My prosthesis, my "arm":
- Matteo Conconi
- Feb 8
- 2 min read
Over the years, various types of prosthesis have been developed, from the most rudimentary to the one you see in the photo: the most complete prosthesis, the one I call definitive. It's the prosthesis that allows me to practice downhill and enduro in complete safety.
This prosthesis is the fruit of an extraordinary collaboration between me, a great team of orthopedic surgeons, and a friend who is a precision mechanic. It's precisely in projects like these that one understands how, when the forces of the athlete, orthopedic technicians, and precision mechanics join forces, results worthy of being immortalized can be achieved.
From a technical point of view, the prosthesis is equipped with an elbow that can be rotated from left to right, designed to ensure greater comfort and precise adjustment based on different types of trails and disciplines.
Inside the tube is a spring (not visible in the photo), which absorbs vertical shocks, such as small bumps in the ground. Added to this is an external spring that acts on the elbow and acts as a shock absorber for the forearm as the elbow bends.
This system consists of two springs: an internal one and an external one. The internal spring, adjustable with an Allen key, allows you to adjust the rebound. The more preloaded it is, the faster the return; the less preloaded it is, the slower the return.
The external spring, also preloadable, acts as the main shock absorber. In a certain sense, it works like the shock absorber on our bicycles: it absorbs all types of impacts, especially the most violent ones, which an internal spring alone would be unable to absorb. For this reason, it is one of the fundamental components of the entire prosthesis.
The part of the prosthesis that comes into direct contact with the residual limb is made of carbon fiber, a choice made to make the structure as light and resistant as possible.
As for the handlebar attachment, it's a quick-release system, designed to ensure maximum safety in the event of a fall. In this situation, the attachment opens, preventing you from remaining attached to the bike, since the prosthesis is still connected to you.
The system consists of two jaws held together by a bayonet. By inserting the ball on the prosthesis into the jaws and closing the bayonet, the device is completely attached to the bike.
Next, a cord connects to the attachment in the designated hole shown in the photo, and a wristband attached to the cord is secured to the wrist. In the event of a fall, pulling on the cord opens the bayonet: the two jaws separate and the prosthesis is immediately released, allowing the wearer to step off the bike in complete safety.
A big thank you to: Ortopedia O-Tech Ticino and Morello Besomi for helping me create this wonderful prosthesis.
Comments