At Prosthetic Innovations in Philadelphia, Clinical Prosthetist Mike Rayer has spent the last four years actively working with the Steeper Espire Pro prosthetic elbow. For Mike, the device has been "fantastic," but the real proof of its impact lies in the success of his patients, like Scott Jacoby.
Scott, who has been using the Espire Elbow for ten months, values the "ease of use" it brings to daily life, from simple chores around the house to gaining a sense of total autonomy.
The Clinical Advantage: Flexibility in Design
When selecting a prosthesis for Scott, Mike explains that the Espire Pro was the primary choice, largely due to its unique design features.
"The elbow was the first thing that we selected, mostly because of the flexibility with the inputs, but also the external battery" Mike’s says. In Scott’s case, the external battery was a "big deal," providing a reliable power source for a robust and natural-looking system.
Intuitive Control and Simultaneous Operation
To ensure Scott has the most natural movement possible, Mike used a specific control setup:
- Elbow Control: Scott uses a linear transducer. By performing a biscapular abduction (pulling on the transducer), he can raise the elbow. To lower it, he simply relaxes back down past a specific point.
- Terminal Device: Scott uses two-site electrode control. contracting his bicep closes the TASKA CX hand, while activating the triceps opens it.
What makes this setup truly work for Mike and Scott is the ability for proportional control. The further or faster Scott pulls on the transducer, the quicker the elbow moves. Similarly, with the hand, a slight signal allows him to grasp delicate objects very slowly and precisely.
"As he continues to progress, he can actually operate those simultaneously" Mike notes, highlighting the potential for advanced, natural movement.