Prosthetic arms and hands have transformed lives, offering solutions for upper limb amputees aiming to restore functionality and regain independence. Selecting the right prosthesis among various options depends on factors such as lifestyle, activity level, and personal preferences.

In this article, we’ll explore prosthetic technologies, from traditional body-powered devices to advanced myoelectric systems, and other essential considerations.

What are Prosthetic Arms and Hands

Female making a heart sign with a prosthetic hand

Prosthetic arms and hands are devices designed to replace or enhance your missing upper limbs, restoring functionality and supporting users in daily life.

More than just physical replacements, these prosthetics empower individuals to perform tasks such as drawing, cooking, lifting stuff, and many more.

But what makes these devices so effective?

Innovation in prosthetic engineering, where new technologies replicate your natural arm movement and sensory feedback, enables these devices to feel more intuitive and responsive. They can range from a simple passive model to a high-tech, robotic limb controlled by artificial joints and motors.

Types of Prosthetic Arms and Hands

Woman cooking wearing a prosthetic hand and arm

Prosthetic devices come in many forms, each designed to meet diverse needs and adapt to various lifestyles. They can be customized to replace different parts of the limb, from shoulder and elbow joints to wrist joints and a terminal device (hand).

Here’s a breakdown of the options:

• Passive Prostheses: These focus on providing a natural appearance without active functionality.
• Body-powered Prostheses: Operated by a harness and cable system, they use upper-body movements to offer robustness and tactile feedback.
• Activity-specific Prostheses: Tailored for certain activities or sports, a prosthetist can work with you to create a prosthetic hand or arm that supports specialized tasks.
• Myoelectric prostheses: These are driven by electrical signals produced by your muscles, enabling control with a near-natural range of motion. These devices offer a blend of sophistication and functionality.
• Hybrid prostheses: These blend body-powered and myoelectric technologies to enhance functionality.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Prosthetic Arm or Hand

Female painting with a bionic hand

Choosing the right prosthetic arm or hand is not a decision made lightly. It is a life-changing choice influenced by various factors, such as physical needs and costs.

Let’s delve into these factors to help you decide what type of prosthetic arm or hand you need.

Level of Amputation

The level of arm amputation significantly determines the type of prosthetic options available.

Upper limb prostheses can be tailored to amputations ranging from shoulder disarticulation or forequarter amputations, which involve removing the entire arm from the prosthetic shoulder joint or entire arm and shoulder to partial finger or thumb amputations.

Elbow disarticulation amputations maintain the upper arm while transhumeral and transradial amputations occur above and below the elbow, respectively. Each requires different prosthetic solutions, including prosthetic elbow joint options.

For partial finger or thumb amputations, options include passive silicone restorations or more functional body-powered or myoelectric devices, while specialized prosthetics are available for thumb losses.

Lifestyle and Activities

Choosing a prosthetic device is influenced by your lifestyle and daily activities. This is why during the selection process, your daily routine, work, goals, and preferences are assessed to determine the most suitable prosthetic strategy.

Leisure activities and work settings require careful consideration when selecting a prosthetic device, as the user’s ability to engage in these activities and their performance in professional environments depend on the prosthesis type.

Furthermore, lifestyles that include active hobbies or specific vocational tasks can necessitate tailored prosthetic devices, such as those for persons with wrist disarticulation to engage in their particular interests or job requirements.

Ultimately, selecting the best prosthetic tool for the job or activity is crucial for optimal functionality.

Personal Preferences and Comfort

When selecting a prosthetic arm or hand, personal comfort is of utmost importance. The overall comfort and ease of use of a prosthesis during your everyday life, including activities with family and daily chores, are crucial for your satisfaction.

The alignment of a prosthesis with your self-image is essential. It would feel like a piece of clothing for some, while it becomes an integral part of their body for others.

Choices regarding prosthesis appearance can be influenced by social factors, where some users prefer life-like prosthetics to blend in and avoid attention.

Cost and Insurance

One of the major considerations in getting upper limb prosthetics is the cost. The complexity of the desired prosthetic system and the level of insurance coverage are significant factors that determine the cost of a prosthetic arm.

Prosthetic arms can vary significantly in cost, including:

• Cosmetic prosthetic: Around $5,000
• Functional prosthetic with a hook: $10,000 and up
• Advanced myoelectric arm technology: Between $20,000 and $100,000

The advancements in technology and manufacturing such as 3D printing have led to more affordable options. TrueLimb, a bionic prosthetic arm, costs $7,995, significantly lower than the typical cost range for similar devices.

This cost can also be broken down into monthly payments, making it more accessible.

Insurance Coverage and Financial Assistance

Insurance coverage for prosthetic arms varies widely, often limiting support to devices deemed medically necessary and typically covering between 20% and 50% of the costs.

The level of insurance coverage and the types of prosthetic devices approved can depend on the specific insurance plan, including private insurance, government programs like Medicare/Medicaid, and military-related coverage such as VA.

If you do not have enough insurance coverage, various nonprofit organizations and resources, such as the Amputee Coalition offer grants and assistance to help acquire prosthetic devices.

