[Untitled]

Susan Shumaker

8/2/2001

Someone from another list serve suggested that I post this here. Thanks in advance for your help.

A collegue of mine has a client for whom he is considering purchasing a myoelectric arm. He has some concerns, though, and I told him that I would ask the listserve for him.

  The client is a heavy equipment operator, who had his left arm amputated just above the wrist about 7 years ago. Since then, he has used a hook, that he opens by moving the opposit shoulder. The problem is that the hook is designed to have 4 rubberbands on it for tension when it is closed, and that is not enough tesion for what this client needs. He has been using 12
  rubberbands on it to keep it closed. Of course this has caused a lot of wear and tear on his right shoulder overcoming that resistance to open the hook. He now needs to have surgery on that shoulder.

  We are wondering if a myoelectric device is really going to meet this guys needs. Will it provide the strength that he needs? Is there another option for providing grip strength that won't continue to damage the shulder?

  Another concern is the skin that covers the prosthesis. He does his own maintenance to his equipment - will it stand up to oil, gas and other chemicals?

  Thanks for all your help,
  Sue


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