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

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.     

Upper extremity myoelectric prosthetics

Myoelectric control of upper limb prostheses has proven to be an effective and efficient means of controlling prosthetic components. This means of control has been used extensively for over 30 years, during which time these systems have become reliable and durable in most situations. Myoelectric control, or any other prosthetic control scheme, should not be considered as the optimal control for arm prostheses, but rather as one of the several effective ways of producing desired function. Advanced clinical practice calls for a blending of all control schemes, as appropriate, to allow the prosthesis to serve the intentions of the user efficiently and with little mental effort. Technology continues to change, bringing with it new and sometimes better ways of fitting amputees. Microprocessors and programmable controllers have opened new and exciting avenues for improvement in function. New, and as of yet unidentified, electronic and mechanical advances are certainly on the horizon. There is much work to be done before upper limb prostheses rightfully are called arm replacements. But progress is occurring and advances are being made toward the goal of replacing the function and appearance of that marvelous tool, the human arm.     

The effects of task-oriented versus repetitive bilateral arm training on upper limb function and activities of daily living in stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of task-oriented bilateral arm training and repetitive bilateral arm training on upper limb function and activities of daily living in stroke patients. [Subjects] Forty patients with hemiplegia resulting from stroke were divided into a task orientied bilateral arm training group (n=20) and a repetitive bilateral arm training group (n=20). [Methods] The task-oriented group underwent bilateral arm training with 5 functional tasks, and the repetitive group underwent bilateral arm training with rhythmin auditory cueing for 30 minutes/day, 5 times/week, for 12 weeks. [Results] The upper limb function and the ability to perform activities of daily living improved significantly in both groups. Although there were significant differences between the groups, the task-oriented group showed greater improvement in upper limb function and activities of daily living. [Conclusion] We recommend bilateral arm training as well as adding functional task training as a clinical intervention to improve upper limb function activities of daily living in patients with hemiplegia.Key words: Hemiplegia, Upper limb, Bilateral training     

Multivariate prediction of upper limb prosthesis acceptance or rejection

Objective. To develop a model for prediction of upper limb prosthesis use or rejection.

Design. A questionnaire exploring factors in prosthesis acceptance was distributed internationally to individuals with upper limb absence through community-based support groups and rehabilitation hospitals.

Subjects. A total of 191 participants (59 prosthesis rejecters and 132 prosthesis wearers) were included in this study.

Methods. A logistic regression model, a C5.0 decision tree, and a radial basis function neural network were developed and compared in terms of sensitivity (prediction of prosthesis rejecters), specificity (prediction of prosthesis wearers), and overall cross-validation accuracy.

Results. The logistic regression and neural network provided comparable overall accuracies of approximately 84 ± 3%, specificity of 93%, and sensitivity of 61%. Fitting time-frame emerged as the predominant predictor. Individuals fitted within two years of birth (congenital) or six months of amputation (acquired) were 16 times more likely to continue prosthesis use.

Conclusions. To increase rates of prosthesis acceptance, clinical directives should focus on timely, client-centred fitting strategies and the development of improved prostheses and healthcare for individuals with high-level or bilateral limb absence. Multivariate analyses are useful in determining the relative importance of the many factors involved in prosthesis acceptance and rejection.     

Initial experience with a new prosthetic angioaccess device

Long-term vascular access has increased longevity for many patients with end-stage renal disease. Much of the hospitalization in this group of patients continues to be for maintenance of reliable vascular access. Thrombosis, infection, aneurysm, and stenosis lead to serious morbidity. The Hemasite angioaccess system has been introduced in an attempt to circumvent some of these problems. We reviewed our initial experience with 90 of these devices placed in 77 patients during the past 24 months. Thirty-five devices (39%) were placed under emergency conditions when the primary access site had failed, 34 (38%) were used as the initial access procedure, and simple patient convenience was the indication 21 times (23%). Twelve patients have died, with no deaths related to the device. Twenty-eight infections and 18 thromboses accounted for the failures. Fourteen thromboses were seen with the graftless device where collateral flow existed around it. One-year patency was 46% for all devices, 38% for 34 graftless devices placed in the upper arm, and 50% for the grafted model in the upper arm position. Overall patency is not comparable to other access methods yet patient acceptance is high. Placement in the upper arm offers the highest rate of success.     

