The characteristics of the myoelectric prosthesis i-limb : Two case reports

Abstract

The i-limb quantum is one of the highly functional myoelectric prostheses. The i-limb hands have eleven joints and the users can move the five fingers independently. We provided occupational therapy to master the i-limb to two transradial amputees. One is a 45-year-old man and another is a 35-year-old woman. The i-limb has various grip patterns which the users can set by themselves. Additionally, the users can rotate the i-limb’s thumb internally and externally on the healthy side, therefore the users can grasp objects of various shapes. The i-limb moves more naturally like a human hand than conventional myoelectric prostheses, and the i-limb does not hold the objects too strongly. The disadvantages of the i-limb are its noisiness and fragility, in the case of rough usage. In order to make full use of the excellent functions of the i-limb, it is important for us to become familiar with its functions and provide the practical occupational therapy on its use.