Article

Today, there exist a variety of lower limb prosthetic devices. Each device differs in design and function. A relatively new and particularly interesting category of prosthetics are those that are microprocessor controlled. These devices ultimately seek to mimic the human anatomical control system, surpassing the abilities of mechanical-based prosthetics, by incorporating sensor input, processing, output actuation, and feedback input features. However, it is important to understand that not all microprocessor-controlled devices operate in the same manner; they each enhance amputee ambulation through a combination of different input methods, control system accommodations, and output actuation strategies. Currently, there does not exist a lower limb device that features afferent communication with the brain. Microprocessor-controlled prosthetic devices attain input information intrinsically through computational sensors and/or extrinsically through human interactive sensors. The device processes the sensor inputs collected and appropriately controls for the gait environment. Devices differ in the ability to accommodate for the various environmental factors and in the extent to which accommodation can be achieved. The resultant output of the device incorporates resistive and/or powered actuation strategies into each step. A classification of currently available microprocessor-controlled knees and feet is shown.

Langue : ANGLAIS