A dynamic pronation orthosis for the C6 tetraplegic arm

Tetraplegic arms of patients with spinal cord injury at C5 or C6 level are often held in a flexed supinated position. In supination the function of the hand is limited. This report presents a newly developed orthosis giving active pronation of the forearm for a C6 complete tetraplegic. The orthosis consists of a pretightened coiled spring that gives a torque around the longitudinal axis of the forearm. The distal part of the spring is connected to a cuff around the wrist, and the proximal part to two fitting planes on the upper arm. With the orthosis, a 27-year-old patient with a C5-C6 spinal cord injury was able to participate in activities of daily living and to perform table top activities. This new orthosis provides pronation and markedly increases the patient's degree of independence.