November 11, 2019
AUSTIN, TEXAS, November 11, 2019 – Hanger Clinic today announced it has fit the first U.S. patient with Ottobock’s newest advancement in upper-limb prosthetics, the newly FDA-approved Myo Plus pattern recognition system. This system represents a new paradigm in the control of a myoelectric prosthesis.
Traditionally, individuals with transradial upper limb amputation have been fit with myoelectric hands controlled by electromyographic (EMG) signals. The conventional transradial myoelectric prosthesis is designed with one or two electrodes that transmit the EMG signals produced by the flexor and extensor muscles in the residual limb. Some users have found these systems difficult to learn due to complex switching mechanisms required to change between the hand, wrist, or multiple grip patterns a hand may offer. In some cases, this difficulty may lead to poor adoption or even abandonment of the prosthesis.
Chris Lake, L/CPO, FAAOP, an upper limb specialist with Hanger Clinic, fit the first North American patient, Mark Kirby, with the Myo Plus system in Hurst, Texas. Lake said, “Pattern recognition offers an alternative for patients who may not be a candidate for more traditional myoelectric prostheses, or do not possess the muscle capacity to operate the prosthesis in a meaningful way. To a certain extent, standard myoelectric systems require significant muscular acrobatics to fully operate a prosthesis. From an energy expenditure standpoint, pattern recognition means not burning as much physical or mental energy thus providing the patient with prosthetic function that is more intuitive and less taxing.”
Uniting artificial intelligence with the intuitive and innate EMG signals of the user, Myo Plus adapts to their natural movements versus requiring the user to adapt to the system. While standard myoelectric systems are limited to sensing only two muscle signals, Myo Plus employs up to 18 sensors, enabling multiple muscle signals to be captured as unique movement patterns, each individually assigned to control various functions of the prosthesis. For example, one pattern is used to open the hand, another to close it, a third pattern to rotate the wrist moving the palm of the hand up, and a fourth to rotate the wrist moving the palm of the hand down. Offering direct, convenient control of the prosthesis without any switching mechanisms required and the ability to fine-tune adjustments via an app, the Myo Plus system was designed with both the user and prosthetist in mind.
Kirby, who has used a standard two-site myoelectric prosthesis for more than ten years said, “I loved the graphic representation of what was possible. I instantly saw how I could make the prosthetic wrist rotate versus opening and closing the prosthetic hand. It took away the mystery. Since it’s more accurate, I’m less frustrated because I’ve got less accidental movements. Before, I had to really concentrate on my finger muscles. Now I can feel them again. I’m feeling muscles I haven’t felt in years.”
The relationship between the clinician and patient was an important consideration in the design of the Myo Plus pattern recognition system. The patented Spider Plot feature, a graphic representation of muscle patterns, is one of the system’s most unique and valued features. Via the app, the patient and clinician can watch live as the muscle patterns are displayed on a graph shaped like a spider web. This visual feedback was designed to make the programming process simple and interactive for both the patient and prosthetist.
“The visual nature of the Spider Plot feature in Myo Plus makes it intuitive for Mark to learn how to use the technology, as well as understand the very finite changes he’s making as he contracts his muscles. It provides an instant connection between his muscles and his phantom hand,” said Lake.
More information on the Myo Plus pattern recognition system is available here: https://www.ottobock.com/en/press/media-information/media-information-myo-plus/, and free evaluations at nationwide Hanger Clinic location can be requested here: www.hangerclinic.com/contactus.
About Hanger Clinic – Hanger Clinic provides comprehensive, outcomes-based orthotic and prosthetic solutions at more than 925 patient care locations nationwide, and is part of the Hanger, Inc. ecosystem of diversified companies. Rooted in clinical research, excellence and innovation, its 1,700 board-certified clinicians provide customized solutions for all ages designed to increase the mobility and function of each person they have the honor of serving. For more information on Hanger Clinic, visit HangerClinic.com.
About Ottobock: For 100 years Ottobock, the German global technology leader, has been developing med-tech products and fitting solutions for people with limited mobility in the areas of Prosthetics, Orthotics and Human Mobility. The company’s international activities are coordinated from the head office in Duderstadt/Germany. Ottobock has been investing, employing, researching and developing in the US since 1958 for the benefit of people with impaired mobility. Subsidiaries in 58 countries offer “Made by Ottobock” quality worldwide and employ more than 7,000 people.
Contact:
Annie Myers
External Relations Manager
(210) 440-7380 or [email protected]