part 3 responses to bilateral A/E thoughts?

part 3 responses to bilateral A/E thoughts?

6/12/2001

Andy,
In my experience, bilateral AE's do best with bilateral body powered
systems.
 So unless there is a specific reason to use something else, I would
continue
with your present set up. Although the #7 hook may be useful for
activities
at work, I would use a 5XA to start with due to its light weight and
good
general utility. Assuming reasonable strength and ROM, this man
should be
getting full opening of the TD in all elbow positions. The weight of
the
TD
could be an issue with this although the AFB should minimize that.
Otherwise
look to keep the control strap low on the scapula and the elbow
flexion
attachment close to the elbow (again the AFB should allow for
this). I
would
certainly use Spectra cable in a teflon housing for optimal cable
efficiency.
Triple control is an option and I could send along a couple of
pictures of
a
bilateral AE using triple control on one side if that is how you want
to
go.
It is not how I would usually proceed.
As your client gains function with experience, you might want to
consider
either the RimJet humeral rotator for greater positioning or the Four
Function system with wrist flexion and rotation. If you are not
familiar
with these let me know and I'll try to get you some more info.
If you want a video to see some of these things in action, the
Rehabilitation
Institute of Chicago sells a few of the tapes we made while I was
there.
The
phone number for RIC is 312 2382859 Of particular interest would
be
Prosthetic Fitting and Self-Care Skills in a Bilateral Above-Elbow
Traumatic
Amputee

Good Luck,
Jack Uellendahl, CPO