Prosthetic rehabilitation of geriatric amputee patients: a follow-up study

During a four-year period, 116 lower extremity amputee patients older than 65 years were evaluated and treated by our department. Fifty-nine patients with below-knee (BK) amputations, 22 with above-knee (AK) amputations, and 15 with bilateral amputations were fitted with prostheses and trained in their use. A follow-up study on all patients was done at an average of 22 months after they had completed their training program but not earlier than after 6 months. Of all BK amputees who had been fitted with a prosthesis, 73% were using it fulltime and as their main mode of locomotion; 25% were using it part of the time. The results were less favorable for AK and for bilateral amputee patients: 50% of AK amputees and 33% of the bilateral amputees had become fulltime users of their prostheses. Age alone was not a major determining factor in success or failure of prosthetic rehabilitation. Failures usually were due to concurrent medical disease or mental deterioration. The study indicates that the effort and expense of fitting and training geriatric patients with prostheses may be well worthwhile.     

Stubby prostheses: an alternative to conventional prosthetic devices

Stubby prostheses offer potential advantages over conventional prosthetic devices in terms of safety, stability, and energy efficiency. Although cosmesis is compromised in the process, these short nonarticulated pylon prostheses may be a viable option to consider in bilateral A-K or knee disarticulation amputee patients under the following circumstances: (1) as a training tool to determine whether progression to full-length articulated devices is feasible; (2) as permanent prostheses for the patient whose primary need for ambulation is within his own home; (3) for the elderly bilateral amputee in whom ambulation is feasible but safety and energy efficiency are of particular importance; and (4) as a definitive device in the patient who expresses a preference for them. Two patients who have become successful users of stubby prostheses are presented to illustrate these points.     

Effect of bilateral reaching on affected arm motor control in stroke – with and without loading on unaffected arm

Purpose.?To investigate the effect of bilateral reaching, with/without inertial loading on the unaffected arm, on hemiparetic arm motor control in stroke.

Methods.?Twenty unilateral stroke patients were recruited. A three-dimensional optical motion capture system was used to measure the movement trajectory of the hemiparetic arm while performing three tasks: affected limb reaching forward; two-limb reaching forward; and two-limb reaching forward with inertia loading of 25% upper limb weight on the unaffected limb, respectively. Kinematical parameters were utilized to quantify the reaching performance of the affected arm.

Results.?No matter whether loading was applied on the unaffected arm or not, the bilateral reaching task did not significantly facilitate smoother and faster movement. Furthermore, during bilateral reaching task with/without loading on the unaffected arm, stroke patients showed slower movement, lower maximal movement velocity, feedback control dominant and discontinuous movements in the affected arm than the same task with unilateral reaching. Subjects showed the greatest active upper extremity range of motion in proximal joints during the bilateral reaching task without unaffected arm loading. The amount of trunk movement also increased during bilateral reaching either with or without loading on the unaffected arm. Patients with moderate upper extremity motor impairment performed more discontinuous movements and less active elbow range of motion during bilateral reaching tasks; however, those with mild upper extremity motor impairment performed smoother movements and demonstrated greater active elbow range of motion during bilateral reaching tasks.

Conclusions.?Bilateral reaching tasks with/without loading on the unaffected arm could be considered as adding challenges during motor control training. Training with bilateral arm movements may be considered as a treatment strategy, and can be incorporated in stroke rehabilitation to facilitate greater arm active movement and improve motor control performance in the affected arm.     

