Prosthetics and Orthotics
Summary
Prosthetics and orthotics represent complementary disciplines dedicated to restoring or augmenting human limb function through externally applied devices. Prosthetic limbs replace missing or amputated extremities, while orthoses support, align or correct the function of existing limbs or the spine. Both fields integrate biomechanics, materials science, neuroscience and clinical rehabilitation into multidisciplinary care pathways. Modern prosthetic systems range from passive socket and suspension technologies to advanced myoelectric and sensor-driven bionic limbs, offering improvements in gait, dexterity and user comfort. Orthotic devices span simple therapeutic braces to dynamic off-loading and real-time adaptive systems that modulate joint forces during movement. Central to successful outcomes are personalised fitting, iterative alignment and training protocols that account for patient anatomy, residual limb health and functional goals. Emerging innovations—such as additive manufacturing, digital scanning and data interoperability—aim to reduce production time, tailor device geometry and support remote monitoring, thereby enhancing accessibility and long-term device fidelity. Together, prosthetic and orthotic solutions strive to reconnect individuals to daily activities, improve quality of life and foster social participation on a global scale.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent studies have introduced fully automated digital pipelines for producing custom ocular prostheses by combining optical imaging data with statistical shape models, significantly reducing clinician labour and ensuring consistent anatomical fidelity. Parallel work has validated rapid monoscopic photogrammetry via mobile devices against conventional CT scanning for orbital defect capture, demonstrating equivalent surface accuracy and markedly shortened patient chair-side time. These research advances underscore the potential of integrated digital workflows to streamline complex prosthetic design and fabrication processes.
Prosthetics and Orthotics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in prosthetics and orthotics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Myoelectric prosthesis: A limb replacement that uses surface or implanted electromyographic signals from residual muscles to control powered joints.
Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR): A surgical technique that transfers transected nerves to residual muscles to create distinct electromyographic signal sites and mitigate neuroma pain.
Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI): A method in which free muscle grafts are implanted around nerve stumps to organise axonal regrowth and provide robust control signals.
Monoscopic photogrammetry: A technique that reconstructs three-dimensional surface geometry from single-camera images using photogrammetric algorithms.
Statistical shape model: A computational framework that captures anatomical variability to predict missing or incomplete structures for prosthetic design.
K-level grading system: A classification tool assigning functional mobility levels to lower limb amputees based on activity potential.
References
- Prevention is better than cure: Surgical methods for neuropathic pain prevention following amputation – A systematic review. Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (2021).
- Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces Effectively Prevent Neuroma Formation After Sciatic Nerve Transection in Rats. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience (2022).
- Therapeutic benefits of lower limb prostheses: a systematic review. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation (2023).
- A pilot on the use of stride cadence for the characterization of walking ability in lower limb amputees. Biomedical Engineering Advances (2024).
- Quantitate evaluation of photogrammetry with CT scanning for orbital defect. Scientific Reports (2024).
- Automatic data-driven design and 3D printing of custom ocular prostheses. Nature Communications (2024).
About these summaries
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