part 5 responses to bilateral A/E thoughts?

part 5 responses to bilateral A/E thoughts?

6/12/2001

I once saw a picture of a donning/doffing pegboard
in a book entitled Adaptive Equipment (I believe
that was the name). This was rather simple. A common
pegboard, often used to hang tools, merchandise, etc
is mounted to the wall. From the pegboard two hooks
are placed at shoulder height and width. The
prostheses are equiped with one leather or dacron loop
on each proximal end to be aimed over the hooks.
I would imagine this would be better performed with
permanent hooks screwed securely into the wall rather
than hooks which may come loose from the pegboard. I
hope this helps.
Good luck,
Wilder


Hi Andy,

I once worked with a gentleman who wore bilateral AE prostheses.
I have
the information at work. Essentially, he invented an internal
harnessing
system and an elbow attachment that greatly stopped rotation. I
believe
Filhauer now sells his system. It was extremely effective and
professional looking (not a garage type thing). I know of at least one
other prosthetist who used the system for a Bil AE with great
success. I
don't know if it's useful for unilateral situations. If you call me at
work I can fax you some info or give you the guys number. My
phone is
904-737-7755.

Matt Bailey, CPO Florida

Hi Andy

Sorry this is a late response, however, I have fit two bilateral
transhumeral
amputees with Friction Free Cable Systems and Humeral Rotators.
 These men
are highly active adults involved in a variety of daily activities that
require strong TD prehension and a large range of motion envelope,
such as
driving, machine work, gardening, etc.

The system is available through Joe Ivko. Joe is a bilateral TH
amputee
and
invented this system many years ago. Joe would be an excellent
person to
contact about fitting your patient. You can reach Joe at (941) 351-
6907
for
information regarding all aspects of the systems.

This system allows the amputee to generate more power to open a
TD with up
to
6 to 12 rubber bands on the TD. Of course this power takes some
time to
learn to produce but with some practice it will come. The system
has
specific directions to follow in the construction and harnessing is
very
critical which allows the socket trim lines to be lower and less
restrictive
for the shoulder joint.

Mr. Ivko has also just developed another little jewel, a wrist
supinator/pronator device that can give the pt the opportunity to lock
and/or
rotate the terminal device at the wrist by pressing down against a
simple
rocker switch in the forearm.

I would be happy to discuss my experiences with these units if you
like.
Hope this can help.

Don Smith
Tampa Hanger (813) 251-1590