Effect of bilateral reaching on affected arm motor control in stroke--with and without loading on unaffected arm

Purpose. To investigate the effect of bilateral reaching, with/without inertial loading on the unaffected arm, on hemiparetic arm motor control in stroke.

Methods. Twenty unilateral stroke patients were recruited. A three-dimensional optical motion capture system was used to measure the movement trajectory of the hemiparetic arm while performing three tasks: affected limb reaching forward; two-limb reaching forward; and two-limb reaching forward with inertia loading of 25% upper limb weight on the unaffected limb, respectively. Kinematical parameters were utilized to quantify the reaching performance of the affected arm.

Results. No matter whether loading was applied on the unaffected arm or not, the bilateral reaching task did not significantly facilitate smoother and faster movement. Furthermore, during bilateral reaching task with/without loading on the unaffected arm, stroke patients showed slower movement, lower maximal movement velocity, feedback control dominant and discontinuous movements in the affected arm than the same task with unilateral reaching. Subjects showed the greatest active upper extremity range of motion in proximal joints during the bilateral reaching task without unaffected arm loading. The amount of trunk movement also increased during bilateral reaching either with or without loading on the unaffected arm. Patients with moderate upper extremity motor impairment performed more discontinuous movements and less active elbow range of motion during bilateral reaching tasks; however, those with mild upper extremity motor impairment performed smoother movements and demonstrated greater active elbow range of motion during bilateral reaching tasks.

Conclusions. Bilateral reaching tasks with/without loading on the unaffected arm could be considered as adding challenges during motor control training. Training with bilateral arm movements may be considered as a treatment strategy, and can be incorporated in stroke rehabilitation to facilitate greater arm active movement and improve motor control performance in the affected arm.     

Surgical management of impotence using the inflatable penile prosthesis. Experience with 36 patients.

Inflatable hydraulic penile prostheses were implanted in 36 patients who had organic impotence. Selection of patients was based on a series of guidelines that included the historical aspects of the patient's initiative, acceptance of the device by patient and partner, motivations, and psychiatric evaluation. Minor complications after implantation were not associated with the ultimate successful function of the device. Major complications were mainly mechanical in origin and readily corrected by secondary surgical procedures. The single failure in this series was associated with infection around the prosthesis, which necessitated removal of the entire device. A nearly physiologic erection was produced in 375 patients. Functional application of the implanted device was successfully achieved in 34 of 35 patients who retained their device. Patient-partner acceptance has been excellent.     

经外耳皮肤迷走神经电刺激联合双侧上肢训练对脑卒中上肢运动功能的效果

目的 探讨经外耳皮肤迷走神经电刺激(taVNS)联合双侧上肢训练(BAT)对脑卒中患者上肢运动功能的影响。方法 选取2021年1月至2022年1月浙江省人民医院康复医学科的105例脑卒中住院患者,随机分为taVNS组、BAT组和联合组,每组35例。3组均接受常规康复治疗,taVNS组增加taVNS,BAT组增加BAT,联合组同时增加taVNS和BAT,共8周。治疗前后,采用表面肌电图测量三角肌、肱三头肌和伸腕肌的均方根(RMS),采用盒子积木试验(BBT)和Fugl-Meyer评定量表上肢部分(FMA-UE)进行评定。结果 治疗后,3组各肌肉RMS、BBT评分和FMA-UE评分均较治疗前显著提高(|t|> 6.124, P <0.001),联合组最优(F> 18.162, P <0.001)。结论 taVNS和BAT均可改善脑卒中患者患侧上肢肌力,提高手的灵活度和上肢运动功能;两者联合使用效果更佳。     

Comparison of myoelectric and conventional prostheses for adolescent amputees

We questioned whether myoelectric prostheses were a reasonable alternative to conventional prostheses for adolescents with unilateral, congenital, below-elbow amputations in respect to fit, function, cosmesis, and cost. Ten patients were studied. Each received a physical, functional, and psychosocial evaluation prior to prosthetic fitting. The physical evaluation included myopotential, residual limb length and circumference, active range of motion, terminal device grasp force, and mechanical range. The functional evaluation consisted of a questionnaire of 38 bimanual activities. The psychosocial evaluation included an assessment of both the patient and the family. Following prosthesis fabrication, each patient received 10 days of training, a 3-month checkup, and a 6-month reevaluation. Wearing patterns, perception of cosmesis, change in physical attributes of the residual limb, and functional performance were documented. Results indicate that for these subjects myoelectric prostheses with a hand were an acceptable alternative to conventional prostheses with a hook.     

