Upper Limb Prosthetics
What are prosthetic arms and hands and how they work?
A prosthetic arm and hand are devices used to support users who are missing all or part of their upper limbs (fingers, hand, arm, elbow, or shoulder) due to an injury, accident, or illness, and also by people who have a limb difference due to a congenital condition.
Sometimes called “upper limb prostheses,” these devices come in many forms: from simple and natural-looking "passive" hands to high-tech "bionic” hands that mimic many different hand movements.
Upper limb prostheses can empower people with limb differences in many different ways. They can help users regain their mobility and independence, pursue their favourite hobbies and activities, get back to their jobs, and improve their overall quality of life. Keep reading to understand the various types of prosthetic hands, how they work, and how they support a wide range of daily activities.
What can a prosthetic arm or hand do for you?
While prosthetic arms and hands cannot fully replace a natural limb, they can support users in many different and valuable ways. The right device can help restore someone’s independence and mobility, help them master everyday tasks, get back to their job, or simply help them look and feel better.
People use these capable tools for many reasons. Some prosthetic arms and hands come with special features, like grippers and hooks, that can assist with specific tasks. More advanced devices are often designed to look and move more like the human hand.
In addition to physical support, these devices can also support users emotionally and psychologically, helping users adapt to life after limb loss, rebuild their confidence, and improve their self-esteem.
There are three main kinds of prosthetic arms and hands
These devices typically come in three different forms: cosmetic or “passive” devices, body-powered devices, and myoelectric devices. Each type of device has its own unique functions and abilities.
All three types can support users in different ways, depending on the user’s needs, goals, and activities, as well as the size, shape, and location of their residual limb. The right choice for each user can depend on all these factors, and many others that a certified professional prosthetist can help explain.
Cosmetic prosthetic arms and hands
Designed to provide a natural-looking appearance, this type of prosthesis is popular with users who want their device to look as natural as possible. Cosmetic prostheses can be built to match each person’s skin tone, gender, and physical characteristics, making them as realistic-looking as possible.
Unlike other types of prostheses, though, cosmetic prostheses usually do not offer hand-like functionality. They’re typically designed to look like a normal hand, not function like one.
Despite this limitation, many people with limb differences find that wearing a cosmetic prosthetic helps them feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.
Body-powered prosthetic arms and hands
This common type of prosthetic device gives people the ability to control their prosthesis by making specific movements with their shoulders, chest, or residual limb. This type of prosthetic typically uses cables, pulleys, and a specialised harness to operate the prosthetic hand or arm.
These prostheses are known for their durability and strength, making them suitable for grasping and lifting objects and handling other heavy-duty everyday activities.
While they may require more physical effort to operate than some prostheses, body-powered devices also provide a cost-effective option for users who want a simple, reliable, and sturdy prosthetic limb.
Myoelectric prosthetic hands
These devices are the most advanced and versatile prosthetic hands available today. Sometimes called “bionic” hands, myoelectric prostheses are controlled by the user’s own muscle signals and powered by a battery. Electrodes on the skin of their residual limb can pick up nerve impulses from the user’s muscles and use them to control the motors in the prosthetic hand.
Myoelectric hands offer precise and versatile control over a wide range of finger movements and grip patterns, making it easy to perform many different activities. These high-tech prostheses are also functional and stylish, showcasing cutting-edge prosthetic technology while supporting important everyday activities.
Ottobock offers several different myoelectric prostheses, including bebionic, Michelangelo, and MyoHand VariPlus Speed. Each has its own unique functionality and cutting-edge design.
bebionic
The lifelike, multi-articulating bebionic hand works intuitively and precisely in ways that are transforming the lives and abilities of amputees around the world.
The lifelike, multi-articulating bebionic hand works intuitively and precisely in ways that are transforming the lives and abilities of amputees around the world.
Michelangelo
Lightweight, powerful, and fast, the Michelangelo hand aims to restore numerous functions of the natural hand in a sophisticated and intelligent design.
Lightweight, powerful, and fast, the Michelangelo hand aims to restore numerous functions of the natural hand in a sophisticated and intelligent design.
MyoHand VariPlus Speed
The VariPlus Sensor Hand combines a quick-disconnect wrist with the mechanical characteristics of the SensorHand Speed and the control of the System Electric Greifer DMC VariPlus.
The VariPlus Sensor Hand combines a quick-disconnect wrist with the mechanical characteristics of the SensorHand Speed and the control of the System Electric Greifer DMC VariPlus.
Getting a prosthetic arm or hand
Just like the human hand, these devices can support an incredibly wide variety of movements, functions, and activities. No two users have the same needs or need the same solution. Every prosthetic arm and hand should be customised to fit the person who will be using it.
The right device for each user will depend on a variety of factors, including the user's limb difference, lifestyle, and preferred activities, as well as a number of other factors. Finding and creating that solution should always be a team effort, involving the user, their doctor or surgeon, their physical therapist and occupational therapist, and especially a certified prosthetist.
A prosthetists is a clinical professional with specialised training in designing and fitting prosthetic arms and hands. This expert can work with you and your care team to identify the right set of prosthetic arm and hand components, and then custom-build a prosthetic limb that provides safe, comfortable, and confidence-building support for the activities you value most.
Your prosthetist will also be able to explain the fitting and training process, as well as how to properly care for your prosthetic arm and hand on a daily basis. Learning to use a prosthetic arm or hand can be challenging, but with this expert’s help, you can feel confident that you're getting the right device for your needs.
Want to connect with a prosthetist who can help you find the right prosthetic arm or hand? Contact your local Limb Centre or click below to find an Ottobock Care clinic near you.
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