UPPER LIMB PROSTHETICS-B. WRIST UNITS

SUMMARY

Wrist units are used for attaching terminal devices to prostheses as well as providing pronation and supination to place the terminal device in its proper position:

1. Friction wrists permit pronation and supination of the terminal device and hold it in a selected position by means of friction derived from a compressed rubber washer or from forces applied to the stud of the terminal device.

2. Locking wrists permit manual rotation and then lock the terminal device in its fixed position. Advantage: the locking mechanism prevents inadvertent rotation of the terminal device in the wrist unit when a heavy object is grasped.

3. Flexion wrists: two types of wrist-flexion units,add-on (allows manual positioning of the terminal device) and combination (combines the friction & locking wrists).

4. Quick release/disconnect: with a button for quick-release.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.