Abstract
CAPP Terminal Device, Size #2 for teenaged and adult amputees offers an alternative to hooks and hands available today. CAPP TD 2 is intended to be pleasing in appearance; it blends with the forearm in shape, colour and material to give a continuous flowing natural look. It was designed to provide secure grip through the combined action of a closing spring, a full frictional, resilient cover and an automatic lock. The lock operates as part of the voluntary opening control system and requires no conscious action by the amputee. CAPP TD 2 is a general purpose terminal device which especially serves unilateral amputees by performing functions usually carried out by the non-dominant hand. CAPP TD 2 comes with a built-in wrist connector which is available in two models; both offer quick disconnect. One wrist unit has adjustable friction and the other attaches to an existing friction wrist unit so CAPP TD 2 can be applied to an existing prosthesis. Ten patients have completed the evaluation programme with promising results. Prototypes of CAPP TD 2 are available for patients interested in evaluating it.
The CAPP Terminal Device, Size #2 offers unilateral teenaged or adult amputee patients a unique alternative. It is introduced here in hope of stimulating researchers to explore new mechanical solutions in their component designs. The CAPP research designer, Mr. Carl T. Sumida, CPO, introduced the idea of a non-hand, non-hook TD with the CAPP TD 1 for infants (Sumida and Setoguchi, 1967); that terminal device had more function than a passive hand and it had a softer appearance than a hook. CAPP TD 1 evolved from that infant device and is now used by children up to ten years of age (Shaperman, 1975). Non-hand, non-hook terminal devices, such as the CAPP units, may be approached with caution by clinicians, but are often greeted with enthusiasm by patients who want a TD that is functional, not mechanical appearing, and which does not disguise the fact that they wear a prosthesis.