Collection of responses to control cable question:

Collection of responses to control cable question:

Mark Bondurant, CPO

Good Morning, OandP list members. I wrote a request for info regarding
control cables for upper extremity prostheses as follows, and am providing a
collection of responses. Thanks to all.

On May 12, 2001:
I am looking to find if there are any new developments in Control Cable
technology, for lower friction, Higher durability, less breakage, etc, for
high use upper limb amputee patients. I am looking for systems available in
North America. Thank you in advance for any replies.
Mark Bondurant, CPO

Responses:
Spectra cable from TRS; perlon (weed wacker) cable from OB; Boden cable from
Hosmer. Spectra in teflon is the lowest friction. Terry

The product that has helped us alot in minimizing cable replacement for
heavy-duty users is python cable distributed by TRS (Therapeutic
Recreation Systems) in Colorado. It is almost impossible to break if you
use a double swazing method to attach the hangers/cable terminals. Tony

You use regular duty cable and house it in heavy duty housing with a teflon
sleeve to reduce friction.
You should also use the proper crimping tool (not pliers) to crimp cable and
attachments together. Soldering also makes it a lot stronger.
We also supply our demanding patients with extra cables. Glenn

Mark...... Have you ever tried the Otto Bock Perlon Control Cable
components and systems. Even though Perlon is a plastic cable, I have
found it to be overall a much more durable and efficient for U/L Bowden cable
control systems!!

Additionally, when use in a nylon plastic cable housing it provides a very
efficient low friction cable system. It is easily serviced by the patient
when given the appropriate instructions and a Stanley crimping tool. The
perlon cable will wear almost to nothing before it has to be replaced,
whereas a multi-stranded stainless steel cable will bind up when one strand
brakes or frays.

Of course if the end user works as a welder or in an environment where the
cable could be damaged by heat, fire or sparks.... it may not be the system
of choice!!
Hope this is of some help!!..... John

Mark,
The best cable/housing combination with regard to low friction is Spectra
cable in a teflon lined housing ( see published reports by Lawrence Carlson
in the JPO's that can be searched at oandp.com). Spectra is available from
TRS as are the terminal ends. This cable is not much different from standard
steel cable for durability but has the advantage that it is fairly easy for
the amputee or family member to replace because it doesn't require
swagging....only a knot with some crazy glue. Hope this helps, Jack

Mark,
I have recently used the Perlon cord in the Otto Bock body powered upper
extremety systems. It is both easy to assemble, and highly durable. I used it
in conjunction with a wrist disarticulation with a mechanical hand. The
patient is a very active young man, and abuses his systems. To date there has
been no breakage or need for adjustment. I believe I fit him with this system
approximately 6 months ago. Joel

Mark, have you tried the Spectra cable ???? Works well especially with teflon
liner...
Bill

The above are a collection of responses received by May 16. Thanks to all
who responded, and hope this collection of info is useful to the list at
large. Regards to all
Mark Bondurant CPO