Amputation of Four Limbs and Prosthetics A Clinical Comparison Between Myoelectric Prosthesis and Conventional Prostheisis

Hahn, Soo Bong; Park, Byeong Mun; Lee, Jin Young

Abstract

Amputation is an unpleasant affair, generating a very negative aura that must be consciously combated. For optimal care of amputation, the surgeon needs not only to be comprehensive trained in reconstructive surgery but also to be knowledgeable about prosthetics. The evolution of an artificial arm can be traced first from the cosmetic prosthesis, then to that with passive movements, and lastly to an artificial limb with active movement which made it possible to restore to some degree the lost function of the amputation limb. But the gap between basic requirement of function and cosmesis is still present in conventional prosthesis. Myoelectric prosthesis was introduced for upper extremity amputees since 1960 by Korbinski and his co-workers and was most exciting improvement in the field of prosthetics. Two patients of bilateral above-elbow and bilateral below-knee amputees with myoelectric prostheses and conventional prostheses were compared in their function, cosmesis and acceptability of patient. Myoelectric prosthesis shows not only favorable cosmesis but also excellent function in range of motion and coordination of mechanical joints. And myoelectric prosthesis provides superior pinch force and requires less energy expenditure than a body-powered conventional prosthesis. So, in spite of the high cost of the appliance and of continued maintenance and repair, improvement in comfort, cosmesis and function have had to good level of acceptance of patients. Further research will undoubtedly improve the appearance, function and durability of the present electrically powered myoelectric prosthesis, making them even more acceptable and useful to lower limb and upper limb amputees.