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Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 1969;51:343-351.
© 1969 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc

Electrically Powered Orthotic Systems

VERNON L. NICKEL M.D.1, A. KARCHAK JR. 1, and J. R. ALLEN 1

1 From the Division of Surgery (Orthopedics), University of Southern California Medical School, Los Angeles

Electrically powered orthotic systems have been devised at Rancho Los Amigos to provide quadriplegic and other severely paralyzed patients with mobility and voluntary hand movements. The equipment necessary to fit a totally paralyzed patient for maximum restoration of upper extremity function includes an electric wheelchair, a Rancho electric arm with a flexor hinge hand splint and a Rancho tongue control switch to operate the arm and drive the wheelchair.

Externally powered devices have been made available to 176 patients with two known failures. The equipment has proved reliable and can easily be attached and removed by untrained personnel.

Details as to patient selection and patient fitting are given. A case report is included illustrating the benefits to be derived from the use of the equipment.


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