Texas Assistive Devices: Special Purpose Terminal Devices

This was the first chance I had to see the multitude of attachments for upper limb prostheses being offered by a relatively new company, Texas Assistive Devices. Following the legacy of such successful amputee-entrepreneurs as D.W. Dorrance [inventor of the world famous split hooks] and Bob Radocy [whose TRS company offers a broad range of active and passive specialty terminal devices], the folks at TAD offer an incredibly broad range of special purpose terminal devices and associated hardware.

Much of their extensive product line consists of modified mechanics and carpentry tools that can be quickly interchanged. In view of the large number of traumatic upper limb amputations in this hemisphere that result from work-related injuries, this fills a definite need. TAD also has a broad line of cutlery, kitchen tools, and gardening implements available.

The primary advantage of the "interchangeable tools" approach is that the grasp is much more secure than attempting to grip the tool in one of the ubiquitous voluntary opening hook terminal devices. [In fairness, however, it should be noted that it is often quite easy to grip tools securely with voluntary closing TDs or electronic hands and grippers.] The primary disadvantage of this approach is the need to purchase multiple "adapted TDs" for each task. But, many people need only a half dozen or a dozen "special tools" to accomplish all their work and hobby tasks.

Their modified tableware [knife, fork, spoon] may be of special interest to people with bilateral upper limb loss, or to anyone with upper limb impairments. They have developed a slick flexion-supination wrist attachment that allows precise pre-positioning of any of their attachments. One unique characteristic of their "N Abler" products is that the amount of wrist flexion can be adjusted via a knurled ring, from zero to sixty degrees, and the attachment will remain fixed in that attitude.

This device can also be attached to a custom-made or prefabricate WHFO, for people with partial hand amputations, or various paralytic disorders. This means that the full range of TAD attachments is available to a broad range of patients with upper limb deficiencies or disabilities.

Finally, they have a growing line of modified sporting equipment that includes golf clubs, fishing rods, and the like. They can be reached via email at: hps@tgn.net. They also have a fledgling web site at www.txad.com but it was not easily accessible the last time I checked.

Reader Comments: Read all user comments motorcycling across Europe I'm interested in riding my Harley across Europe so if anyone knows how I can get in touch with Jen Smith, her Dad or others that have made a similar trip, I'd appreciate the info. Thanks - Joshua Johnson   1/2/2005 Re: motorcycling across Europe Jen is now married so her last name had changed. You can email her at jeibert@ossur.com. --John Michael CPO - John Michael   1/2/2005 GII Kafo I have recently been fitted in a GII KAFO for suspension only. I have no ACL, MCL instability, medial OA and some muscle deterioration from 5 years on crutches but am otherwise functional. I can't use the brace because I'm walking slightl... read more - Jan   8/6/2004 Keyboarding What is a special purpse? what's realy the point of it - Mrs Sorek   3/18/2003 Re: Keyboarding Most terminal devices used in North America are multipurpose tool handling devices. The amputee stabilizes a knife, or a fork, or a file, or a saw inside the hook fingers to perform a specific task. The TAD components, in contrast, are mo... read more - John Michael   3/19/2003 Jen Smith Hi JMike, I enjoyed your article about Jen Smith's motorcycle trip across Europe. I am a member of Wind and Fire in Illinois. We are a new chapter located in and around the City of Naperville. Although I have not had the pleasure of mee... read more - Mike Walsh   3/6/2003 Re: Jen Smith Thanks Mike- Glad to hear that you continue to serve as an active Fire Fighter with your prosthesis. --John Michael CPO - John Michael   3/12/2003 KAFO I have worn a KAFO since 1948, I am quite active. My left leg is totally paralized from the hip down, with no hip muscles helping the situation. I have used a bale lock at the knee since the late 50's. I also have a free knee K... read more - Roland Ledet   2/20/2002 Re: KAFO Your thoughts are good ones, and many of us share those notions. But, the engineers tell me that it is far more difficult to make a stance control orthotic knee joint than to make an equivalent prosthetic knee. Orthoses require joints tha... read more - John Michael   1/11/2003 Re: KAFO Horton's knee joint is now available in the US, and the orthotist training courses are underway. They post a list of Qualified orthotists at www.stancecontrol.com, so you may find someone in your area who your could talk to in person to le... read more - John Michael   2/20/2002 Re: Re: KAFO I wear a KAFO leg brace(old polio) my orthatist tells me there is a new smart knee brace that will eliminate the need for a knee lock. this is wonderful news. He has been to the seminare & thinks I will be a canidate for it. Is it true tha... read more - Norma Barth   1/11/2003 Upper limb articles, assistance Dear John, Hello! You may or may not know that I left Hanger to pursue upper extremity prosthetic consulting in February of this year. I have been somewhat quiet due to a non-compete agreement with them that is due to expire shortly. I ... read more - Randall Alley   11/12/2000 Re: Upper limb articles, assistance Hello Randall, My husband became an amputee 9-26-2000 as the result of a train derailment. There was alot more to it than thatthe conductor with him was killed. Dennis, my husband, suffered a shoulder disarticulation. So there are many... read more - Randall Alley   3/11/2003