Prosthetic Devices

• The Hammerhead by TRS is designed for kayaking but can be used for other rowing-type water sports.  It "feels" like an anatomical hand controlling the paddle and is strong enough for high performance paddling.  The quick release handle can be easily grasped to release the Hammerhead in an emergency situation.

• The GRIP (for adults) and the ADEPT (for children) by TRS Inc. are good examples of suitable terminal devices. Arm movements used when paddling naturally activate the voluntary closing GRIP or ADEPT terminal devices and keep them closed. Locking type terminal devices should never be used in water sports activities.

Spatula Devices

• Partial hand amputees can use a custom-made spatula device which slips into a hole which has been made at the top of the paddle - another example is of a spatula that clips on top of a ball on the end of the paddle.

• Other modifications can be made to a paddle - by adding rubber rings or flanges - to ensure that the terminal device does not slip. Choosing a lightweight aluminum paddle may also make paddling easier for arm amputees.
  

Custom-Made Devices

• A prosthetist fabricated a custom canoeing prosthesis for an amputee who has an elbow disarticulation amputation. The design criteria decided upon by the prosthetist and the amputee included: lightweight; the elbow had to provide resistance to flexion and extension; and the terminal device should be able to rotate and slide along the paddle and have a quick disconnect feature.

• A unique solution for the elbow component was very imaginative - an Otto Bock 3R95 knee unit was incorporated to act as an elbow in the prosthesis! The knee unit was the most suitable component for the amputee. The canoeing prosthesis had a custom-made terminal device which is used at the base of the paddle.

• This amputee worked closely with her prosthetist to fine-tune the design of her kayaking device. The device attaches to a prosthetic socket and can be adjusted to have a loose or tight grip.
  

• This bilateral arm amputee’s prosthetist combined a partial hand device and a below elbow device which allows her to achieve her kayaking goals.  This design enabled her to become a much stronger paddler.