An unusual complication of a myoelectric prosthesis

This clinical note describes an unusual and previously unreported complication of wearing a myoelectric prosthesis in a child with congenital upper limb deficiency. After an initial period of wearing a cosmetic prosthesis, he was provided with a child's trans-radial myoelectric prosthesis with a Steeper Scamp Electric hand at the age of 21 months. After successful and uncomplicated use of this prosthesis for 2 years--a sudden onset of burns of the skin of the stump underlying the single electrode site was noted. The cause of the burns was thought to be due to heat generated from electrical failure possibly from ingress of moisture. This complication has not before been experienced in the authors' centre, nor has it been reported in the literature. While constant improvements are being made in the field of electrically powered prosthesis, the rehabilitation team should be aware of this unusual complication.