Prosthetics Report
The business and science of mobility.
A sample of a publication built and operated by Desk. Source-based news briefs and demonstration opinion pieces, with illustrative photos and non-clickable previews.
Clinical trials
Utah bionic arm moves into its first home trial
University of Utah researchers are testing a thought-controlled arm beyond the laboratory, studying how movement and sensory feedback translate into everyday use.
University of Utah Health · Sept. 18, 2026
Your perspective
Op-Ed: A better prosthesis starts with listening
Comfort, practical goals, and everyday routines should help define success. Users need a place in the design conversation from the first prototype through long-term support.
Demonstration op-ed
Device development
smartARM explores camera-guided grip selection
Meta describes a Toronto startup’s bionic arm prototype that uses visual information to help choose grips, with smart glasses as an optional input.
Meta · Sept. 16, 2026
In the edition
News, developments & your perspective
Surgical innovation
Alberta team combines bone anchoring with bionic arm reconstruction
The university reports Canada’s first above-elbow procedure combining osseointegration and a bionic limb, with targeted muscle reinnervation supporting prosthetic control.
University of Alberta · Sept. 10, 2026
Research
Tennessee launches project on muscle-linked prosthetic hand control
The Myo-Bridge project will develop and test an implantable robotic interface intended to connect residual muscle movement with an external prosthetic hand.
University of Tennessee via EurekAlert · Sept. 4, 2026
Materials
MIT develops quiet, electrically driven artificial muscle fibers
Researchers demonstrated self-contained fluidic fibers that could contribute to smaller robotic and prosthetic systems. The work remains an engineering research advance.
MIT News · Apr. 9, 2026
Access
VA removes review step for most prosthetic limb orders
The department says an April purchasing change exempted about 95 percent of limb orders from contracting officer review, aiming to shorten delivery times.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 2026
Your perspective
Letter to the Editor: Repair support should be part of the promise
An appeal for clearer repair timelines, loaner options, and accessible service information so users can plan around their work, school, and daily responsibilities.
Demonstration letter
Rural care
Mobile prosthetic care brings the workshop closer to veterans
VA outlines a mobile orthotic and prosthetic service that brings adjustments and support nearer to patients who face travel barriers.
VA News · Jan. 25, 2026
More to know
News & opinion
Wearable sensors
Embroidered sensors map forces inside a prosthetic socket
Purdue and Notre Dame researchers developed a textile system that measures pressure and shear, with a demonstration during daily movement tasks.
Purdue University · Aug. 14, 2026
Biomechanics
Study examines prosthetic foot stiffness and knee loading
Researchers investigated how foot stiffness changes estimated medial knee contact forces during different walking activities, adding evidence for prosthetic component research.
Journal of Biomechanics · Sept. 16, 2026
Your perspective
Op-Ed: Access matters as much as innovation
A new device’s promise should be matched by attention to affordability, fitting, training, and follow-up support. Practical access belongs in every discussion about progress.
Demonstration op-ed