Published Journal Articles

The MicroFrame: The Next Generation of Interface Design for Glenohumeral Disarticulation and Associated Levels of Limb Deficiency

(This article originally appeared in Volume XV, No. 2 of the Journal of Orthotics & Prosthetics

MicroFrame

The provision of a prosthesis for upper extremity amputees at the glenohumeral disarticulation and associated levels (humeral neck, interscapulothoracic) requires consideration of myriad factors, some of which may include componentry, interface design, fabrication, practitioner experience, and therapeutic intervention. Although state-of-the-art componentry, for example, can dramatically improve outcomes, other factors left unaddressed can negate any advantages that new technology offers. Specifically, the interface is the foundation for successful prosthetic intervention because it can either create conditions that make wearing the prosthesis intolerable or allow high level amputees who were previously not considered candidates finally to benefit from prosthetic intervention. Many individuals fit with a prosthesis at the humeral neck level and higher often complain about the weight of the prosthesis, heat build-up while wearing the prosthesis, lack of stability, difficulty in independent donning, and reduced control of the terminal device when it is positioned in certain planes and body positions; the prostheses have resulted in reduced wearing times and, in many cases, discontinuation of prosthetic use altogether. Although a panacea does not exist, the MicroFrame design addresses these issues more effectively than the traditional interface designs taught in schools today. The purpose of this article is to detail the clinical application of the MicroFrame design. (This MicroFrame may not be appropriate for individuals without delto-pectoral definition and growing children because the anterior/posterior compression of the interface is precisely contoured to the anatomy and must remain constant.)...

Download PDF to read the full article.