Loads on Transhumeral Amputees Using Osseointegrated Prostheses

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Upper extremity bone-anchored prostheses are crucial for restoring function but lack comprehensive load data.
• Existing literature lacks data on load levels experienced by users of upper extremity bone-anchored prostheses.
• Understanding these loads is vital for improving rehabilitation, prosthesis design, and user confidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate load levels during daily activities and maximum voluntary effort in transhumeral amputees with osseointegrated implants.
• To identify factors influencing prosthesis loading and user confidence in bone-anchored upper extremity prostheses.

Main Methods:

• Eleven transhumeral amputees with osseointegrated implants participated in the study.
• Load levels were measured during specific prosthetic movements at maximum voluntary effort and during daily activities.
• Data analysis focused on identifying variations and patterns in load distribution.

Main Results:

• Significant subject-to-subject variability in maximum load levels was observed across different activities.
• Some participants demonstrated apprehension, leading to lower-than-expected prosthesis loading.
• Uncertainty regarding the safe load limits for the implant system was reported by several subjects.

Conclusions:

• Prosthesis loading in transhumeral amputees with bone-anchored devices is highly subject-specific.
• Apprehension and uncertainty about load capacity contribute to variability in prosthesis use.
• Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for safe and confident loading of upper extremity bone-anchored prostheses.