MANAGEMENT OF THE VERY SHORT/HUMERAL NECK TRANSHUMERAL AMPUTEE

Abstract

Prosthesis control for persons with very short (axilla level) transhumeral (VSTH) amputation can be challenging. Due to the short lever arm, fully body-powered options are often not possible due to the lack of available excursion. In some cases it is possible to use ballistic control of an elbow with Automatic Forearm Balance yet terminal device control is still problematic. When an electric hand is desired, myoelectric control is preferred.4 However, consistent contact of the electrode(s) using a current state-of-the-art TH socket design may not be possible.