A prosthetic hand can do much more than replace a missing limb. Imagine regaining independence, boosting your confidence, and performing daily tasks you thought were lost forever.
From lifelike cosmetic options to advanced robotic designs, modern prosthetic hands restore appearance and function, providing tailored solutions for different needs.
Curious about which type might suit your needs? Keep reading to explore how prosthetic hands work, their types, and how choosing the right one can help you reclaim your freedom and live life fully.
Key Takeaways
- Prosthetic hands significantly improve independence, confidence, and daily functionality for people with limb loss or congenital differences.
- Prosthetic hands come in various forms, from cosmetic and passive devices for appearance to body-powered hands for functional durability, and advanced myoelectric hands, which offer sophisticated control and movement patterns.
- Working closely with prosthetic specialists ensures effective customization, training, and maintenance, maximizing comfort and usability.
How Does a Prosthetic Hand Work
A prosthetic hand is designed to replace a missing or non-functioning hand, helping individuals regain independence and function.
If you lose a hand due to an accident or birth condition, prosthetic hands can make a big difference in your everyday life. They’re not just about appearance—they restore the ability to perform tasks you might have thought were impossible.
In addition to their functional aspects, prosthetic hands offer several benefits for upper extremity amputees:
- Boost confidence and provide a sense of completeness
- Aid in the acceptance of the prosthesis
- Offer cosmetic advantages that enhance your quality of life and self-image
- Reduce social anxiety
- Improve overall well-being
Prosthetic hands are more than mere functional replacements. They symbolize hope and resilience, empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives despite physical adversities.
Who Needs a Hand Prosthesis
Whether due to injury or congenital conditions, hand prosthetics can help you regain function and independence.
There are various types of prostheses designed for different kinds of amputations, such as:
- Partial finger or thumb
- Partial hand
- Whole hand
- Hand and partial lower arm
Children with congenital hand differences or absences can also benefit from a prosthetic hand. Starting to use a prosthetic device early helps them grow and adapt to it, particularly those with conditions such as:
- The partial or total absence of fingers (Symbrachydactyly)
- Cleft hand or malformed or missing middle fingers (Ectrodactyly)
- Club hand or missing or short forearm bones (Radial dysplasia)
Now let’s dive into the different types of prosthetic hands available to suit your specific situation.
Types of Prosthetic Hands
The selection of upper limb prostheses is diverse, offering a range of devices including cosmetic and passive devices used for aesthetic purposes, body-powered devices operated by human movement, and advanced myoelectric and externally powered devices controlled by electrical signals.
Let's explore each one of them.
Cosmetic and Passive Hand Prosthetics
Passive prosthetics are designed to offer a realistic look but don’t provide functional movement. These prosthetics focus on aesthetics, boosting confidence in social situations by mimicking the natural appearance of a hand.
An example is Össur Livingskin, which is handcrafted to replicate the unique details of your skin’s appearance. It is hand-painted and made from high-definition silicone to match your skin tone.
It also includes details like hair, freckles, and nails. Though primarily cosmetic, they can also assist with functions like pulling, pushing, and stabilizing.
Body Powered Prosthetic Hands
Body-powered prostheses are mechanical devices that work by using muscle tension. To control them, you’ll engage muscles in your upper arm, shoulder, and/or chest. The fingers or fingertips are connected to a band on your knuckle or wrist.
These prosthetics are lightweight, durable, and easy to use, though their functionality is limited. Most body-powered prostheses are rugged and designed for practical tasks, with minimal calibration required. Since they aren’t electronic, they’re resistant to getting wet or dirty.
A cable connected to the terminal device allows you to open and close the hand or hook, making these prosthetics a solid choice for those needing a functional solution after arm amputation.
The benefits include durability, short training time, minimal maintenance, and improved feedback.
However, they may not be as visually appealing and can be harder to use for some. Despite these drawbacks, they remain a popular choice for those seeking a reliable prosthetic.
A notable example is the Naked Prosthetics' PIPDriver, designed to restore finger length and dexterity for those with mid-finger amputations.
Myoelectric and Externally Powered Hands
Myoelectric prostheses use electrical sensors to detect your muscle movements, providing advanced functions like gripping and rotating.
They use electromyographic (EMG) signals from your muscles, which means less muscle strain compared to body-powered devices.
These prosthetics include a motor, mechanical components, and batteries. You can select between single-motor options that simply open and close, or multi-articulating hands with flexible fingers and thumbs.
