Artificial Limbs for Upper Extremity Amputation

The importance of integrating the surgical, prosthetic, and rehabilitation treatment of a person with upper limb loss to optimize outcome has never been more evident. A limb amputation leaves a number of critical structural challenges that can be optimized by diligent surgical approaches. Advances in socket technology, prosthetic components, and control strategies have improved dramatically over the last decade. Exciting developments in neural interface control, signal processing, and engineered devices create a shifting landscape of which surgeons and rehabilitation practitioners need to be aware in order to create optimal outcomes for patients with limb loss. This chapter provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art surgical and prosthetic management approaches for upper limb amputation, as well as a glance at some of the exciting developments on the horizon.