How Modern Prosthetics Work

Controlling The Prosthetic Limb

Some prosthetic limbs are solely cosmetic and designed only with appearance as the goal, rather than controllability. Others are designed with function and usability as a central purpose. One example is a prosthetic hand that may consist of a split hook like a pincer and can be closed or opened to grasp objects and perform similar task types. Controlling the prosthetic limb meant with practicality in mind can occur in several ways. Body-powered limbs are utilized by controlling cables attached elsewhere on the body. Externally powered limbs, powered by motors, can be controlled by the prosthetic recipient in many ways. One is a switch, which permits the device to be moved by toggling buttons or switches. A more advanced method is to have the limb listen to the remaining muscles in the residual limb that are still capable of contracting. Electrodes placed on the skin's surface are capable of measuring muscle movements when the remaining muscles generate tiny electrical signals upon contraction. These limbs are called myoelectric.