Testimonials & Quotes

Innovative design; deliverables that stand out, seamless donning and doffing, solutions offering great functionality ADL’s
‘My first prosthesis didn’t work’

‘I first had a socket prosthesis, but that didn’t work. It constantly moved back and forth. I then said to the doctor: if this is how it has to be, then let’s do it without.’

‘I can really feel my arm again with the Ellis® prosthesis. It’s weight is comfortable and I like the design. it’s a very handy thing!’

Johan BaggermanLent, Netherlands
“…Since over 6 years I have an osseointegrated arm prosthesis. I am very content with the boneanchored fixation and the fact that I can simply click the elbow on and off is very practical. The elbow provides sufficient functionality for many of my ADL’s, even without the use of myo-contacts…”

Johan doesn’t expect to ever have a “normal” arm again.

“…But now the ordinary everyday things like opening a jar, giving a stroke and doing a chore are within reach again. And I’m very happy about that…”

Johan Baggerman,Lent, Netherlands
‘…With a click prosthesis, all movements can be made with the shoulder. Patients get very much freedom of movement as a result. Another advantage is that the click prosthesis is attached quickly and easily….’
H. van de MeentRehabilitation doctor
In 2011,  Stewe Jönsson et all published a research on 37 upper limb patients amongst which 16 humeral amputees.

Citation:
,,,”Patients indicated that function and quality of life had improved since osseointegration.

The prosthetic situation is improved due to the stable fixation, freedom of motion and functionality…”

Stewe Jönsson et al (2011)``Osseointegration amputation prostheses on the upper limbs: methods, prosthetics and rehabilitation``

FAQs

Below, most frequently asked questions are presented. If you question is not included here, do not hesitate:
• I am interested in a boneanchored humeral prosthesis; what are the criteria for obtaining a boneanchored prosthesis?

You should contact your prosthetist to verify if osseointegration is a suitable option for your situation. For more details on the osseointegration for a humeral bone, we refer to the website of OTN Implants.

• What are advantages of a boneanchored prosthesis over a socket prosthesis?

Research has shown that users with boneanchored prosthesis experience improved haptic feedback due to the direct fixation of the arm prosthesis. Even without myo control, a boneanchored arm prosthesis can feel significantly more like a natural ‘part of the body’ than a socket prosthesis.

Some specific disadvantages of socket prosthesis may be solved with a boneanchored prosthesis; this mainly pertains to reduced skin irritation; an improved mechanical fixation (zero rotation) and a significant difference in donning /doffing by a click connector.

• Are there any disadvantages for use of the Ellis® arm prosthesis?

For any upper limb prosthesis,  disadvantages may apply. Here is a list:

  • insufficient ADL functionality
  • irritation and skin issues (socket prosthesis)
  • issues of the aperture (boneanchored prosthesis)
  • poor balance (difference in weight left-right)
  • shoulder pain, neck pain
  • intact limb pain
  • loosening-slip of the prosthesis fixation (socket prosthesis)
  • unintended bump impact (boneanchored prosthesis)

• What are the maximum loads on a humeral boneanchored prosthesis?

Currently there is no data available, on the maximum loads for boneanchored humeral prosthesis.

In a 2020 publication (Plos One) by Luke Osborn et al, it was cited that “maximum humeral OI implant rotational torque occurring at approximately 12 Nm in an unconstrained environment aligns with in-lab results suggesting that maximum humeral OI implant torque ranges from 0.6 Nm up to 15.6 Nm depending on the activity.’ In comparence: …”Intact limbs can experience transhumeral torque as high as 57.2 Nm with average values ranging from 0.5 to 24.9 Nm during some advanced ADLs [30]. …”

By all means: your prosthetist / surgeon must give advice on the maximum loads for your specific situation.

• What is the lead time of obtaining a boneanchored Ellis® arm prosthesis?

Depending on your situation,  the lead time of an Ellis® arm prosthesis may vary from 4 weeks (quick fixation to present boneanchored implant or socket) to about 2 months after the humeral implant has been implanted. A detailed training protocol is applicable, under guidance of a prosthetist / surgeon.

• How long can I use the Ellis humeral arm prosthesis?

When used as intended and treated with care and maintenance, an Ellis® humeral arm prosthesis may last 3 years at minimum or longer. Normal wear and tear of consumabeles (i.e. sleeves, hook rubber) is excluded from warranty, as are any scratches on the exterior custom coatings that may arise due to the normal use.

On average, the lifespan of an upper limb prosthesis is longer than the lifespan of a lower limb prosthesis; this is because the load forces are significantly lower.

• What dimensions are available for the Ellis® humeral arm prosthesis?

The Ellis® humeral arm prosthesis is adapted to your dimensions and the prosthetic elbow / hand is designed to match  the positions of your contra-lateral elbow and – hand. The basic dimensions of length and circumference of the prosthetic forearm are also based on the contra-lateral arm.

The dimensions and colour of the sleeved passive hand will be chosen from a limited range of standard hands / sleeves to fit the contra-lateral hand as good as possible.

• If I have the Ellis® 1C passive humeral arm prosthesis, can I exchange it for an active arm prosthesis?

Yes, it is possible to exchange the Ellis® passive hand for an Ellis® active hand, passively controlled by your contra lateral hand or by use of a harness (type Ottobock, to be fitted by your prosthetist). Also a Multipurpose Tool Adapter is available, this device enables you to manipulate with a precise pince or, if desired, use a clamp, all adapted to your needs (to be fitted by your prosthetist).

• After the osseointegration surgery, will I still be able to use my current (socket) myo elbow?

Yes, it is technically possible to adapt the Ellis® MC34 connector to any arm prosthesis. In order to obtain a suitable adaptation,  your prosthetist needs to contact us – together we will strive to provide the best possible adaptation for fixation of your myo elbow onto the Ellis® MC34 Connector.

This adaptation is limited to a mechanical fixation, integration of the myo contacts is to be arranged by your prostesist. Keep in mind that the results may differ from your previous experience, since the shape of your residual stump may have changed.

• I have a socket arm prosthesis. Can I make use the Ellis prosthetics system in combination with my socket?

Yes, it is technically possible to adapt the fixation of the Ellis® 1C passive arm prosthesis to a socket prosthesis. In order to obtain the most suitable dimensions and adaptation,  your prosthetist needs to contact us – we will strive to provide the best possible result for your situation.

Effective usage comes with a customized loading protocol

Before you make effective use of the Ellis® arm prosthesis, your prosthetist will guide you in use of the functionality and daily maintenance.

The position of the BADAL X implant and the position of the Ellis® MC34 connector should exactly match to one another. Your prosthetist may need to adjust the Ellis® MC34 connector for the neutral position of the arm prosthesis, by use of an adjustment protocol.

Watertight construction.

The Ellis® humeral arm prosthesis has a watertight and dust free construction that is resistant to rain, splashing and moist. You can read the user instructions for tips on proper maintenance of your Ellis® humeral arm prosthesis in order to extend its lifespan and benefit as long as possible.