PROSTHETIC REHABILITATION OF BILATERAL ANTECUBITAL PTERYGIA WITH CONCOMITANT CONGENITAL HAND DEFICIENCIES: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

This case study presents upon the unique application of prosthetic rehabilitation principles for a young man presenting with bilateral antecubital pterygia or webbing of the elbows. His case was further complicated by substantial bilateral congenital hand deficiencies. Prior to prosthetic intervention, this patient’s upper limb function was confined to midline manipulation performed with his elbows. Following a surgical release of the webbing of his right elbow he had sufficient mobility to justify an exploration of prosthetic rehabilitation. We report on the initial prosthetic fitting which has substantially expanded this young man’s working envelop and upper limb function. This was accomplished through dual-site direct myolectric control of an electric hand mounted in relative internal rotation to facilitate midline function and preserve the patient’s sensory input from his right residual forearm and hand.