Powered Limb Prostheses: Their Clinical Significance

The clinical importance of existing powered prosthetic devices is investigated. In this regard, several powered prosthetic systems that are in practical use are reviewed and put in perspective with respect to body-powered systems. The unique problems of delivery and maintenance of these systems are discussed as are practical design limitations. An appraisal is made of development trends in the field and the author´s viewpoint on the optimal environment for practical advances in the field is presented.