Transhumeral Recreational Prosthesis

Abstract

In Brief The patient is an 86-year-old male right mid-third transhumeral amputee who weighs 148 lb and is 5 feet 10 inches tall. He underwent amputation surgery in December 2009 due to necrotizing fasciitis. The patient was given the choice of a conventional prosthesis, which would assist him with activities of daily living or a task-specific prosthesis. Before the amputation of his right arm, the patient golfed at least three times a week with his family and friends. It was very important for him to continue this lifestyle. Studies have found a significant positive relationship between physical activity levels and body image, suggesting that body image disruption is associated more with physical disability than emotional problems and should be addressed with increased physical exercise in rehabilitation (Wetterhahn et al., Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2002;81:194–201).1 Because of the importance of golf, the patient decided it was necessary for us to produce a golfing prosthesis. Before undergoing a right transhumeral amputation, the patient, age 86, enjoyed golfing at least three times a week with family and friends. An unconventional approach and components were used to create a golfing device that he has been using with great success.