket, weight bearing lower-limb prostheses have fewer and less complex functions to perform than are expected, even demanded, from an upper-limb device. In addition, surgical techniques and augmentations may differ, as do rehabilitation and training processes and timeframes. We asked prosthetists, therapists, and researchers how the upper-limb OI experience is different and how developments in control methods offer the potential to improve users’ outcomes.
What We Learn From the Differences
Eric J. Earley, PhD, assistant research professor, Bone Anchored Limb Research Group, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, explains that prosthetic legs are limited to cyclic activities like walking and stair climbing, and simple actions like standing and sitting. With the addition of microprocessor or power knees to predict and adjust for the wearer’s next step by adding or absorbing energy as needed, the mechanism of the prosthesis typically does everything else for its wearer.
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