Adaptation to upper extremity hybrid prosthesis: a thermographic case study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess, by means of thermography, the adaptation to upper-extremity hybrid prosthesis by a male subject, 42 years old, with proximal amputation of left arm. Thermographic images were captured by an infrared camera immediately after prosthesis withdrawal (which had been used for full 8 hours) and 20 minutes later, when thermal balance was reached, in an environment of constant 21°C. Images were captured of frontal and sagittal planes (both right and left), on which seven regions of interest (ROI) were defined and analysed. Results showed that mean ROI temperatures decreased 0.79°C (p<0,05) after thermal balance was reached. Along the chest strap path and at the sound side axilla - which coincides with subject's main discomfort complaint - high temperatures were found, indicating friction; high temperature in the ipsilateral to amputation anterior shoulder suggests overload; and low temperature on the residual limb suggests poor circulation, thus pointing to difficulty of adaptation. Results suggest that thermography may contribute to identifying amputees' discomfort and may be used for monitoring upper-limb prostheses users' rehabilitation; also, suggestion is made to foster developing new suspension systems in order to increase comfort in securing upper extremity prostheses.