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Section 2: Upper Limb
Figure 11
cedes incision for development of a Tikho-Linberg resection and reconstruction. The procedure involves the anterior limb for protection of the subclavian to axillary artery and brachial plexus, the posterior ap for dealing with the resection, and a longitudinal extension over the trapezius to facilitate exposure and later tension-free closure. B, Intraoperative photograph shows the proximal humerus and tumor contained with the deltoid. Because the tumor broke into the joint, a periscapular resection was needed. C, Intraoperative photograph shows exposure and osteotomy of the proximal humerus prior to resection. D, Posterior-superior intraoperative view of the scapular resection. E, Postoperative radiograph shows creation of a prosthetic pseudarthrosis, with suture tape placed through holes in the prosthesis to the chest wall for stability.
allows safe delivery of the tumor prox­imally. A partial scapulectomy usually does not need to be reconstructed. The abductors are retained; however, most of the other resections will combine
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Images of a patient with dedierentiated chondrosarcoma of the proximal humerus. A, Intraoperative photograph of a typical Mer-
proximal humeral replacement with scapular reconstruction.
If a Malawar type I or V resection is being performed, the preferred meth­od of reconstruction is an allograft
composite reverse total shoulder with glenoid allograft. Other methods include an intercalary spacer with dowel into the clavicle, endoprosthetic proximal humeral replacement with polyethylene
Chapter 22: Amputations About the Shoulder: Surgical Considerations
Figure 12
latissimus ap (A) and a split-thickness skin graft (B).
Intraoperative photographs of morbidity in a scapulectomy after radiation. Medial angle ap necrosis necessitated a contralateral
terephthalate aortic graft to reconstruct the capsule, or osteoarticular allograft. If a total resection of both the proxi­mal humerus and the scapula (Malawar type VI) is required, a constrained or unconstrained humeroscapular prosthe­sis, which can have numerous complica­tions, must be considered. The proximal humerus also can be reconstructed with an allograft prosthetic composite cou­pled to a scapular prosthesis.
23,24,27
Scapulectomy
Scapulectomy is a shoulder-level resec­tion alternative to amputation for rare indications mostly caused by a tumor involving only the scapula or infection that has so devitalized the periscapu­lar soft tissues as to render the scapula unsalvageable. Syme28 originally de­scribed his experience with the proce­dure in 1857 and discussed many of the same complications seen today—ma­jor wound dehiscence and severe loss of strength in the shoulder girdle
19,29, 30
(Figure 12).
The patient can be positioned either prone or lateral for this procedure; how­ever, the author of this chapter prefers to drape the arm with the patient in a prone position to facilitate adduction and internal rotation of the limb and to bring the inferior angle of the scap­ula dorsally. The technique involves an
incision that begins at the lateral edge of the acromion and follows in line with the Judet approach to scapular fixa­tion.30 The incision traverses medially to the medial angle and then courses distally to meet the inferior angle. The trapezius, rhomboid, and levator mus­cles are then transected, and the arm is brought into adduction and internal rotation behind the patient’s back to deliver the inferior angle of the scapu­la. The inferior angle is then placed on tension with a bone hook, and the latis­simus dorsi is transected. The dissection then continues along the subscapular space to its medial capsular extent. At this point, the supraspinatus, infraspi­natus, and serratus muscles are divided, and the proximal trapezius is divided from the scapular spine and the acro­mion. Elevating the specimen dorsally then brings the brachial plexus and the axillary vessels into view and allows ligation of the superficial cervical, de­scending scapular, and suprascapular vessels and the suprascapular nerve. The acromioclavicular joint is then disartic­ulated, and the coracoclavicular joints are transected to allow delivery of the scapula. After the conjoined tendon is detached, the specimen is delivered to the back table. Soft-tissue remnants can then be used to stabilize the clavi­cle with a transosseous suture or suture
anchors and, in a similar manner, stabi­lize the acromial remnant and create a deltoid suspension. The flaps are closed over a minimum of two drains, and the wound is covered with an incisional negative-pressure wound dressing with a compressive elastic wrap. The author of this chapter prefers to allow scar tis­sue to form for 7 to 14 days to minimize the risk of hematoma and seroma. Pa­tients are asked to wear a compressive shoulder sleeve for 4 to 6 weeks.
