Testimonials – FAQ’s

Innovative design; seamless donning and doffing, great functionality, intercompatible
‘My first prosthesis didn’t work’

‘I first had a socket prosthesis, but that didn’t work. Due to my soft tissue, 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.’

“…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…”

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

Johan BaggermanLent, 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

FAQs

Below, most frequently asked questions are presented.
If you question is not addressed here, do not hesitate and contact us:
FAQs on Ellis A2-A3-A4 Mechanical Elbow
• 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.

• Are there any disadvantages for use of the Ellis® elbow system?

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)

• How long can I use the Ellis A2-3-4 mechanical elbow with MC34 Connector?

When used as intended and treated with care and maintenance, an Ellis® humeral arm prosthesis may last 3 – 5 years depending on the user activity. Normal wear and tear of consumabeles (i.e. sleeves, hook rubber) is excluded from warranty, as are scratches on 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; due to lower load forces.

• 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.

• What dimensions are available for the Ellis® elbow system?

The Ellis® elbow system is adapted to the end users’ dimensions whereby the prosthetic elbow / hand is designed to match  the positions of the contra-lateral elbow and – hand. The basic dimensions of length / circumference of the prosthetic forearm are also based on the contra-lateral arm.

The dimensions and colour of sleeves cover a limited range of standard / sleeves that are chosen to fit the contra-lateral hand dimensions as good as possible.

• Is the elbow waterproof?

Yes, The mechanical elbow is designed to be waterproof, provided that no alterations are made by the prosthetist or end user.

FAQs on COMBINED USE

• Can I use the Ellis MC34 Connector and connector base with an impact-elbow?

No, in view of bone-anchored fixations, this is excluded from the intended use. A risk is identified in view of possible bone damage or loochening.

Nevertheless, technically it is possible to combine the Ellis MC34 connector with connector-base to other brand elbows, by use of standard fixations; this option technically also covers combined use with an impact-elbow …

It is strongly recommended to NOT use impact-elbows in combination with bone-anchored implants.

• I already have a mechanical elbow. Can I use it in combination with the Ellis MC34 Connector?

Yes, the Ellis MC34 Connector can be used in combination with any brand mechanical elbow, but then you will always need a customized connector-base that is prepared for fixation to that specific type of elbow.

Multiple connector-bases are available, for combined use with elbows:

• 1354 – Ellis CBESP * Connector-base Espire
• 1389 – Ellis CB12K * Connector-base 12K
• 1390 –  Ellis CBUNF * Connector-base UNF (threaded)
• 1558 – Ellis CB MOTUT * Connector-base for Motion-Utah elbows

Inquire with your prosthetist for more information on the procedure.

FAQs on MYO

• I already have a myo-elbow. Can I use it in combination with the Ellis MC34 Connector?

Yes, the Ellis MC34 Connector can be used in combination with any brand myo-elbow, but you will always need a customized connector-base that is prepared for fixation to that specific type of myo-elbow.

Multiple connector-bases are available, for combined use with myo-elbows:

• 1354E – Ellis CBESP-E * Connector-base Espire-ELOC
• 1389E – Ellis CB12K-E * Connector-base 12K-ELOC
• 1390E –  Ellis CBUNF-E * Connector-base UNF-ELOC
• 1558E – Ellis CB MOTUT-E * Connector-base for Motion-Utah-ELOC

Inquire with your prosthetist for more information on the procedure.

• I am a humeral amputeert and do not have much signals available in my stump. Will I be able to controll a myo-device?

Yes, even with just 1 signal it is possible for a humeral amputeert to control a myo-device. Some devices support the 1-signal control option especially for humeral amputees. Examples:

• Adams Hand

FAQs on use of Ellis with a SOCKET

• I am a humeral socket amputee - can I use the Ellis MC34 Connector for donning-doffing of my prosthesis?

Yes, if you like to benefit from the easy donning-doffing you can ask your prosthetist to adjust your socket for use with Ellis MC34 Connector.

It is possible to keep using your current elbow, by fixating it to a dedicated connector-base. Or you could choose for the Ellis A2-3-4 elbow and benefit from multiple exchange options for the end terminals also …

In case you have a myo-elbow, then a special option is offered: make use of the Humerus socket adapter with detachable contact. You can then easily switch from mechanical prosthesis to myo, without having to also exchange the socket….

• I am a radial socket amputee - can I use the Ellis system?

Yes, if you like to benefit from the easy donning-doffing of the end terminals; you can ask your prosthetist to adjust your radial socket for use with the MPTA.

It is possible to keep using your current myo-hand, by fixating it to a dedicated lamination ring onto the MPTA… Multiple options apply.

FAQs on BADAL X humerus implant

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Literature testimonial

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``

loading protocol applies

Before you can start loading a bone-anchored implant, a loading protocol applies: a prosthetist will guide you on use of the Ellis LS Loadset. Your stump will need to get used to loading the bone and to carrying daily the weight of a prosthesis. The prosthetist will instruct you on the donning-doffing routine of Ellis MC34 Connector.

The prosthetist may need to adjust the Ellis® MC34 connector for the neutral position of the arm prosthesis, by use of an adjustment protocol.

Watertight parts

Ellis® MC34 Connector and Ellis A2-3-4 mechanical elbow both are watertight and dust free; resistant to rain, splashing and moist. Read the user instructions for tips on correct maintenance of the Ellis® Connector and elbow – in order to use them as long as possible.