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Two Major Shortcomings Of Modern-Day Bionic Prostheses

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Alen Parker
Two Major Shortcomings Of Modern-Day Bionic Prostheses

Bionics emerged as a force of change in the field of prosthetics. After the emergence of bionics, prostheses became functional entities. Modern prostheses were able to adhere to the wielder's will solely because of the incorporation of bionics. But this life-changing instrument of excellence can not be implemented for every amputee out there. There are certain limitations of bionic prostheses as well. To understand them in detail and look towards a solution; we must dive into its inner mechanisms. Apart from doing the same, this article will additionally shed light on some of the emerging technology. Some of them are poised to extend the boundaries of bionics.

How it works

A bionic prosthesis is controlled and operated by an onboard microcomputer. This computer receives electromyographic signals from the mostly non-invasive electromyographic sensors placed on the skin. These Sensors take up EMG signals from the residual muscles left post-amputation. The micro-computer receives the data from the EMG sensors and processes them. This processing results in gestures and actions. However, the quantity and quality of gestures and movements depend mostly on the hardware a bionic prosthesis packs.

Can not be deployed after the alleviation of the phantom limb.

After losing a limb, the body does not recognize the loss immediately. As the anatomical modifications needed for a smooth operation remain active long afterwards. Due to the presence, a pseudo sensation of the lost hand remains. This sensation culminates in frustration and pain. Better known as phantom limb pain. As the working mechanism suggests, functional residual muscles are important for a smooth operation which include the contributions from these anatomical modifications. Hence, the implementation of a bionic prosthesis with the best possible results can not be obtained afterwards.

No sensory reception

Due to the non-invasive nature of the EMG sensors featured by a prosthesis. Hence sensory reception is out of the question for a modern-day bionic prosthesis. Due to this drawback, the complete experience of a limb can not be obtained.

But the solution to this problem is emerging from a distant horizon. The neuromusculoskeletal sensor paradigm is being incorporated in many modern-day prostheses. These sensors coupled with pressure and heat can complete the wielding experience of a bionic prosthesis.

Presence of residual muscles

To this day, all the amputees in need of bionic support can not avail themselves of the same for a plethora of reasons. Fortunately, the prosthetic arm price is not as much as before thanks to local manufacturers. But after a life-saving amputation still, everyone can’t avail of a prosthesis. Amputations are extreme and candid measures mostly done for saving lives. During the process, it is not always possible to retain all the necessary muscles. In these scenarios, conventional non-invasive sensors can not help. Only the aforementioned neuromusculoskeletal sensors might sort things out a little bit. But till the emergence of 3d printed organs, bionic prostheses are the best options we have.

 

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