Claviculectomy
Paratracheal, esophageal, and other neck malignancies are the usual indications for clavicular resections.31 Occasionally, it will be necessary to perform a partial or complete resection of the clavicle for isolated chondrosarcoma of the clavicle or osteomyelitis after radiation for other neoplasms. The procedure is relatively simple, with an incision that follows the anterior border of the clavicle from the sternoclavicular joint to the acromio­clavicular joint. Dissection begins medi­ally by dividing the sternocleidomastoid muscles in a fashion that allows identi­fication and protection of the external jugular vein. Next, the dissection pro­ceeds laterally with transection of the trapezius and deltoid insertion on the superior clavicle. The acromioclavicular joint is then disarticulated, and the
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Section 2: Upper Limb
conoid and trapezoid ligaments are di­vided. The work then proceeds medially again under the clavicle; this is greatly facilitated by using a forceps to elevate the medial edge. This process usually brings the subclavius muscle into view, which often is resected with the tumor because the margin is usually very close along the subclavian artery and vein. The sternoclavicular joint is disarticu­lated, and the clavicle is removed. Dead space is mitigated by careful, layered closure over drains. No attempt is made to reconstruct the clavicular strut.31 As with a scapulectomy, the author of this chapter prefers to allow scar tissue to form for 7 to 14 days; postural exercises are then started to emphasize rhomboid and periscapular strength to “open up” the thoracic outlet.
Summary
Shoulder-level amputations are complex and challenging surgical procedures. To provide optimal patient care, the sur­geon must understand the indications for such procedures along with limb salvage alternatives. Complications are frequent and often require creative solu­tions, including local or free flap cover­age. Although these procedures entail loss of function and disfigurement, they offer the patient the potential for disease-free survival or recovery from a massive traumatic injury.
References
1. O’Connor MI, Sim FH, Chao EY: Limb salvage for neoplasms of the shoulder girdle: Intermediate reconstructive and function­al results. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1996;78(12):1872-1888. Medline
2. Fanous N, Didolkar MS, Holyoke ED, Elias EG: Evaluation of forequarter amputation in malignant diseases. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1976;142(3):381-
384. Medline
3. Getty PJ, Peabody TD: Complica­tions and functional outcomes of
reconstruction with an osteoartic­ular allogra aer intra-articular resection of the proximal aspect of the humerus. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1999;81(8):1138-1146. Medline
4. Gibbons CL, Bell RS, Wunder JS, etal: Function aer subtotal scapulectomy for neoplasm of bone and so tissue. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1998;80(1):38-42. Medline DOI
5. Kiss J, Sztrinkai G, Antal I, Kiss J, Szendroi M: Functional results and quality of life aer shoulder girdle resections in musculoskeletal tumors. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2007;16(3):273-
279. Medline DOI
6. Alford WC Jr, Stephenson SE Jr: Traumatic forequarter amputation: A report of two cases. J Trauma 1965;5:547-553. Medline DOI
7. Ross AC, Wilson JN, Scales JT: Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1987;69(4):656-661. Medline
8. Roth JA, Sugarbaker PH, Baker AR: Radical forequarter amputation with chest wall resection. Ann orac Surg 1984;37(5):423-427. Medline DOI
9. Rödl RW, Gosheger G, Gebert C, Lindner N, Ozaki T, Winkelmann W: Reconstruction of the humerus aer wide resection of tumours. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2002;84:1004-1008.
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10. Cordeiro PG, Cohen S, Burt M, Brennan MF: e total volar forearm musculocutaneous free ap for reconstruction of extended fore­quarter amputations. Ann Plast Surg 1998;40(4):388-396. Medline DOI
11. Zachary LS, Gottlieb LJ, Simon M, Ferguson MK, Calkins E: Forequarter amputation wound coverage with an ipsilateral, lymphedematous, circum­ferential forearm fasciocutaneous free ap in patients undergoing palliative shoulder-girdle tumor resection. JRe- constr Microsurg 1993;9(2):103-107.
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12. Enneking WF: A system of staging musculoskeletal neoplasms. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1986;204:9-24.
