Table 6 Sample written comments from participants

Myoelectric

“The myo-electric device can be a very functional device to use, but there are limitations that come with this device that make me choose my body-powered hook more often. These limitations include durability, battery life, and not being able to get it wet. Durability is very important to me as my lifestyle is very active and I am scared to break such an expensive piece of equipment.”

“After all of the years of wearing Ue prostheses, I don’t think the sense of touch would be important to me, but I’d try it…Compliant grasp is not that important to me - nor are other grasp patterns, simply because I’ve been able to adapt and TD into my life/ADLs…function is critical to me (not cosmesis). I also find that the weight of the prosthesis (TD) matters a lot more now.”

“I would be willing to try this device, or others, if they were not too heavy and functioned at a reasonable level (‘reasonable’ being performing basic everyday tasks such as holding a plastic grocery bag, steadying a stationary object from movement, holding a cup or bowl, etc.).”

“I have one. I find the myoelectric sensors difficult to use, especially if I get sweaty. The sweat changes the resistance value of my skin and causes the sensors to either become overly sensitive or not sensitive enough. This makes the prosthetic difficult to use.”

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

“I’m willing to try anthing [sic] if it means a chance at better use of limb”

“The addition of surgery and the long wait time post surgery makes this device slightly less attractive than the myoelectric device.”

“I am satisfied with the capacities of less invasive technologies; enjoy full quality of life including functional independence, family and social relationships, leisure time activities that range from engaging in creative arts to sports. I cannot imagine risking surgical procedure that could potentially leave me with less than the magnitude that I currently enjoy.”

“If I were to have surgery I think I would prefer to try a total limb transplant.”

“I’m concerned about the long term effects. I’m not convinced that the medical industry knows the long term implications.”

“At my age, surgery risk is not worth benefits.”

Peripheral Nerve Interface

“I’m concerned about the long term effects of new technology. However, I’m more open to this since it does not involve any movement of the underlying nerves.”

“This method should be better than picking up the signals off of the skin.”

“Very interesting process and I foresee this with development as being the mainstay of the upper extremity prosthetic field.”

“The notion of a quick recovery is nice, as is the idea that it doesn’t rely on wires and could be used with minimal training.”

“I’d like to see improvements with existing technologies and more studies on this before trying it myself.”

“Sounds innovative, worth the risk.”

“I’m not interested in having surgery performed on me in order to be able to wear/use a prosthesis.”

Cortical Interface

“Nope. Not brain surgery, thanks.”

“This is truly incredible technology but there is nothing about this procedure that dose [sic] not scare me. That being said, If this is perfected and the ricks [sic] are reduced this could be huge for upper limb amputees. This one actually amazes me, wow!”

“Excess risk at my age.”

“This sounds great. I would definitely try this. I’ll be the first.”

“It would have to be a well-documented success.”