Upper Limb Prosthetics

Get Back in Motion with Upper Limb Prosthetic

Upper-limb prosthetics are artificial arms or hands that replace a missing part of the arm due to injury, illness, or birth condition. These devices help people move, hold, and do everyday tasks like eating, writing, or picking up things.
They can be simple (moved by body power) or advanced (controlled by muscles or sensors), and are made to look and work like a real arm or hand.
In short, upper-limb prosthetics help people live more independently by bringing back the movement and use of a lost arm or hand.
These devices range from basic mechanical hands to advanced, high-tech solutions like bionic hands and realistic upper limbs prosthetics, all designed to replicate human movement and improve quality of life.

From Shoulder to Hand: Upper Limb Prosthetics Explained

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main types of artificial upper limbs available today, each tailored to specific levels of amputation and user needs:

Mechanical Hand: Precision and Functionality

A mechanical hand is a type of mechanical upper limb prosthetics designed for users seeking a durable, cost-effective option for basic daily tasks.

  • Functionality: Controlled via body-powered systems (like harnesses and cables), these hands perform essential functions such as gripping, holding, and releasing.
  • Durability: Built with high-strength materials to handle everyday activities.
  • Affordability: More accessible compared to high-end bionic hands, making them ideal for those seeking functional, budget-conscious solutions.

These prosthetic hands are often a starting point for users regaining independence and adapting to life after limb loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Upper Limb Prosthetics

  • What are upper limb prosthetics?
    Upper-limb prosthetics are devices designed to replace the function of an arm or hand that has been lost due to injury, illness, or congenital conditions. These prosthetics range from mechanical hands to complex devices for shoulder disarticulations.
  • How do mechanical hands work?
    Mechanical hands are typically body-powered and use a system of cables and harnesses to control the hand's movement. By using shoulder or chest movements, the user can open and close the hand to perform basic tasks like grasping, holding, and releasing objects.
  • What is the difference between below-elbow and above-elbow prosthetics?
    Below-the-elbow prosthetics, also known as transradial prosthetics, are designed for individuals who have lost part of their arm below the elbow. These prosthetics offer a wide range of motion and functionality. Above-elbow prosthetics, or transhumeral prosthetics, are for those with amputations above the elbow, replacing both the elbow and hand functions.
  • How are prosthetics for shoulder disarticulation different?
    Shoulder disarticulation prosthetics are designed for amputations at the shoulder level and are the most complex type of upper limb prosthetics. They need to replicate shoulder, elbow, and hand functions, often using multiple control systems such as myoelectric and body-powered mechanisms.
  • What are myoelectric prosthetics?
    Myoelectric prosthetics use electrical signals generated by the muscles in the residual limb to control the prosthetic. These signals are detected by electrodes and are used to operate the prosthetic hand or arm, providing greater precision and natural movement.
Upper Limb Prosthetics
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