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13. Enneking W, Dunham W, Geb­hardt M, Malawar M, Pritchard D: A system for the classication of skeletal resections. Chir Organi Mov 1990;75(1 suppl):217-240. Medline
14. Enneking WF, Dunham W, Gebhardt MC, Malawar M, Pritchard DJ: A system for the functional evaluation of reconstructive procedures aer surgical treatment of tumors of the musculoskeletal system. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1993;286:241-246. Medline
15. Kumar D, Grimer RJ, Abudu A, Car­ter SR, Tillman RM: Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humer­us: Long-term results. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2003;85(5):717-722. Medline
16. Marcove RC, Lewis MM, Huvos AG: En bloc upper humeral inter­scapulo-thoracic resection: e Tik­ho-Linberg procedure. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1977;124:219-228. Medline
17. Voggenreiter G, Assenmacher S, Schmit-Neuerburg KP: Tikho-Lin­berg procedure for bone and so tissue tumors of the shoulder girdle. Arch Surg 1999;134(3):252-257.
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18. Linberg BE: Interscapulo-thoracic resection for malignant tumors of the shoulder joint region. J Bone Joint Surg 1928;10:344-349.
19. Nakamura S, Kusuzaki K, Murata H, etal: Clinical outcome of total scapulectomy in 10 patients with pri­mary malignant bone and so-tissue tumors. J Surg Oncol 1999;72(3):130-
135. Medline DOI
20. Weiland AJ, Moore JR, Daniel RK: Vascularized bone autogras: Experi­ence with 41 cases. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1983;174:87-95. Medline
21. Smith DG: Amputations about the shoulder: Surgical management, in Smith DG, Michael JW, Bowker JH, eds: Atlas of Amputations and Limb
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Chapter 22: Amputations About the Shoulder: Surgical Considerations
Deciencies: Surgical, Prosthetic, and Rehabilitation Principles, ed 3.
Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2004, pp 251-261.
22. Damron TA, Rock MG, O’Connor MI, et al: Functional laboratory assessment aer oncologic shoulder joint resections. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1998;348:124-134. Medline
23. De Wilde L, Sys G, Julien Y, Van Ovost E, Poyn B, Trouilloud P: e reversed Delta shoulder prosthesis in reconstruction of the proximal humerus aer tumour resection. Acta Orthop Belg 2003;69(6):495-500.
Medline
24. Wada T, Usui M, Isu K, Yamawakii S, Ishii S: Reconstruction and limb salvage aer resection for malignant
bone tumour of the proximal humerus: A sling procedure using a free vascularised bular gra. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1999;81(5):808-813.
Medline DOI
25. Capanna E, Giunti A, Biagini R, Ferruzzi A: Modular endoprosthesis for humerus and Tikho-Linberg resection, in Yamamuro T, ed: New
Developments for Limb Salvage in Musculoskeletal Tumors. Tokyo,
Japan, Springer, 1989, pp 547-555.
26. Clarke A, Dewnany G, Neumann L, Wallace WA: Glenothoracic fusion: An adjunct to radical scapulectomy. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2004;86(4):531-
535. Medline
27. Mankin HJ, Gebhardt MC, Jen­nings LC, Springeld DS, Tomford WW: Long-term results of allogra
replacement in the management of bone tumors. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1996;324:86-97. Medline DOI
28. Syme J: On disarticulation of the scapula from the shoulder-joint. Med Chir Trans 1857;40:107-112.
Medline DOI
29. Rodriguez JA, Craven JE, Heinrich S, Wilson S, Levine EA: Current role of scapulectomy. Am Surg 1999;65(12):1167-1170. Medline
30. Das Gupta TK: Scapulectomy: Indications and technique. Surgery 1970;67(4):601-606. Medline
31. Abbott LC, Lucas DB: e function of the clavicle: Its surgical signi­cance. Ann Surg 1954;140(4):583-599.
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© 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition
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Chapter 23
Amputations About the Shoulder: Prosthetic Management
Branden Petersen, BS, CP
Abstract
e complex functionality of the natural shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand are awe inspir­ing, both individually and as a collective whole. e coupling of accurate, coordinated movements with sensory input provides humans with an amazing instrument to perform intricate functions. Replacing the exquisitely designed complex structure at and distal to the natural shoulder region with a mechanical prosthesis presents many challenges. e short lever arm, involvement of multiple joints, and diminished excursion capabilities create functional limitations in a prosthesis and oen dictate the selection of components. ere are many possible presentations of amputations in the shoulder region that require prosthetic management; some of the most common are humeral neck amputation, gleno­humeral disarticulation (shoulder disarticulation), and interscapulothoracic amputation.
