Introduction to the ETD2

In our article about the ETD, Electronic Terminal Device, we wrote about how ETDs are rugged and water resistant. They are a great myoelectric option that offers both a gentle grip and a strong grip – one of the strongest grips of all prosthetic terminal devices. With the ETD2, you get all that, but in a modified, shorter design.

The ETD and ETD2 both provide a wide opening for grasping large objects and hook tips that allow precision control. But the shortened ETD2 can be a better option for people with a long transradial or wrist disarticulation limb difference. On these longer limbs, the length of an ETD can make the prosthesis longer than the person’s other arm. The more compact ETD2 shortens the prosthesis, making it closer to the length of the other arm. This is helpful in terms of aesthetics, and it’s easier to do two-handed tasks like buttoning a shirt because the prosthesis won’t “overshoot” the buttons.

The ETD and the ETD2 can really take a beating, but from time to time, the gripping surface needs to be replaced. When that happens with an ETD, it needs to be sent to the manufacturer to replace the nitrile gripping surface on the metal tines. The ETD2 also has metal tines, but they have a hard plastic cover, so the rubber gripping surfaces can be replaced by a prosthetist. That saves the user time. The plastic cover and gripping surface is sometimes preferred because there is less chance to scratch items you are interacting with, such as when you wash a car. This is also one of the benefits of the V2P — which is another body-powered device with rubber gripping surfaces.

Jennifer Peterson, one of our clinical therapy specialists, spoke with us about some of the differences between the ETD and the ETD2, “Both the ETD and the ETD2 are useful devices. The ETD’s hooks are straighter and thinner, making it is easy to see small objects that are being manipulated. The ETD2’s hooks are wider and more curved in a way that makes it a little harder to see the tips and small objects. When length is not a concern, it is often the look of the devices that determines the wearer’s choice. Some people like the metal, more robotic look of the ETD, while others are drawn to the sleek look of the ETD2 and the option of choosing a white or black cover.”

Need to make an adjustment to the speed or control of your prosthesis? Both the ETD and the ETD2 can connect via Bluetooth to software on an Apple phone or iPad (the app is not compatible with Android devices at this time. Our Arm Dynamics clinical therapy specialists teach you how to use that software so that you are in control of small changes to optimize your prosthetic control without having to take a trip to one of our centers.

An additional fun feature of the ETD2 is that there is a soft push tab on the curve of the hooks so that you can tap someone gently or push an elevator button. Another benefit? The motor is quieter in comparison to many other myoelectric terminal devices.

Would you be interested in having the ETD2 be your first prosthetic device — or your secondary device? To learn more about the ETD2 and the prosthetic care options we offer, please contact us. Do you use the ETD2 — or a different terminal device that works great for your needs? Please comment below with your experience. Thanks for reading!

For more information, see related Arm Dynamics articles here:

• Introduction to Electric Terminal Devices
• Below the Elbow Amputations
• Prosthetic Options for Wrist Disarticulations
• The V2P Terminal Device
• Terminal Device Overview