· · · Institutional Repository

Sometimes children are born with (part of) an arm missing. Next to congenital loss, children or adults can loose their arm due to an accident or illness. The missing arm can be replaced with a prosthesis, connected to the arm remnant by a socket. Existing sockets tend to have a hot and humid climate and some sockets are difficult to don and doff. The WILMER open socket is adjustable but looks bulky. All these disadvantages result in reduced wearing of the prosthesis. After the current prostheses are evaluated, the existing patents and available literature are investigated, a list of requirements was made for a new design. With the requirements, the problem can be solved by improving a current socket and designing new sockets. The application of new materials in prosthetics is evaluated, resulting in several new designs. The WILMER open socket is improved, resulting in another design. From these designs one concept is chosen and detailed. The chosen concept is made of stainless steel wire mesh, with an adjustable condyle brace and a standard forearm shell over the mesh.