Below elbow amputation prostheses

1. What is the difference between a split socket and a Muenster socket?
2. What are different harness suspension and control systems?
3. What are two kinds of control-cable systems?

Answers:
1. A split socket is used with very short stumps and encases the residual limb, attempted to a separate forearm shell to which the wrist unit and terminal device are attached. The Muenster socket is self-suspended, encapsulating the olecranon and humeral epicondyle with greater ease of use.
2. A figure-8 harness is most commonly used, with an axilla loop, worn at the normal side, which acts as a reaction point to transmit body force to the terminal device. The figure-9 is often used with the Muenster socket and is used only for controlling the TD and not for suspension. The chest-strap with shoulder saddle is used if an axilla loop can't be tolerated or for heavy lifting.
3. The Bowden control cable system is used with the purpose of operating the terminal device using body power. The dual-control cable system is used with very short transradial limbs with locking elbows, so can flex the elbow with the elbow is unlocked and operate the TD whe the elbow is locked.