Prosthetic arm, with the help of today’s developing technology, gives very successful results and personalized applications satisfy many users.
Arm prosthesis, also known as an artificial arm, is a procedure that aims to eliminate the lack of functionality that occurs after upper limb amputation and at the same time to satisfy the person aesthetically. The needs of a person who has lost this limb after surgery are different from those experienced with the loss of the legs. This is said to be caused by the function of the hand in daily life, i.e. the actions it performs. For example, if a person loses one of the toes on their foot, they may not experience significant gait disturbance, but if the same happens to the thumb of the hand, more than half of the function of this organ is lost. This is why hand prostheses and finger prostheses are important.
An arm amputated has a chance to regain functionality. The upper extremities are highly functional for people working in almost all professions. In case of a loss here, it is not easy to return to working life. For this reason, even the slightest gain for the prosthetic limbs, especially in the upper part of the body, has a very high value and helps the individual a lot. In addition to this information, it is known that people doing research in this field are concentrated on the headings of prosthetic hands types and how do prosthetic arms work.
What are the Types of Prosthetic Arms?
Types of prosthetic arms are divided into 4 as bionic arm, myoelectric prosthetic arm, mechanical, and cosmetic. Technical features are distinctive in grouping. Here, as in other limbs, 2 brands stand out with their experience and quality. The first, the German company Ottobock, produces products that can be applied to the hand, elbow, shoulder, and wrist. It works through microchips placed inside the socket and is synchronized with muscle movements. With the help of this movable prosthetic arm, the person can use all fingers with precision. The individual can fix the movement of the thumb in the desired position. It is rechargeable and lasts up to 1 week. The bionic prosthetic arm is not as advantageous as the mechanical arm in terms of price.
Myoelectric arm prosthesis can meet all the same needs and works on a similar principle. It is subject to a fully electronic system. It can be said that it is the ideal choice, especially for people with an active working life. Only 3 fingers move while the rest remain fixed in the correct positions. It is compatible with people’s skin color. Cosmetic types are more suitable for those who care about their appearance. Here too, factors such as design, ease of use, and weight outweigh functionality. They are long-lasting and various accessories (prosthetic arm attachments) can be added to them. This information may give an idea to those who wonder how a prosthetic hand works.
There is also the robotic arm prosthetic, also known as the cybernetic arm. These progressive models, which have been used on humans for some time, are capable of mind control, allowing flexible movement and grasping, as well as simulating the sense of touch.
What are the Prosthetic Arm Levels?
Another issue when it comes to artificial limbs is their level. The amputation level is decisive here. This position, determined by the doctor, indicates how much “stump” is left behind from the person’s surgery. In this way, it can be understood which product is suitable and which is not. The examination must be carried out by a specialist in this field. These levels, which can be understood with a prosthetic arm drawing, are listed below:
- Arm prosthesis below the elbow
- Arm prosthesis above the elbow
- Shoulder disarticulation
The prostheses in the first row are used when people have a loss below the elbow joint and in the wrist. They are compatible with myoelectronic and bionic hand types. There are options very close to human skin color. It can be applied without a surgical procedure. The products in the second row are preferred in cases between the elbow joint and shoulder. One of the electronic or mechanical options can be made instead of the joint. All remaining features are the same. The last “disarticulation” can be described as a full arm prosthetics. Again, it is similar to the first 2 prostheses with other features.
How is Prosthetic Arm Practice Realized?
After understanding the question of which is most advanced prosthetic arm and the technical features of the models, it is useful to have information about how the application is performed. After obtaining the components required for the operation, the specialist takes measurements from the relevant area of the patient. If restoration is required, silicone is usually used. Plaster is preferred for advanced amputations. Today, these can be used to take measurements instead of 3D imaging systems. The benefit here is a better physical examination of the person’s condition and a better understanding of their needs.
Prosthetic arm cost are also of great interest among prospective users. The determining factors here are factors such as which brand is used, which model is preferred, and the competence of the specialist and the clinic. You can get detailed information about all procedures including futuristic prosthetic arm, by contacting Luxmed, the best arm prosthetics practitioner in Turkey and the world.
