Myoelectric Prosthesis
Pronunciation: my-oh-ee-LEK-trik
An electrically powered upper-limb prosthesis controlled by electromyographic (EMG) signals from residual limb muscles.
Full Definition
A myoelectric prosthesis uses surface electrodes embedded in the socket to detect electrical signals generated by voluntary muscle contractions in the residual limb. These signals are processed and used to drive motors controlling the prosthetic hand or terminal device. The term is spelled 'myoelectric' (one word, no hyphen) in most major clinical style guides, though 'myo-electric' appears in older literature. Editors should be alert to variant spellings and standardise per the house style. Myoelectric control is distinguished from body-powered (cable-operated) and activity-specific prosthetic control systems.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred spelling is 'myoelectric' (no hyphen). Avoid informal synonyms such as 'bionic arm' in clinical and scientific documentation.
In Context
- "The participant's myoelectric prosthesis was calibrated using a two-site EMG control strategy." — Clinical trial methods section
- "The editor standardised 'myo-electric' to 'myoelectric' throughout the manuscript per AMA style." — Journal manuscript review