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Myoelectric Prostheses
including the i-Limb Prosthesis |
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Every prosthesis Leimkuehler, Inc. fabricates
is specifically designed for each patient through the use of casts, measurements
and working models. |
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Myoelectic prostheses operate by a system of
small electrodes implanted in the socket of the prosthesis. When a muscle
contracts it sends a wave of depolarization across the muscle fiber. This
electrical charge is detectable on the surface of the skin and is picked
up by the electrodes. The magnitude of the charge is directly related to
the intensity of the contraction. Myoelectric control eliminates the need
for a harness. The prosthesis is self-suspended. The myoelectic prosthesis
allows the patient to re-establish a physiological relationship between muscle
contraction and the opening and closing of the terminal device. |
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There are a variety of myoelectric elbows as
well as myoelectric terminal devices, including the new i-Limb hand by Touch
Bionics featuring fully articulating digits, the first in the industry. |
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