FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Great that you have questions.
Prothesis – General
I would like to use the macu4 prosthesis. What do I have to do?
Email or WhatsApp us, or better yet, register via our website (sign up here) so we can keep you updated on user trials and pre-orders. We will be launching the customised shaft and matching activity modules in 2022 with orthotist partners.
Can I test the macu4 prosthesis?
We have completed the tests for macu4 Explorer. But we are happy if you contribute to our product development. Occasionally we are still conducting product tests. Please contact us so we can make sure you get all the information you need.
I have a prosthetist. Can he/she order the shaft?
Discuss with your prosthetist whether the macu4 Explorer system could be suitable for you. We will be happy to provide you or your prosthetist with further information.
Is the macu4 prosthesis suitable for me?
The prosthetic shaft is designed for people with amputations or congenital deformities below the elbow. The shaft is suitable for children, teenagers, adults and older people. If you would like to find out if the shaft is suitable for you, please contact us via the contact form. The activity modules can also be used independently of the macu4 Explorer shaft after consultation with your prosthetist.
Is the macu4 prosthesis suitable for me if I have a wrist?
The prosthetic shaft is designed for people with amputations or congenital deformities below the elbow. The shaft is only suitable to a limited extent if you have a wrist. If you would like to find out whether the shaft is suitable for you, please contact us via the contact form or arrange a video call with us directly.
Prothesis – Usage
The macu4 prosthesis is modular. What does that mean?
The macu4 Explorer consists of a shaft and various activity modules. Depending on the activity you want to do, you can easily change your modules.
What activities can I do with the prosthesis?
That depends on which activity module you buy for your macu4 Explorer. For example, the Swim module is suitable for swimming. Visit the “Activities” section, where you will find a number of other examples.
How do I know if the socket is suitable for me?
The macu4 socket is adapted to your arm. It is customised by the orthopaedic technician. We have developed a design for the macu4 socket that can be adapted to different – but not all – arm shapes. Your orthopaedic technician can advise you on this. You are also welcome to write to us directly, as we are always developing new designs. So if macu4 is not suitable for you, then perhaps the next design could be a suitable solution for you.
How do I know which module size suits me?
The macu4 shaft is only designed to be as long as your particular arm. That is why the modules are available with different lengths of length compensation. Your prosthetist can advise you on this. You are also welcome to write to us directly if you would like to buy modules directly from macu4.
Is it possible to do sports with the macu4 prosthesis?
Yes. The macu4 prosthesis consists of a shaft component and several activity modules. The activity modules are designed for specific sports activities. For example, the bike module is designed to be attached to a bicycle handlebar.
How does an arm prosthesis from macu4 work?
The macu4 Explorer system consists of a socket component and several activity modules. Depending on the activity, the user can use the socket with different activity modules.
Is the macu4 prosthesis waterproof?
Our products are mainly made of polyamide 12. This material is often used in medical technology. The material is resistant to water, chlorinated water and salt water. The screws and nuts we use are also rustproof.
How heavy is the prosthesis?
The average weight of the macu4 Explorer system is a maximum of 300g (shaft with activity module). More detailed information on the individual modules can be found on the respective module page on this website or in the instructions for use.
Do you sweat with the macu4 prosthesis?
With normal use and mild temperatures, you should not sweat on the arm. Reason: The upper structure is provided with generous perforations – this has a heat-balancing effect when you use the upper with a prosthetic cotton sock, for example. It is therefore relevant that the component you wear to protect your skin is breathable.
Is the macu4 prosthesis breathable or permeable to air?
The upper structure is provided with generous perforations – this has a heat-balancing effect when you use the upper with a prosthetic cotton sock, for example. It is therefore relevant that the component you wear for protection against the skin is breathable.
Are the components of the macu4 prosthesis compatible with other products?
In principle, the macu4 Explorer activity modules can also be connected to other shaft systems. The modules are equipped with an M12 x 1.5 or a 1/2″-20 UNF thread and can thus be made compatible. If you would like to use a module with a shaft other than the macu4 Explorer shaft, please contact your prosthetist.
Is the macu4 prosthesis a medical device?
Yes! macu4’s prosthesis is a risk class I product according to the Medical Devices Ordinance. We have developed the prosthesis in accordance with ISO-13485.
Others
Do you also have prosthetic legs?
No. Not at the moment.
Do you also have prostheses for people with wrists?
Yes and no. For individuals with a wrist, the macu4 Explorer can always be suitable if the affected arm is shorter than the non-affected arm.
Do I need additional products for the prosthesis?
The macu4 Explorer shaft can be used with a prosthetic sock or silicone liner, for example, so that the shaft does not rub against the skin. Please refer to the macu4 instructions for use. You can ask your orthopaedic technician which additional product is best suited for you.
Data protection
How is personal data processed?
Please see our data protection information.
How can I subscribe to the newsletter
On the website you will find a link where you can subscribe. In our privacy policy you will find more information about the software we use for the newsletter.
How can I unsubscribe from the newsletter
To unsubscribe, click on the corresponding link at the end of the email in the newsletter itself. Alternatively, you can also send us a message to support@macu4.com.
How can I contact macu4 directly?
You can contact us directly in various ways: Call, email, book a video call. See the information in the footer of this website.
For prosthetists
How can I, as an orthopaedic technician, obtain a sample of the macu4 prosthesis?
We will be happy to arrange an appointment with you to show you the functionality using a sample. If you wish, we can also do this in a first step by means of a video call.
Is the product compatible with other systems?
In principle, the macu4 Explorer activity modules can also be connected to other shaft systems. The modules are equipped with an M12 x 1.5 or a 1/2″-20 UNF thread and can thus be made compatible.
How the online configurator works?
The online configurator is intuitively designed. There are also specific instructions and videos for explanation. You will find a separate chapter for this in the footer of this website. As a specialist, you have the possibility to configure the socket and the modules directly.
Orders
How long does it take from order to delivery?
It usually takes about 3 weeks for a socket and/or activity module to be shipped to the customer. The goods should then arrive at your home after a further 7 days – depending on which country you order from.
What do I have to consider as a private person if I order myself?
If you would like to purchase a module for use with the macu4 Explorer shaft, we will assist you in selecting the correct module size (this involves the size of the length compensation). If you would like to buy a macu4 Explorer socket, then the self-measurement supported by macu4 is a prerequisite.
Payments
Which payment methods can I use?
We accept all major credit cards and Paypal.
Do I get the costs displayed in my currency?
Our prices are currently displayed in EUR and CHF, excluding VAT.
Is VAT included in the price?
The prices do not include VAT.
Product returns
Can I exchange the product if I don't like it?
The macu4 Explorer system is always manufactured when it is ordered by the customer. It is based on the information from the measurements taken by the future user of the prosthesis. The socket is also a custom-made product. The product cannot be exchanged. Please also see our General Terms and Conditions.
How does the returns process work?
See the instructions for use supplied with the products. Contact us using the form enclosed there via support@macu4.com.
Production
How are macu4 products manufactured?
Our products are designed to the highest quality standards according to ISO-13485, manufactured using 3D printing and carefully assembled.
What materials are used for macu4 products?
Our products are made of polyamide 12. These are materials that are frequently used in medical technology. These materials are resistant to water, chlorinated water and salt water. The screws and nuts we use are also rustproof.