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Prosthesis abandonment is a well-documented issue among upper-limb amputees, who frequently discontinue use of their devices at concerning rates. However, individuals with lower-limb loss also face this challenge, with recent studies indicating that up to 22 percent stop using their prostheses altogether, and approximately one-third restrict their use mainly to within the home.
A newly published paper points to a central cause behind this trend: the lack of prosthesis embodiment. Written by a cross-disciplinary group of healthcare professionals and biomedical engineers, the paper highlights a notable gap between technological innovation in prosthetic design and the integration of these advances into meaningful patient outcomes. Despite ongoing advancements intended to foster greater embodiment, the authors argue that the industry often neglects to ensure that next-generation solutions address the actual day-to-day needs of users. They call for a more comprehensive approach—one that moves beyond incremental technological improvements and instead establishes holistic, standardized care pathways for prosthetic users.
The paper identifies three primary drivers of prosthesis abandonment among lower-limb amputees: insufficient functional control, lack of sensory feedback, and poor comfort—whether physical or aesthetic. To mitigate these issues, the authors explore a spectrum of emerging solutions, from practical enhancements like adjustable sockets and visually appealing covers to more advanced options such as osseointegration and AMI surgery.
Nevertheless, the paper emphasizes that the field still lacks a coordinated framework for evaluating how these varied interventions combine to deliver real clinical benefits. The solution, according to the authors, lies in prioritizing the lived experiences of amputees—focusing not just on biomechanical or neurological improvements, but on how these translate into enhanced quality of life. Without this paradigm shift, the problem of prosthesis abandonment is likely to remain, limiting the potential for fuller participation and well-being among individuals with limb loss.