Socket design, interface materials, suspension methods, alignment, and component considerations can aect the successful use of a prosthesis in the shoulder region and must be carefully considered. ere are several approaches to prosthetic management, including no prosthesis use; protective shoulder caps; and passive, adaptive, body-powered, hybrid, and externally powered systems. All aspects of prosthetic management should be discussed with the amputee during his or her initial evaluation.
Keywords: brachial plexus injury; forequarter; glenohumeral disarticulation; humeral neck amputation; intercalary amputation; interscapulothoracic; pattern recognition; shoulder disarticulation; targeted muscle reinnervation; Tikhoff-Linberg resection
Introduction
Amputations in the shoulder region are relatively uncommon and are generally related to malignant lesions, trauma, and congenital etiologies. plete loss of an upper limb is a sub­stantial loss. Replacing that exquisitely designed natural limb with a mechani­cal limb presents many challenges, in­cluding short lever arms, multiple joint involvement, and diminished excursion capabilities.
3,4
In addition, proximal amputation levels can limit componen­try selection and may require the use
Neither Mr. Petersen nor any immediate family member has received anything of value from or has stock or stock options held in a commercial company or institution related directly or indirectly to the subject of this chapter.
1,2
The com-
of externally powered components for improved functional outcomes.5 Indi viduals with shoulder-level amputations often reject the use of a prosthesis for a variety of reasons, including socket discomfort, lack of heat dissipation, the weight of the prosthesis, and displeasing appearance.
6-8
Based on the literature, the overall rejection rate for a high-level upper limb prosthesis ranges from 32% to 65%.
6-10
However, with advances in modern socket designs and materials, many of these rejection factors have been addressed.
Figure 1
vidual with an amputation at the level of the humeral neck.
Clinical photograph of an indi-
Amputations and deficiencies in the shoulder region present in a range of configurations; however, this chapter will focus on humeral neck amputation, glenohumeral (shoulder) disarticulation, and interscapulothoracic (forequarter) amputation. These levels of amputation differ in their clinical presentation but are managed prosthetically in a very similar fashion.
-
Amputation Levels
3
Amputations and deficiencies about the shoulder region present differently and require different fitting consider­ations.11 It is important to understand the unique clinical presentations and functional capabilities of each level of amputation when designing a prosthesis for the shoulder region.
Patients with an amputation at the level of the humeral neck typically have an intact glenohumeral joint and a con­siderably shortened residual humerus (Figure 1). Because the residual limb does not have the necessary length to be fitted with standard transhumeral socket designs, thoracic-style sockets
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Section 2: Upper Limb
Figure 2
vidual with a glenohumeral disarticulation.
Clinical photograph of an indi-
are generally chosen. A glenohumeral disarticulation is an amputation through the glenohumeral joint or a disarticu­lation of the humeral head from the glenoid cavity (Figure 2). Individuals with an interscapulothoracic amputa­tion have undergone complete removal of the shoulder girdle, including the scapula and the lateral two-thirds of the clavicle (Figure 3).
Evaluation
The initial stage in designing a pros­thesis requires a comprehensive patient evaluation. This evaluation is essential to the development of the most appro­priate prosthetic prescription to meet an individual patient’s psychosocial and functional needs. Prosthetic compo­nents should be matched to the patient’s physical characteristics, customary ac­tivities of daily living, and vocational goals. The physical findings from the residual limb examination as well as any associated injuries must be considered.
The rehabilitation team should take great care in gathering the necessary information during the evaluation and design of the prosthesis. information on the amputation level, the characteristics of the residual limb, the location of scarring, preinjury hand dominance, the results of myoelectric and manual muscle testing, range of mo­tion, and the presence of phantom pain or sensation can assist in designing the prosthesis, including component selec­tion. Comorbidities, including diabetes,
12,13
Obtaining
Figure 3
vidual with a interscapulothoracic amputation.
