Prosthetics

Question 1

Causes of amputation

Answer 1

• Upper extremity (in order): trauma, congenital, disease

- Lower extremity: reverse order

Question 2

Regions for UE amputations

Answer 2

• Forequarter: from GH joint and including some of scapular area
• Shoulder disarticulation: at GH joint
• Trans-humeral (2nd most common)
• Elbow disarticulation
• Trans-radial (most common)
• Wrist disarticulation
• Transphalangeal

Question 3

Parts of a prosthetic

Answer 3

• Socket (usually lined with silicone/padding, attaches via suction)
• Components (elbow and/or wrist)
• Terminal device

Question 4

Types of prostheses

Answer 4

• Oppositional: provides aesthetic appearance without active prehension
• Body-powered: cable-operated (i.e. scapular or elbow movement opens and closes hand)
• Externally powered: electric
• Hybrid
• Activity-specific

Question 5

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR)

Answer 5

Device is connected to specific nerves, i.e. within the brachial plexus

Question 6

Pattern recognition

Answer 6

• Computer software translates muscle activity into prosthetic movements, which provides a more complete muscle activity picture
• Traditional myoelectric control has limitations, such as relying on larger muscle groups for signal that aren’t always physiologically appropriate