Externally powered transhumeral prostheses

Toby Carlsson

Description

Title:

Externally powered transhumeral prostheses

Creator:

Toby Carlsson

Date:

4/5/2007

Text:

Dear Colleagues,

 

I really value this mechanism for tapping into the global O&P experience.
Thanks for making this available to us all. I would like some opinions and
input on a current upper extremity prosthetic case.

 

Case history as follows: 32 year old man in full time employment was
involved in an RTA in 2002. He suffered multiple fractures to his right arm
and leg as well as a complete brachial plexus lesion and head injuries. The
brachial plexus lesion was partially repaired with a nerve graft, which has
afforded him some flexion and abduction of the shoulder. He eventually
underwent an elective trans-humeral amputation in 2005. He has not returned
to work.

 

He is an established user of a body powered prosthesis on a daily basis,
able, well motivated and adjusted to his new situation. Myo-electric
signals have been identified on the Pectoralis Minor and Subscapularis,
potentially within the trim lines of a flexible socket. Over a period of a
few weeks, this individual has developed the strength and control of his
myo-electric signals considerably using a diagnostic check socket wired to a
laptop with the MyoSoft software.

 

It appears that he is a good candidate for an externally powered prosthesis
with a powered elbow and hand, complete with a wrist flexion unit. Such
devices are of course both heavy and costly but funding is not an issue if
the prescription is appropriate. My experience is limited. I would be very
grateful for any thoughts on this scenario that will assist me in either
confirming my view that he will most likely be able to benefit from a
myo-electric prosthesis, or else, put opposing arguments into the
prescription melting pot that I may also consider before finally forming an
opinion.

 

Many thanks for your time. I will post responses anonymously unless asked
not to do so.

 

Toby Carlsson

 

 

Mr Toby Carlsson

HPC Registered Prosthetist/Orthotist

PACE Rehabilitation Ltd

36 Brook Street

Cheadle

Cheshire

SK8 2BX

Tel: +44 (0)161 428 5500

Fax: +44 (0)161 428 5852

 < <URL Redacted>> www.pacerehab.com

VAT Number: 813347151

Company Registered in England No. 4582878

 

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Citation

Toby Carlsson, “Externally powered transhumeral prostheses,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/228085.