Clinical photograph of an indi-
overuse symptoms, decreased function­ality of the sound side, and any history of neck and back pain, provide further guidance in determining the most ap­propriate prosthetic approach.
A thorough understanding of the pa­tient’s work-related tasks also is neces­sary in designing the prosthesis. In some instances, a visit to the patient’s worksite may be necessary to better understand vocational requirements and justify the components being provided. In other cases, the patient may be transitioning to a new occupation. Understanding the requirements of current and future vocational goals is an important consid­eration in prosthetic design.
The clinical evaluation lays the foun­dation for selecting the design and con­trol of the prosthesis. During the patient evaluation process, the conceptual de­sign of the prosthesis begins to develop. The size, shape, and features of the sock­et for the shoulder region become appar­ent based on the needs and abilities of the individual. For example, if a patient has an amputation at the humeral neck level, the use of the movable humeral head to activate force-sensitive resistors or switches is a consideration in the design of the prosthesis. Alternatively, strong, distinct muscle contractions al­low for the consideration of myoelectric control strategies. Taking into account the individual’s unique capabilities to control the prosthesis helps in the cre­ation of a device that more easily permits intuitive learning.
Figure 4
anterior proximal casting compression tech­niques commonly used in modern thoracic level sockets. (Courtesy of J. Thomas Andrew, CP, FAAOP, Ability Prosthetic Systems, Salt Lake City, UT.)
Superior photographic view of
Shoulder Region Socket Design
Socket designs for the shoulder region have substantially evolved from the original bucket-style sockets, which encompassed the entire shoulder prox­imally, extended 6 inches distally from the axilla, and wrapped around near­ly to the midline of the torso in their anterior and posterior dimensions. The contributions of many clinicians and researchers have reduced the bulk of these sockets, improved heat dissipa­tion, enhanced suspension, incorpo­rated advanced materials, and refined harnessing techniques.
When designing a socket for the shoulder region, the clinician must con­sider the type of prosthesis, heat dissipa­tion, suspension, stability, comfort, and frame placement. The prosthetic socket can be evaluated in the following five critical support areas: anterior proximal, posterior proximal, lateral wall, anteri­or distal, and posterior distal. A critical evaluation of these five support areas with respect to suspension, soft-tissue loading, force couples during prosthesis use, comfort, and stability will collec­tively provide the framework for design of a prosthetic socket for the shoulder region.
During the molding process, it is necessary to provide anterior proximal compression over the pectoralis and
14-16
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Figure 5
vidual demonstrating that with the shoulder joint exed and gravity acting on the humeral section and forearm, a rotational torque is cre­ated on the socket (curved arrow). The torque force couples experienced are located in the posterior proximal (PP) and anterior distal (AD) aspects of the socket interface during exion activities and require socket support.
Clinical photograph of an indi-
infraspinatus muscles (Figure 4). This compression creates a wedge shape that assists with suspension, axial loading, rotational stability, and maintaining electrode contact in externally powered prosthetic designs. The anterior socket trim line is typically located inferior to the clavicle for improved comfort. The posterior proximal trim line is located over the supraspinatus and is responsi­ble for load bearing as well as reducing distal migration of the socket. The lat­eral wall connects the proximal and the distal sockets. This area assists with the transfer of forces to the inferior aspect of the socket. The lateral wall is gen­erally 3 to 5 inches wide, assists with soft-tissue containment, and broadens the surface area of the socket for force transmission.
Chapter 23: Amputations About the Shoulder: Prosthetic Management
the laminated surface created difficulties in maintaining socket position. With the development of frame-type sockets, the laminated sockets were largely replaced by flexible thermoplastic inner sockets. The flexible thermoplastic material provided greater friction and improved comfort compared with laminated sock-
Figure 6
wearing a frame-type socket with a exible in­ner socket material and an external laminated frame. The exible thermoplastic inner socket material provid es greater friction an d improved comfort compared with laminated sockets.
Photograph of an individual
ets (Figure 6).
