Clinical experience with two types of multifunctional prosthetic hand, controlled by pattern recognition of multiple myoelectric signals is reported. The prostheses have been used for between one and five years by five patients. The pattern recognition control system enabled the patients to control six separate movements accurately after a short period of training. One of the tested prostheses, the SVEN-hand, was not reliable enough to allow clinical use outside the laboratory. The ES-hand, a second generation multifunctional prosthesis, has promising features, being self-contained and fast moving. It is concluded that multifunctional prosthetic hands help amputees to avoid tiresome and awkward compensatory movements. Their scope, however, does not extend beyond that of conventional myoelectric prostheses. Their combined movements are cosmetically more appealing than a single three-point grip. In order to gain wider acceptance, multifunctional prosthetic hands must reach a stage of development comparable to conventional myoelectric devices particularly with regard to weight and compactness. A pattern recognition control system is essential to the design.

Les auteurs rapportent l'expérience clinique de deux types de prothèses multifonctionnelles de la main, contrôlées par un système de reconnaissance de signaux myoélectriques multiples. Ces prothèses ont été utilisées par cinq sujets pendant un à cinq ans. Le système de contrôle de reconnaissance permet aux sujets de maîtriser six gestes différents après une courte période de formation. Une des prothèses, la «SVEN-hand», n'est pas suffisamment fiable pour permettre son utilisation en dehors du laboratoire. La «ES-hand», prothèse multifonctionnelle de seconde génération, est prometteuse, étant rapide et autosuffisante.