Improved comfort and function of arm prosthesis after implantation of a Humerus-T-Prosthesis in trans-humeral amputees.

Abstract

The use of arm prosthesis in trans-humeral amputees is limited; due to the cone form of the amputation stump. A Humerus-T-Prosthesis was implanted in three patients to create artificial humerus condyles. Two of the patients were successfully rehabilitated with the application of a new type trans-humeral arm prosthesis. This arm prosthesis had a socket which is suspended and stabilized by the humerus and implant only. Traction and rotational stability were secured by adjustable pressure adaptation around the artificial condyles. The third patient developed a pressure wound over the lateral part of the artificial condyle that later healed. He also was subject to a new trauma with a fracture of the ipsilateral scapula and until now has had limited the use of his new arm prosthesis. It was concluded that this new concept for prosthesis fitting of trans-humeral amputees looks promising, but alternative designs of the implant should be tested.