Fitting a bilateral transhumeral amputee with utensil prostheses and their functional assessment 10 years later: a case report.

Abstract

Traumatic transhumeral amputations resulting from electric burn injury are uncommon and present a significant rehabilitation challenge. Compensating for loss of fine, coordinated function of the upper extremities with prostheses is difficult medically, technologically, psychologically, and socially. We followed up a patient with traumatic bilateral transhumeral amputation who was fitted with specially designed bilateral low-temperature utensil prostheses for 10 years. A bilateral utensil prosthesis consists of 2 thermoplastic sockets, an elastic harness, 2 utensil holders, and several different utensils. The characteristics of utensil prostheses are low cost, quick fabrication, and responsiveness to a patient's needs. Ten years after the patient's first prosthesis fitting, he still used these specially designed prostheses. By using these devices and his feet, the patient has regained independence in most activities of daily living and gained a new working skill.

• Authors: Jen Wen Hung, Yee Hwa Wu
• Journal: Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation (Arch Phys Med Rehabil) Vol. 86 Issue 11 Pg. 2211-3 (Nov 2005) ISSN: 0003-9993 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16271573 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Adult
• Amputation, Surgical (rehabilitation)
• Arm Injuries (physiopathology, rehabilitation, surgery)
• Artificial Limbs
• Cooking and Eating Utensils
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Prosthesis Design
• Prosthesis Fitting