Document Detail


Bionic prosthetic hands: A review of present technology and future aspirations.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22041647     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Bionic prosthetic hands are rapidly evolving. An in-depth knowledge of this field of medicine is currently only required by a small number of individuals working in highly specialist units. However, with improving technology it is likely that the demand for and application of bionic hands will continue to increase and a wider understanding will be necessary.
METHODS: We review the literature and summarise the important advances in medicine, computing and engineering that have led to the development of currently available bionic hand prostheses.
FINDINGS: The bionic limb of today has progressed greatly since the hook prostheses that were introduced centuries ago. We discuss the ways that major functions of the human hand are being replicated artificially in modern bionic hands. Despite the impressive advances bionic prostheses remain an inferior replacement to their biological counterparts. Finally we discuss some of the key areas of research that could lead to vast improvements in bionic limb functionality that may one day be able to fully replicate the biological hand or perhaps even surpass its innate capabilities.
CONCLUSION: It is important for the healthcare community to have an understanding of the development of bionic hands and the technology underpinning them as this area of medicine will expand.
Authors:
R G E Clement; K E Bugler; C W Oliver
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2011-07-13
Journal Detail:
Title:  The surgeon : journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland     Volume:  9     ISSN:  1479-666X     ISO Abbreviation:  Surgeon     Publication Date:  2011 Dec 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-11-01     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101168329     Medline TA:  Surgeon     Country:  Scotland    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  336-40     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2011 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK.
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