Electrically Powered Upper Limb Prostheses: Their Development and Application

Abstract

This article is based on experience gained at the Manchester Disablement Services Centre (formerly Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre) in the provision of electrically powered prostheses. Since 1978, considerable changes have taken place in the United Kingdom in the design and provision of upper limb prostheses for both adults and children. A history of the developments in the field of electrically powered prostheses is given and the role of the occupational therapist is discussed.