How to Get a Prosthetic Arm or Hand

Acquiring a prosthetic arm or hand is a process that starts with proper healing after an arm or hand amputation. This phase is followed by a post-amputation assessment to review prosthetic needs and insurance options. But what comes next?

Consultation with a Prosthetist

Choosing the appropriate prosthetist is fundamental because it greatly impacts your health, happiness, and well-being after an upper limb amputation.

During the consultation, the prosthetist along with a therapy specialist assesses the following to determine the most suitable prosthetic strategy:

• Daily routine
• Work
• Goals
• Preferences

You are encouraged to ask questions and engage with your healthcare team to take an active role in your treatment, which helps reduce uncertainty and better plan for the future.

Moreover, the prosthetist is responsible for ensuring the prosthetic is correctly fitted to optimize mobility and comfort, based on thorough discussions about the best prosthetic types and attachment methods.

Fitting and Customization

In the fitting process for a prosthetic limb, the following steps are typically followed:

1. An impression of the residual limb is taken.
2. A prosthetic liner made of medical-grade silicone is fitted to alleviate skin irritation.
3. After the initial fitting, a ‘check socket’ made from a thermoplastic sheet is used to test the fit and make necessary adjustments for comfort and mobility.
4. The laminated carbon fiber prosthesis is fitted for the final fitting.

These steps ensure a proper and comfortable fit for the prosthetic limb.

Pediatric prosthetics require specialized attention with consistent monitoring and adjustments to accommodate growth, ensuring a good fit and functionality.

Moreover, prosthetic arms and hands are crafted using advanced techniques like 3D printing for customization, and materials like plastic polymers in injection molding and vacuum forming to create a strong, yet lightweight, prosthesis.

Rehabilitation and Training

Rehabilitation and training are essential for the effective use and upkeep of new prosthetic arms and hands, helping you regain functionality and independence.

During the final fitting of the prosthetic, training includes programming the device to your needs and involves an occupational therapist for ongoing training and rehabilitation functions.

Training with amputations encompasses:

• Mastering controls through repetitive drills
• Learning to independently put on and take off the prosthesis
• Managing batteries for myoelectric systems
• Preventing skin irritations

Moreover, setting attainable rehabilitation goals and participating in meaningful life activities help individuals restore a sense of normalcy and self-worth after an amputation.

Living with a Prosthetic Arm or Hand

Female showing her bionic arm

Living with a prosthetic arm or hand requires consistent care, adaptation, and support.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance and follow-up sessions every 3–6 months are crucial to keeping a prosthetic arm in optimal condition.

Here's how to care for different prosthetic devices:

• Prosthesis sockets: Clean prosthesis sockets with soap and warm water daily > rinse them with clear water to remove soap residue > dry thoroughly.

If unable to perform the regular cleaning routine, emergency alternatives such as baby wipes or disinfecting wipes can be used to clean the prosthesis.

• Passive prosthetic devices: Clean the passive prosthetic device with rubbing alcohol or water and soap, depending on their durability > Store appropriately.
• Cosmetic gloves for prostheses: Handle them with care to prevent staining and damage. Clean with a damp cloth and monitor for cuts that could expose underlying components.

Regular inspections of these artificial limbs should be conducted for signs of wear, loose parts, and general maintenance needs.

Continued support, such as reprogramming and refitting services, also enhances the prosthetic’s longevity and comfort, ensuring it functions smoothly over time.

Coping Strategies and Emotional Support

In addition to the physical aspects, living with a prosthetic arm or hand embarks on an emotional journey. Some important considerations include:

• Phantom limb pain/sensations, which may be more frequently reported with myoelectric prostheses
• Emotional adjustment to the loss of a limb
• Body image and self-esteem issues
• Coping with societal attitudes and perceptions

These factors can have a significant impact on the overall experience of living with prosthetic limbs.

A sense of community and support from family, friends, and peers can greatly aid in reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing the overall coping process.

Additionally, engaging in psychological therapy offers tools to manage the emotional aspects of amputation, providing support for issues like anxiety, mood fluctuations, and altered body image.

Community and Resources

Living with a prosthetic arm or hand is not a journey one undertakes alone. The Amputee Coalition provides a network of over 400 registered support groups across the country for individuals living with limb loss or limb difference and their families.

These support groups offer a safe space for individuals to:

• Express their feelings
• Learn
• Improve social skills
• Understand that they are not alone in their experiences

Moreover, the Amputee Coalition hosts weekly online support groups via Zoom, making it accessible for people to connect irrespective of their location.

Some organizations specifically assist children in need of prosthetic devices, catering to young individuals and their unique challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get a prosthetic arm for free?

You can contact local prosthetic facilities and inquire about prosthetic donation programs, or reach out to organizations like the Amputee Coalition for assistance in finding a facility near you. It's best to explore these options for possible assistance in obtaining a prosthetic arm.

Is having a prosthetic arm a disability?

Having a prosthetic arm may not necessarily be classified as a disability, but eligibility for disability benefits may depend on the level of limitation it imposes on your ability to function, such as standing or walking.

What is the most advanced artificial arm?

The LUKE arm by Mobius Bionics is a leading prosthetic device, notable for its powered shoulder feature, enabling shoulder-level amputees to reach overhead.