The aim of prosthetic fitting is mainly on the functional aspect, but the restoration of the body image is also the important factor. In bilateral above-elbow amputation, especially in congenital amputation, where no normal segment remains for comparative measurement, we have no criteria for determination of arm and forearm length.
The purpose of this study is to standardize the ratio of the arm length to height and the forearm length to height in Korean and to applicate to prosthesis prescription of bilateral upper extremity amputees. Height and bilateral arm, forearm length are measured in 240 healthy Korean, 112 males and 128 females, ranging in age from 17 to 66 year old, and the ratio of arm to height, forearm to height and forearm to arm are obtained.
The results are as follows.:
1) Normal arm length is estimated by multiplying the patient´s height by 0. 181 and normal forearm length by multiplying by 0. 147.
2) The ratio of arm length to height is 0.181=0.009. There is no statistical variation with advancing age and no significant difference related to the dominance of extremities and to the sex.
3) The ratio of forearm length to height is 0.147_0.008, There is no statistical variation with advancing age and no significanc difference related the dominance of extremities and to the sex.
4) The ratio of forearm length to arm length is 0.810=0.053. There is no statistical variation with advancing age and no significant difference related to the dominance of extremities and to the sex.
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