Advancing Diagnostic Devices for Limb Loss

Image credit: Professor Laurent Frossard

A new literature review conducted by Queensland researchers is set to help with the identification, invention, and implementation of next-generation diagnostic devices, for people with neuromusculoskeletal issues resulting from limb loss.

Published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, the paper dives into the trends, opportunities, and challenges of current technologies in this ever-growing space.

Taken from across first-hand observations, grey literature and peer-reviewed publications, the authors conclude that developing fully integrated, wearable, and non-invasive diagnostic devices was feasible and worthwhile despite the technical barriers.

From the research comes a clear need for diagnostic devices able to provide holistic evaluation of a patient’s neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions, and that help clinicians to streamline bespoke, evidence-based care.

“Altogether, we anticipate that next-generation diagnostic devices will contribute to prosthetic care innovations including new bionic solutions that will safely increase the mobility of the growing global population of individuals with limb loss,” the review concludes.

The paper was in part supported by the Bionics Gamechangers Australia (formerly Bionics Queensland) 2021 Bionics Challenge, of which study co-author, Professor Laurent Frossard and his team were major prize winners.

Check out the full literature review via the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport for further information.