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Electrode Site Selection:
After wearing the weighted test socket for a period of time, your child will return to the prosthetist for further evaluation. Assuming that the test socket was comfortable and stayed on your child during the wearing period, which should be a minimum wearing time of four hours without problems, the prosthetist will then conduct electronic site testing. At this time, temporary electrodes will be placed inside the transparent socket and attached to a myopotentiometer, a special machine which measures muscle signal output. The purpose of this procedure is to identify the best location for the electrodes within the prosthetic socket. Although primary electrode sites may have been chosen prior to this step, it may be necessary to move the electrode sites slightly within the socket, in order to maintain optimum control of the electronic hand. Once reliable electrode sites have been established, the prosthetist will then fill the test socket with plaster in order to create the final master model for the permanent prosthetic socket.
Functional Testing with Laminated Socket
and Fitting Frame:
After the master model has been prepared by the prosthetist in the laboratory, a thin growth liner will be laminated over the plaster model. This initial lining will serve as a growth interface, that can be removed at a future time when your child's prosthesis has become too tight for comfort. By using a growth liner, it has been possible to extend the life of the average prosthesis by 24%. The permanent socket is laminated over the growth liner and a temporary fitting frame is attached to the socket, along with all the electronic components that will become part of your child's myoelectric arm prosthesis.
At this point you will return to the prosthetist and your child will try on the prosthesis for a functional evaluation. Most children are able to operate the prosthesis within the first fifteen to thirty minutes, and the prosthetist will then establish the proper length of the finished bionic arm and check the overall fit for comfort and control. After completing the functional analysis, it is then possible to proceed to the final step in the fabrication process.
Delivery
and Final Check Out of the
Electronic Prosthesis:
After your child has demonstrated adequate control of the prosthesis during the functional analysis, the alignment of the prosthesis is then duplicated in a special vertical alignment fixture. A rigid foam build-up is shaped around the components to provide a laminating form from which the cosmetic shape of the permanent forearm shell is created. Once the forearm shell has been laminated, all the components of the prosthesis are assembled and your child returns for the final visit to receive the finished prosthesis. By this time, you should have had adequate practice helping your child to put on and remove the prosthesis, and should be able to demonstrate this at the final appointment. The prosthetist will give you instructions regarding the proper sequence of battery charging, operation of the battery charger, overall maintenance guidelines and set up a follow-up visit.
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Here to Return to:
HOW WILL MY CHILD'S MYOELECTRIC ARM
PROSTHESIS BE MADE?
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