Use of climbing axe for upper limb patient

Use of climbing axe for upper limb patient

Dominic Hannett

7/5/2006

Good Morning list,
 
I have an interesting challenge that has presented in clinic today. A
young postgraduate engineer with a longitudinal congenital abnormality
of the left hand has attended wishing to advance his capabilities of
climb, particularly on ice, by using an ice axe. He has had several
surgical interventions over the years and now has his 1st and 5th digits
(both altered by surgery) and all five rays. This presents as a simple
claw prehension hand. He has limited power of grip, certainly not
enough to hold his body weight.
 
Does anybody have any experience of making devices for climb with? I am
aware of Aron Ralston in the US and wondered if anybody knew what he
uses?
 
Many Thanks
 
Dominic Hannett
Prosthetic Manager
opcare ltd
Mary Marlborough Centre
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Oxford
OX3 7DD
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