Abstract:
INAIL and DIEM prototyped a new externally-powered prosthetic shoulder developed for
interscapulothoracic and first-proximal trans-humeral amputees. The articulation consist of
two connected powered joints that allow the elevation of the upper arm in any vertical plane
passing through the shoulder centre of rotation. The development of the mechanism is the
result of a rigorous approach, which made it possible to systematically combine both the
technical and the clinical aspects involved in the design of a prosthetic device.
The prototype underwent laboratory tests needed to evaluate the mechanism’s
performance (e.g. the maximum payload) and the electrical requirements (e.g. the current
draining). Based also on the results retrieved from these tests, an on-board embedded
controller was implemented. The electronic unit can control a prosthesis with up to five
powered joints and can manage different control strategies, according to the amputees’
preferences.
The prototype with the embedded control system has been recently integrated within the
prosthesis, provided with hand, wrist and elbow, of a proximal trans-humeral amputee who
firstly tested the new device.
This paper provides an overview of the development of the actual prosthesis, reports the
main patient’s feedback and outlines the future developments.
