Myoelectric and Body-Powered Upper-Limb Prostheses: The Users' Perspective

摘要

There are a number of considerations that clinicians weigh when guiding patients through the decision-making processes associated with upper-limb prosthetic rehabilitation. While clinical guidance is essential to such decisions, especially for an individual's first prosthesis, many patients benefit from peer mentoring and interaction. The opportunity to speak to someone who has experienced what they are going through can be extremely valuable and appreciated. Thoughtful clinicians have also benefited from years of listening to the perspectives of their patient clientele. The intent of this article is to present two users' perspectives that canvass some of the various considerations associated with congenital deficiency versus acquired limb amputation, unilateral versus bilateral limb absence, and the perceived benefits associated with body-powered and externally powered systems.