Hybrid Prosthesis
An upper-limb prosthesis combining body-powered and myoelectric or electrically powered components within a single device.
Full Definition
A hybrid prosthesis typically pairs a body-powered elbow unit with a myoelectrically controlled terminal device, or vice versa, allowing the user to benefit from the mechanical durability of body-power and the grip variability of electric control simultaneously. The term is used most frequently in the context of transhumeral amputees who need separate control for both an elbow and a terminal device. Editors should not conflate 'hybrid' with 'multifunction' or 'bionic,' which have distinct technical meanings. Consistent hyphenation is expected in formal documents.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate as a compound modifier. Specify the components combined (e.g., 'body-powered elbow / myoelectric hand') when editorial context permits for precision.
In Context
- "The transhumerally amputated patient was prescribed a hybrid prosthesis with a body-powered elbow and a myoelectric hand." — Prosthetic prescription
- "Referring to the device as a 'myoelectric prosthesis' rather than a 'hybrid prosthesis' would misrepresent its elbow actuation mechanism." — Editorial review comment