A myoelectrically controlled shoulder-elbow orthosis for unrecovered brachial plexus injury.

Abstract

Two myoelectrically controlled battery powered shoulder-elbow orthoses manufactured individually for two traumatic unilateral brachial plexus injury cases are reported. The first case was 24 years old and the other was 6 years old. Both patients had undergone unsuccessful microsurgical nerve repair procedures leaving them with elbow and shoulder paralysis and some residual hand motion. Manufactured orthoses were made of lightweight thermoplastic polyethylene. They stabilised the affected shoulder joint in the neutral position. Elbow extension and flexion were activated by a myoelectrically controlled battery powered orthosis, and the active range of motion of the elbow was between 60 and 140 degrees. These orthoses achieved elbow motions at a speed of 16 degrees per second. The rehabilitation time was 3 months in both patients. The older patient was rehabilitated using a 1 kg mass, and the younger one with 0.5 kg mass, throughout the full range of active elbow motions. After 21 months it was found, in both cases, that the orthotic treatment had been successful and that the patients had been given the ability to engage in two-handed activities of daily living.