Artificial Limb Advances

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31726, 9 July 1968, Page 2

Artificial Limb Advances

(By CAROLS LYDERSI LONDON. Silver zinc batteries developed for space craft are the basis of improved artificial arms for thalidomide children. This all-plastic, hydrauliepowered prosthesis is being developed by Mr A. K. Godden and hi* assistant* at the department of engineering science at Oxford University. The arms are attached to a padded stainless steel frame strapped to the body. The silver zinc battery provides the power for the activating motor and pump. Each battery cost £2O and will run for three months. At present these children wear artificial arms powered by gas cylinders which have to be replaced several times a day at a cost of about 30*. Movement Control Mr Godden and his team are also looking for other methods of movement control to replace the lever system. Most armless thalidomide children have residual flippers which they use to move the lever controlling the artificial arm movements. The team is looking at torso muscle structure to see if some of the muscles can be trained to activate the prosthesis. The team is also working on a new artificial hand which will be able to reproduce as closely as possible the normal movements of the hand. Artificial bands in use at the moment are severely limited in their range of movement.