Upper limb prostheses

This article discusses the technical and medical difficulties involved in managing prostheses of the upper limb. The level of amputation governs the type of prosthesis construction chosen, but does not affect emotional acceptance. The factors determining therapeutic success include the quality of the stump, the skill involved in prosthetic socket fabrication, and the proper selection of modular components, as well as good rehabilitation and professional care for the patient with amputated upper limb.     

Movement characteristics of upper extremity prostheses during basic goal-directed tasks

Background

After an upper limb amputation a prosthesis is often used to restore the functionality. However, the frequency of prostheses use is generally low. Movement kinematics of prostheses use might suggest origins of this low use. The aim of this study was to reveal movement patterns of prostheses during basic goal-directed actions in upper limb prosthetic users and to compare this with existing knowledge of able-bodied performance during these actions.

Methods

Movements from six users of upper extremity prostheses were analyzed, three participants with a hybrid upper arm prosthesis, and three participants with a myoelectric forearm prosthesis. Two grasping tasks and a reciprocal pointing task were investigated during a single lab session. Analyses were carried out on the kinematics of the tasks.

Findings

When grasping, movements with both prostheses showed asymmetric velocity profiles of the reach and had a plateau in the aperture profiles. Reach and grasp were decoupled. Kinematics with the prostheses differed in that the use of upper arm prostheses required more time to execute the movements, while the movements were less smooth, more asymmetric, and showed more decoupling between reach and grasp. The pointing task showed for both prostheses less harmonic movements with higher task difficulty.

Interpretation

Characterizing prosthetic movement patterns revealed specific features of prosthetic performance. Developments in technology and rehabilitation should focus on these issues to improve prosthetic use, in particular on improving motor characteristics and the control of the elbow, and learning to coordinate the reach and the grasp component in prehension.     

Management of the multiple limb amputee

Issue : Multiple limb amputations involving at least one upper extremity are very uncommon. The amputation of both an upper and lower limb is even more uncommon. Due to the rarity of these amputations therapists are uncertain regarding the most appropriate treatment methods. While the majority of the protocols used for single limb amputations are appropriate for these multiple limb amputees, there are differences. Loss of multiple limbs creates a problem of overheating for the individual. Loss of an arm and leg results in difficulty donning the prostheses and difficulty using crutches and parallel bars during mobilization. Method : A review is given of 16 multiple limb amputees seen in our rehabilitation centre in the last 15 years. Return to work was seen in one third and was not related to the number of the amputations. A higher proportion of these multiple limb amputations occur through alcoholism or attempted suicide behaviour than occurs with either single upper limb amputations or lower limb amputations. This existing behaviour can create a management problem for the rehabilitation team during rehabilitation. Conclusion : Guidelines as to appropriate prosthetic and preprosthetic care are provided to assist the practitioner who has the acute and long term care of these patients. All multiple limb amputees should be referred to a specialized rehabilitation centre to discuss prosthetic options and long term rehabilitation requirements. This paper does not discuss bilateral lower limb amputations when not combined with an upper limb amputation.     

Bilateral forearm and hand compartment syndrome following thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction: A case report

A patient suffering from a cocaine-induced myocardial infarction was treated with thrombolytic therapy and developed acute bilateral compartment syndromes of the upper extremities and hands from bleeding due to attempted bilateral radial artery cannulation. He was treated with emergent decompression of the forearm compartments and intrinsic muscles of the hands and recovered excellent hand function without significant neurologic or muscular damage. The problems encountered in the management of this case are detailed, and recommendations for prevention and therapy are discussed.     

