Abstract:
When a new prosthetic component is introduced to the market, it often needs further
improvements or accessory devices that only become apparent when clients and
clinicians have had a chance to put the device to all of its possible uses. Since the LTICollier
Locking Shoulder Joint was introduced, a number of improvements have been
made both in the product and its accessories in response to user feedback. In the original
concept, the user was assumed to need to unlock only momentarily between activities.
For most users this assumption is wrong. The most popular feature of the joint turns out
to be its ability to remain in free swing. Improvements in the joint itself have either
added strength where required or have increased the number of users who can readily put
the joint into free swing. To make free swing accessible to more amputees, an electric
elbow lock was developed. There are now many ways to activate this lock
