UPPER LIMB PROSTHETICS-D. ELBOW HINGES

SUMMARY

1. Flexible elbow hinge: used primarily to suspend the forearm socket. Permits active pronation and supination of the forearm.
- Used where sufficient voluntary pronation and supination are available to make it desirable to maintain these functions: wrist-disarticulations and long transradial amputations.

2. Rigid elbow hinge: used in short transradial amputations when normal elbow flexion is present but there is no voluntary pronation-supination and more stability is needed. Types: single axis, polycentric, step-up design.

3. Locking elbow joints: are used only if there is significant elbow flexor weakness.

4. Step-up elbow hinge: for short stumps, contractures.

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.