C. Michael Schuch, CPO, FAAOP, FISPO, and
Michael Tompkins presented one of two 1997
AAOP honorary Thranhardt lectures on
"Revolutionary Control and Battery Schemes
for Externally Powered Upper-Limb Prostheses:
Update and Clinical Case Presentations."
This year's honorary Howard R. Thranhardt, CP(E), lecturers provided insightful information about devices that may prove useful to practicioners for years to come.
C. Michael Schuch, CPO, FAAOP, FISPO, and Michael Tompkins spoke first on "Revolutionary Control and Battery Schemes for Externally Powered Upper-Limb Prostheses: Update and Clinical Case Presentations." They described Animated Prosthetics Inc.'s new upper limb electronics system, which operates with most brands of prosthetic hands and features lithium0ion batteries, telemetry, microcomputer design and multiple modes; they also reported five case studies of some of the first user experiences. According to Tompkins, the system allows the prosthetist to match the prosthesis to the patient and can be adjusted for increased capabilities as the patient progresses. The results of the test cases led Tompkins and Schuch to conclude, "The system is user friendly for both the prosthetist and the amputee."