In India, approximately one million people are affected by limb loss, with an estimated prevalence of 0.62 amputees per thousand population. The majority of amputations occur due to injuries from accidents, agricultural equipment, and diseases like diabetes. At Bionis, our experienced prosthetists assess each patient’s unique situation to provide the most effective and beneficial prosthetic device. Upper extremity prosthetics are customized based on factors such as the patient's residual limb, activity level, prognosis, employment, extracurricular activities, and specific goals. While each limb loss experience is unique, many individuals have successfully regained function and a positive outlook with the use of personalized upper extremity prosthetics from Bionis.
A passive upper extremity prosthetic can be used for all levels of amputation. However, it is used primarily to visually replace the body part that is missing. This promotes a healthy body image and is also functional in that it can assist the sound side arm with activities, such as holding or placing objects down.
A mechanical upper extremity prosthetic uses body movements to operate the terminal device (hand or hook). The prosthesis is connected to the body with cables and a harness. Using movements of the shoulders and the arms, the person can open and close the terminal device.
A myoelectric upper extremity prosthetic uses signals from muscles of the residual limb to control the opening and closing of the terminal device (hook or hand) or elbow depending on the level of amputation. Electrodes are incorporated into the prosthetic socket, and, by contracting the muscles of the residual limb, electrical signals are sent to the motors, which open and close the terminal device (hook or hand) or lift and lower the forearm at the elbow.
The socket is the part of the upper extremity prosthetic which is in contact with the residual limb. It allows various components to be mounted to the prosthesis, including the harness, elbows, wrists, terminal devices, etc.
A harness holds the device to the body so the prosthesis can be used properly. When using a body-powered upper extremity prosthetic, the harness is used to open or close the terminal device. Depending on the level of amputation, it may additionally be used to lock and unlock an elbow. The harness can be worn over an undershirt to help minimize the friction between the harness and the skin. This will also help keep the harness clean.
This part of the prosthesis allows the extension and flexion of the forearm. Body-powered elbows are flexed using a cable connected to the harness or by lifting and locking them with the sound limb. Electronic elbows are also available for use with myoelectric prosthetics, and latest technology to function.
There are many types of wrist units that offer the user the ability to rotate their terminal device to any position along with being able to do a quick disconnect of the terminal device to easily change between a hook or a hand or any other type of terminal device. Furthermore, there are units that allow for flexion and extension of the terminal device at the wrist.
There are three main types of terminal devices for the upper limb prosthesis: hands, hooks, and specialized terminal devices.
Hands can be either passive (non-functional) or functional. Functional hands can be either body-powered or myoelectric.
Specialized terminal devices are customized for a specific sport, hobby, or profession. For example, you could have a baseball mitt attached to the wrist.
Specialized terminal devices are customized for a sport, hobby, or profession. You could have a baseball mitt attached to the wrist.