Abstract
Studies concerning the fitting of prostheses on patients with dual disabilities of amputation and hemiplegia are few. We report the fitting of a prosthesis of a patient with right below-elbow amputation in combination with left-side hemiplegia and higher brain function disabilities. As a result of rehabilitation, independence in feeding brushing teeth and writing was acquired. The patient, a 60-year-old male with a right below-elbow amputation from 50 years prior, suffered from a cerebrovascular accident on 14 January 2007 resulting in left-side hemiplegia. After conservative therapy, the patient was transferred to the rehabilitation department where he started active prosthesis-fitting rehabilitation from March 1. The rehabilitations objectives were independence in feeding and brushing teeth. After considering cosmetic, active and myoelectric prostheses, an active prosthesis was chosen for itsreliable performance. Feeding, brushing teeth and writing skills were finally acquired. The success of this case suggests that the fitting of a suitable prosthesis helps promote motivation towards patient rehabilitation and improved ADL skills.