Patient and staff acceptance of robotic technology in occupational therapy: a pilot study

While the majority of applications of robotics in the field of rehabilitation focus on the development of smart aids for people without upper extremity function, there is also potential for the robot as a therapy "aide." We designed, built, and pilot-tested hardware and software that used a robot to provide muscle reeducation movement patterns after stroke. This is a report on a field trial, in which 11 occupational therapists used the system with 22 patients; each patient averaged 2.2 sessions. Based on information contained in the system database, a log, patient interviews, and therapist questionnaires, we evaluated safety, system utility, and patient and therapist acceptance. The results suggest that robotic treatment is safe and accepted (if not welcomed) by patients. The therapists expressed a qualified acceptance, suggesting several modifications to increase utility. The potential for the application of robotics in rehabilitation therapy is discussed in light of these findings.     

The long-term outcome of arm function after stroke: results of a follow-up study

Purpose: To assess the long-term motor and functional recovery of arm function after stroke. Design: Cohort study. Subjects: Fifty-four patients with a first stroke, who underwent inpatient rehabilitation, were measured early after stroke, after 16 weeks and after 4 years. Measures: Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FM, upper extremity), Action Research Arm Test (ARA), Barthel Index, Arm Function Questionnaire, shoulder pain and range of motion, sensory function, Ashworth Scale and a perceived problem score. Results: Although most of the improvement occurred during the first 16 weeks after stroke, improvement in the FM score continued after 16 weeks in 10 patients. In 13 patients the recovery of arm function only started after 16 weeks. After 4 years a fair to good recovery of arm motor function (FM score 20) was found in 31 patients. Twenty-seven patients had fair to good functional abilities of the hemiplegic arm (ARA 25). Submaximal ARA scores for the unaffected arm were found in 11 patients. Barthel scores 60 were found in 52 patients. Serious shoulder pain persisted in 11 patients. Intact sensory function was found in only 14 patients. It was associated with good motor recovery (FM score 35 in 11 patients). Loss of arm function was perceived as a major problem by 36 patients. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the recovery of arm function after stroke over a period of 4 years. It is encouraging to note that even after 16 weeks improvement still occurred in some patients. However, considerable long-term loss of arm function, associated disability and perceived problems were found. There is an obvious need to develop effective treatment methods for hemiplegic arm function.     

The long-term outcome of arm function after stroke: results of a follow-up study

Purpose: To assess the long-term motor and functional recovery of arm function after stroke. Design: Cohort study. Subjects: Fifty-four patients with a first stroke, who underwent inpatient rehabilitation, were measured early after stroke, after 16 weeks and after 4 years. Measures: Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FM, upper extremity), Action Research Arm Test (ARA), Barthel Index, Arm Function Questionnaire, shoulder pain and range of motion, sensory function, Ashworth Scale and a perceived problem score. Results: Although most of the improvement occurred during the first 16 weeks after stroke, improvement in the FM score continued after 16 weeks in 10 patients. In 13 patients the recovery of arm function only started after 16 weeks. After 4 years a fair to good recovery of arm motor function (FM score 20) was found in 31 patients. Twenty-seven patients had fair to good functional abilities of the hemiplegic arm (ARA 25). Submaximal ARA scores for the unaffected arm were found in 11 patients. Barthel scores 60 were found in 52 patients. Serious shoulder pain persisted in 11 patients. Intact sensory function was found in only 14 patients. It was associated with good motor recovery (FM score 35 in 11 patients). Loss of arm function was perceived as a major problem by 36 patients. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the recovery of arm function after stroke over a period of 4 years. It is encouraging to note that even after 16 weeks improvement still occurred in some patients. However, considerable long-term loss of arm function, associated disability and perceived problems were found. There is an obvious need to develop effective treatment methods for hemiplegic arm function.