Up-to-date Information on Upper and Lower Extremity Prostheses

Abstract

The progress in the parts for upper and lower extremity prostheses has been remarkable. As a lower extremity prosthesis, C-Leg, a knee joint provided with a sensor, microprocessor and oil pressure controller serves to improve QOL of amputees. A myoelectric upper extremity prosthesis is one of the long-established protheses, and its popularization as public provision in Japan depends on to what extent it will be applied in the clinical setting. The present article reports the development process and construction of C-Leg and a myoelectric upper extremity prosthesis, as well as their contribution to amputees' QOL. © 2003, The Society of Physical Therapy Science. All rights reserved.