In recent years, there has been a shift from traditional thermoplastic socket interfaces to silicone rubber materials. A high consistency rubber (HCR) sil­icone socket offers several advantages over thermoplastic materials. It can be manufactured to the desired thickness
Socket torque increases when the shoulder or elbow joint is flexed. The resultant torque produces force cou­ples at the anterior distal and posterior proximal aspects of the socket interface (Figure 5). The anterior distal and pos­terior proximal socket regions assist with torque stabilization and should be dynamically simulated during di­agnostic socket fitting to ensure that the necessary force couple support has been achieved. In contrast, because of the predominance of the force couple previously described, the posterior dis­tal aspect of the socket can be reduced to a smaller area of support. This area of the socket generally assists with rota­tional stability and is useful in activities involving shoulder and elbow extension.
and stiffness (shore durometer), allowing the prosthetist to have localized control over the physical properties of the sock­et construction. The HCR silicone sock­et design for a shoulder disarticulation generally includes an over-the-shoulder strap that is integrated into the silicone (Figure 7). This strap, coupled with the high coefficient of friction of HCR sili­cone, helps prevent distal migration of the prosthesis that could occur during use. The strap fits the contour of the shoulder exactly and is soft and flexible so it moves with the patient to provide greater comfort than other strap mate­rials used in this application. Because the HCR silicone is custom pigmented to approximate the general skin tone of the amputee and the strap is continuous with the inside surface of the socket, the
Socket Material Selection
The selection of appropriate socket in­terface materials is a critical factor in the overall successful application of a prosthesis for the shoulder region. In general, socket interface materials with a higher coefficient of friction assist in maintaining the position of the socket on short residual limbs. Securing the position of the socket assists in main­taining the optimal mechanics of the prosthesis.
In the past, rigid, laminated hard sockets were commonly used; how­ever, the low friction characteristics of
cosmetic appearance is good. To pro­vide greater comfort in the transition area from a rigid structure to a patient’s body, the HCR silicone socket is made to extend farther than the composite frame to which it is attached. If there are particularly sensitive or bony areas that require additional cushioning, sili­cone gel pads can be integrated into the HCR silicone to provide excellent pad­ding for improved comfort and function. This feature is especially useful when a hybrid or body-powered prosthesis is used, because high forces may be needed for activation.
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Section 2: Upper Limb
Figure 7
custom, high consistency rubber (HCR) socket for a myoelectric shoulder disarticulation pros­thesis. Note the HCR axilla padding. (Courtesy of Jack Uellendahl, CPO, Hanger Clinic, Austin, TX.)
Photograph of a patient with a
Component Setup Considerations
Proper component selection and setup is key to the successful use of a prosthe­sis. When designing a prosthesis for the shoulder region, the device is essentially fabricated twice—once during an ex­pedited provisional fitting to evaluate the function and biomechanics of the prosthesis and then a second time in the form of the definitive prosthesis. The initial provisional fitting involves evaluating the fit of the test socket, the location and alignment biomechanics of the components, the harness design, the configuration of the control inputs, and the consistency of the resultant control. After these factors are deemed satisfacto­ry, the definitive prosthesis is fabricated based on the provisional template.
Several factors should be considered with respect to the prosthetic shoulder joint. Many individuals benefit from a shoulder joint that allows free swing­ing in the sagittal plane. The freeing of the shoulder joint affords improved posture and gait, decreases extraneous body motions to accomplish certain
tasks, and diminishes the forces on the individual’s residual limb.17 Free swing­ing shoulder joints should be aligned perpendicular to the ground and in 10° to 15° of internal rotation for improved midline positioning. For individuals with amputations at the level of the humeral neck, the prosthetic shoulder joint is sometimes placed inferior to the humeral neck. Although this placement does not provide a natural appearance, it allows the weight of the components to be situated closer to the body and reduces the torque and lateral bulk of the prosthesis.
4
Prosthetic elbow alignment also has key considerations. The elbow joint is typically placed to approximate the center of the sound side elbow joint or slightly more proximal. The more prox­imal placement of the elbow joint center decreases the pendulum effect perceived by the amputee and generally improves the functionality of the prosthesis. In addition, the more proximal placement of the elbow joint allows improved seat­ing capabilities in chairs with a side arm. These benefits must be balanced against a shorter prosthetic appearance, which is often less cosmetically acceptable. For improved functionality, the elbow joint axis of rotation should be perpendicular to gravity.
