Mixing Muscle and Machine: A Look at Hybrid Arm Prosthetics

Upper limb prosthetics are not one-size-fits-all. They come in different types, and one type that's gaining traction is hybrid-power prostheses. These devices blend body-power and external-power into a single unit. Despite their growing use, especially for above-elbow amputations, there's a lack of clear definitions and comprehensive studies on their performance. The term "hybrid" is often used loosely, covering a wide range of prosthetics. This makes it hard to pin down what exactly a hybrid-power prosthesis is. To make sense of this, a recent review aimed to categorize the different types of hybrid prostheses, focusing on hybrid-power devices. It also looked at their designs and how they're used in both clinical and research settings. Comparing hybrid-power prostheses to other active prostheses is tricky. There's limited data on how they stack up against body-power or external-power prostheses in terms of functionality. This review tries to bridge that gap by examining existing studies and highlighting the need for more research. Hybrid-power prostheses offer a unique blend of features. They can provide the natural control of body-power prostheses and the advanced functionality of external-power prostheses. This combination could be a game-changer for people with above-elbow amputations, offering them more options for daily activities. However, the lack of clear definitions and standards makes it difficult to assess their true potential. More research is needed to understand their benefits and limitations. Until then, the full potential of hybrid-power prostheses remains a mystery.