Multi-articulating prosthetics often look futuristic or robotic, though lifelike silicone skin options exist. They offer precise control, multiple grip patterns, and excellent accuracy, ideal for detailed tasks and natural movements.
An excellent example is Ottobock's bebionic hand, which features multi-articulating fingers, 14 grip patterns, and passive movement for natural interactions.
Activity-Specific Prosthesis
Activity-specific prosthetics are designed to help you perform particular tasks or activities more effectively. Whether for sports, hobbies, or your profession, these prosthetics are custom-made to fit your unique needs.
Working closely with a prosthetist, you can design a specialized device for operating machinery, playing instruments, exercising, or other tasks.
Many people choose activity-specific prostheses as an additional tool, switching between different devices for work, home, or recreational activities. This flexibility lets adults reclaim their favorite activities and helps children discover new ones.
How to Choose the Right Prosthetic Hand
Choosing the right prosthetic hand is essential for improving your quality of life.
To make the best decision, consider these key factors:
By addressing these factors, you’ll be able to select a prosthetic hand that suits your lifestyle, restoring independence and improving your daily life.
How to Get a Prosthetic Hand
Getting a prosthetic hand is a step toward regaining independence and improving your quality of life.
The process involves several stages, each designed to ensure the prosthetic meets your specific needs.
- Consultation and Assessment – You’ll start by meeting with your healthcare provider to discuss your needs and the best prosthetic for your situation.
- Fitting and Measurements – A prosthetic hand is custom-made to fit you perfectly, ensuring comfort and function.
- Basic and Physical Training – After receiving your prosthetic, you’ll go through training to learn how to use it effectively.
- Psychological Support – Transitioning to life with a prosthetic hand can be emotional. Psychological support helps you adjust and feel confident.
Customization and Adaptability in Prosthetic Hands
Customization plays a critical role in making prosthetic hands effective. Each prosthetic is uniquely tailored to fit your specific needs, lifestyle, and activities.
Using computer-assisted design (CAD), prosthetists create devices that comfortably match your physical characteristics and personal preferences.
Prosthetics can also be adapted for specific tasks by adjusting grip mechanisms or positioning parts differently.
Additionally, advanced sensors can enhance functionality, providing a realistic sense of touch and better proprioception, significantly improving your comfort and overall experience.
Rehabilitation and Training with Prosthetic Hands
Getting a prosthetic hand is just the beginning. The real challenge comes with learning how to use it effectively, which involves a structured rehabilitation and training process.
This includes activities like walking with weight on the prosthetic side and manipulating objects, sometimes with the help of ambulatory aids.
Training typically follows several stages:
- Pre-prosthetic Program – Focuses on residual limb care and preparation for the prosthetic.
- Controls Training – Teaches you how to operate the prosthetic's controls.
- Repetitive Drills – Involves practicing specific movements to improve dexterity and coordination.
- Bimanual Functional Skill Training – You learn to perform everyday tasks with your prosthetic and natural hand.
This step-by-step approach helps you adjust to your prosthetic and build proficiency gradually. Successful rehabilitation leads to greater independence and a smoother return to daily activities, marking a crucial phase in reclaiming control and confidence.
Prosthetic Hand Maintenance and Care
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your prosthetic hand lasts and performs optimally.
Follow these important steps:
- Regularly check for loose screws and bolts
- Keep the prosthetic clean and protect it from moisture
- Monitor for signs of wear and tear
- Ensure a proper fit
- Store the prosthesis properly when not in use
By following these steps, you can keep your prosthetic hand in good condition for a long time.
Common issues like skin irritation, power source problems, control signal errors, and fitting issues can often be fixed by following care guidelines, checking power sources, adjusting control settings, and ensuring a proper fit.
In a home setting, you can continue with daily activities like hand washing, typing, and adjusting settings for minor modifications.
For the best results, it's recommended to schedule professional check-ups with your prosthetist every six months.
Regular maintenance and staying in touch with healthcare professionals will help your prosthetic hand continue to serve you effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a prosthetic hand cost?
A prosthetic hand can cost between $5,000 and $100,000, with ongoing maintenance and parts replacement adding to the total. Many health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover prosthetics when medically necessary. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
Can prosthetic hands mimic a healthy human hand?
Modern prosthetic hands mimic the appearance and structure of a human hand but lack biological actuation and sensory functions, so they don't fully replicate the natural movement and sensory feedback of a human hand.
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