Because a prosthesis for the shoul­der region replaces several joints, it is desirable to use wrist components that have multiple positioning capabilities. For body-powered devices, flexion and spring rotation wrist units are frequently used to improve the individual’s ability to place the terminal device in multiple positions during midline tasks. For ex­ternally powered devices, electric wrist rotation is a consideration in individu­als with a unilateral amputation and an essential component for those with a bilateral upper limb amputation.
With respect to prosthetic suspen­sion, there are several variations of chest strap harnesses. Harness designs for the shoulder region can be challenging and
elaborate depending on functional and suspension goals. However, the chest strap is the most commonly used har­ness to prevent socket displacement.
Prosthetic Approaches
The seven general categories for pros­thetic approaches for the shoulder region are as follows: no prosthesis; protective shoulder caps; passive oppositional res­torations; and adaptive, body- powered, hybrid, and externally powered pros­theses (Table 1). Because certain types of prostheses are contraindicated for some activities, an individual may re­quire secondary prostheses to accom­plish the many activities of daily living and work-related tasks. Secondary pros­theses are essential for individuals with bilateral upper limb amputations.
No Prosthesis
Individuals with amputations about the shoulder region comprise a small patient population. In general, prostheses for the shoulder region are less functional and more likely to be abandoned when compared with prostheses for more­distal amputation levels. Factors that contribute to rejection of a prosthesis are decreased functional benefit, socket dis­comfort, weight, heat retention, loss of sensory feedback after the residual limb is covered by the socket, and appear-
6,7
ance.
The choice of not using a pros­thesis for the shoulder region should be presented as an option. However, it is also common for amputees to request a prosthesis several years after ampu­tation because of overuse symptoms in the sound-side upper limb. Although overuse syndrome does not affect all amputees, this syndrome should be discussed when options for prosthesis use are presented.
Protective Shoulder Caps
Amputees often report improved secu­rity of their residual limb after it is cov­ered and protected. A shoulder cap can protect the residual limb from bumps
9,18
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Chapter 23: Amputations About the Shoulder: Prosthetic Management
Tab le 1
Shoulder Region Prosthetic Options: Advantages and Disadvantages
Prosthesis Type Functionality Advantages Disadvantages
No prosthesis use Not applicable Heat dissipation
No harness No socket comfort issues
Shoulder cap Restores shoulder
Oppositional passive
restoration
Adaptive Function for a specic
Body-powered Functional grasp and
VO = voluntary opening, VC = voluntary closing, EMG = electromyography.
shape and protec­tion
Opposition function Lightweight
activity
elbow positioning
Small socket footprint Lightweight Protects sensitive residual limb At the interscapulothoracic level,
assists with maintaining clothing in position by shoulder shape reconstruction
Restores a more natural slope and
appearance of the shoulder
Small socket footprint Protects residual limb Good cosmesis restoring body
image Multiple glove type options Restoration of functional limb
length
Simple design Lightweight Suited for a specic task Lower cost Low maintenance Multiple activity-specic terminal
device options Adaptive terminal devices could
be incorporated into a passive
body-powered or a myoelectric
prosthesis design
Lighter in weight than externally
powered prostheses Possibility of a smaller socket
footprint Multiple terminal devices available
(VO, VC, and adaptive) Designed for heavy-duty tasks Low maintenance cost Mechanically simple Water and debris resistance Proprioceptive feedback through
the harness
Limitations for bimanual function Residual limb protection limited Increases potential for future development
of overuse syndromes
Balance
Requires a harness Heat dissipation reduced
Small harness required Low heat dissipation Custom gloves costly Poor o-the-shelf glove durability
Some devices are designed for one activity
and may not function well with other
tasks Poor cosmesis Specialty designs typically do not have the
appearance of a normal prosthesis
Requires body force and excursion to
function and is dicult for high-level
amputations Poor cosmesis Requires a harness for function Highest energy expenditure for controlling
the prosthesis Requires 4.5 inches of excursion coupled
with force for components to function at
end range. Individuals with a shoulder region ampu-
tation have approximately 50% of the
excursion needed to bring components
to their end range of function, and those
with an interscapulothoracic level am-
putation have approximately 25% of the
needed operational excursion
© 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deciencies, Fourth Edition
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