Abstract:
Trans-humeral amputees have for a long time had suspension methods that limit the functionality and use of the prosthesis. Due to the cone shape of the amputated stump, suspension of the prosthesis has mainly been done with harness securing the prosthesis to the body. The harness crosses the back and goes around the axilla of the contralateral shoulder. This may cause back and neck problems to-gether with pain in the contralateral axilla.
The range of movement for positioning the prosthesis is also limited with the harnessed prosthesis. For the trans-humeral amputee, positioning the artificial arm is crucial to obtain the benefits the pros-thesis can give. Since the elbow joint is absent, the only way of positioning the prosthesis is by using the shoulder movements. If the prosthesis and its suspension limit the effective range of movement, the functionality of the prosthesis will be reduced. The prosthesis will in most cases hardly respond to internal - or external rotation of humerus due to the circular shape of the stump and no condyles at the distal end to effectuate the movement.
