A Canadian electric-arm prosthesis for children.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Pediatric Prosthetics

Background:

• The thalidomide tragedy spurred advancements in prosthetic development for young amputees.
• Early efforts involved fitting babies with conventional and gas-operated devices.
• Experience with Soviet prostheses highlighted the potential of myoelectric control in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a new all-electric prosthetic arm system for very young amputees.
• To assess the feasibility of using skin electrodes for myoelectric control in pediatric prosthetics.
• To design a modular prosthetic arm with a minimum service life of one year between major repairs.

Main Methods:

• Collaboration with Northern Electric Company to produce prototype all-electric prosthetic arms.
• Development of a system with four distinct movements powered by a single motor.
• Initial fitting of 36 babies with the prototype devices, utilizing switch-based control.

Main Results:

• The all-electric prosthetic system successfully performed four different movements.
• Initial clinical experience showed high acceptance by young patients, despite weight and control challenges.
• The four powered joints provided enhanced functional freedom for the child amputees.

Conclusions:

• The developed all-electric prosthetic arm shows promise as a functional device for young amputees.
• Further study and refinement are planned, including adaptation for myoelectric control and bilateral installations.
• The prosthesis, despite initial limitations, is accepted by pediatric patients and offers greater functional capabilities.