Upper Limb Prosthetics
The design of a prosthesis is based on considerations like your overall health, activity level, strength and flexibility, employment requirements, hobbies and interests. The prosthesis consists of a custom socket to fit your residual limb and component parts like elbows, wrists, and hands, which are selected to fit your specific needs. All parts of the prosthesis require regular maintenance and occasional replacement to ensure optimal function.
Hand /
Partial Hand
Amputation
There are many different amputation levels in the hand. They range from a digit or finger amputation, to a metacarpal amputation through the bones of the hand. When there is less need for, or difficulty in fitting, a prosthesis that offers increased function, cosmetic silicone prostheses are sometimes used.
Injuries to the fingertips are common in accidents at home, work and play. They can occur when a fingertip slams in a car door, while chopping vegetables, or even when clearing debris from a lawnmower or snowblower. Fingertip injuries can be crushing, tearing, or amputating injuries to the tips of fingers and thumbs. Injury can include damage to skin and soft tissue, bone (distal phalanx), or to the nail and nail bed.
Trans-radial /
Below the Elbow
Amputation
A trans-radial (TR) prosthesis can be customized to the patients specific lifestyle, like work, home and play. Different terminal devices include; cosmetic hands, hooks, tool attachments, etc. A body powered, or conventional, prosthesis uses body movements to operate the terminal device (hand or hook).
The prosthesis is connected to the body through the use of cables and a harness. Through the movements of the shoulders and the arms, the person can open and close the terminal device. A myoelectric prosthesis uses electrodes fit within the socket against the muscles of the affected arm to control the opening and closing of the terminal device. The patient will contract the muscles of the arm to send electrical outputs are sent to a motor that open and close the artificial hand.
Trans-humeral /
Above the Elbow
Amputation
A trans-humeral (TH) limb loss (above the elbow) is usually due to trauma, disease, or infection. About 30 percent of the upper limb amputations in the United States occur above the elbow. Some of the most common above-elbow procedures include trans-humeral amputations (between the elbow and shoulder) and elbow disarticulation amputations (occurring through the elbow joint).
Where an amputation is performed depends on a variety of factors, including clinical indications and likelihood of successful use of assistive devices or prostheses at a certain level. If you are facing amputation, or have previously experienced above-elbow amputation, know that you are not alone.
Shoulder Disarticulation
Although amputations at the shoulder (shoulder disarticulation) are rare, the most common causes are surgery to remove cancer or infection and trauma. This type of amputation is complex—it involves removing the entire arm and upper arm bone from the shoulder blade and collarbone—which is why it is important to think about your functional and mobility goals as early as you possibly can following surgery.
Amputee Care
Facing amputation through elective surgery or a traumatic event can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect during each step of the process can ease some concerns and being prepared has been proven to speed recovery and expedite the rehabilitation process.
Even though you won’t be cast for your prosthetic for a few weeks, you will start the process of rehabilitation and preparing your residual limb for your prosthetic immediately after your surgery. In these early weeks, your limb will be very bulbous and swollen and may have small “dog ears” where the skin comes together at the incision. The incision will be closed with stitches and staples, which will gradually be removed as you heal. You will likely wear a protective covering for your limb to protect it if you fall and prevent infection.
The early weeks of recovery are a crucial phase with three main goals: caring for your residual limb, reducing your swelling and keeping your residual limb clean.