We have been and continue to be fortunate to have the quality of care, coupled with the personal warmth and thoughtfulness of all the staff. - Joe (Patrick’s Dad)
Patrick and his family live in British Columbia, with extended family living in New Brunswick. He was born in 1991 with a left side limb deficiency. His left hand developed but the supporting bones and structures did not, so his hand is present at the level of his left shoulder and although he can move the fingers of that hand, they are not connected to bones so there is limited strength in the hand. He uses his hand to hold light objects against his body.
Patrick was initially seen for prosthetic fitting in Vancouver and then later in Portland Oregon, without great success. Patrick and his family came to our clinic in 1994 while visiting family in New Brunswick. His first fitting with our clinic took place that same year, and Patrick has continued to receive the benefit of our services ever since. The distance has been a challenge at times, and requires extended stays, but has happily resulted in a successful outcome for Patrick.
Patrick has a socket with an opening to allow his hand to come forward and access “buttons” which control opening his prosthetic hand, closing his hand, locking the elbow, and locking the shoulder. He uses an Ottobock hand, an elbow that he can swing in position using body motion (Ottobock Ergo elbow) and then electrically lock in position, and a shoulder that can be electrically locked in position (LTI shoulder). He can very efficiently position his shoulder, elbow and hand to allow him to hold and manipulate objects and carry large items.
Patrick wears his arm daily to help with tasks around his apartment and at University. He is a certified lifeguard, and has many hobbies including playing slide guitar, fencing, running half marathons, playing soccer, and beating his dad at squash.
This is the only place we have dealt with that requires that the patient actively participates throughout the entire construction process. The clinic team ensures that all medical and physical needs are not merely met, but achieve results conducive to ongoing use with comfort and superior functionality. – Joe (Patrick’s Dad)
