Sometimes, due to an unimaginable accident, or due to some medical condition, or even from birth, a person can lose an arm. Although this is something that has a big impact on life, with the advanced medical technology that has developed today, a prosthetic arm can be used to help overcome that challenge. So today, let's talk about this, that is, prosthetic arms, in a little more detail .
Simply put, what is a prosthetic arm?
A prosthetic arm is a device that can be used to replace your natural arm. It is also called an upper limb prosthesis. It can be a part of your arm, such as your hand, wrist , forearm, or even your entire arm, from the elbow, upper arm, or shoulder. These come in a variety of sizes, from passive ones, like a doll's arm in a clothing store, to high-tech ones, like a robot arm.
Who needs a prosthetic arm?
This is usually a concern for someone who has had a limb removed surgically (amputation) or someone who was born with a congenital limb difference. There are different types of prosthetic limbs that are suitable depending on how the limb was removed and the congenital difference.
Here are some examples:
- Transradial amputation: If your arm is removed through the bone in your forearm.
- Elbow disarticulation: If the arm is completely disarticulated at the elbow joint.
- Transhumeral amputation: If the arm is removed above the elbow , through the humerus bone.
- Shoulder disarticulation: If the arm is removed from the shoulder joint.
- Forequarter amputation: In this, the entire arm, along with the shoulder blade and collarbone, is removed.
- Congenital limb deficiency: The length and width of the arm are affected due to the lack of growth of the bones of the arm at birth.
What are the main types of prosthetic hands?
There are different types of prosthetic hands. Some are just for looks, some are functional. Some are designed for everyday tasks, while others are designed for special tasks or sports. Let's take a look at the main types.
| Type of prosthetic hand | How it works and features |
|---|---|
| Passive Arm Prosthesis (arm that is only visible) | This doesn't work like a human hand, but it can be made to look exactly like a natural hand. It can be made from silicone, the same color and shape as your other hand. Many people use this when going to parties and social events. |
| Body-Powered Arm Prosthesis | This is a mechanical device. It is connected to other muscles in your body (e.g. your shoulder) through a system of cables and straps. When you move those muscles, you can make the claw-like part of this artificial arm open and close. This is very good for heavy work, because it is durable. |
| Activity-Specific Prosthetic Arm | If you want to do a specific job, sport, or hobby, you can customize this arm to suit that. For example, you can attach a device that you need for cycling, lifting weights, or carpentry directly to this arm. |
| Myoelectric Arm Prosthesis (arm powered by muscle electrical signals) | This is the most advanced type available today. This hand has sensors (electrodes) that can detect very subtle electrical signals when you consciously contract the remaining muscles in your hand. These signals are used to move its joints and fingers. This can perform very delicate tasks. Just like a robotic hand. |
| Hybrid Prosthetic Arm | This combines the two methods mentioned above. For example, the elbow can be made to be body-powered, and the hand and fingers can be made to be myoelectric. |
What is the process of getting a prosthetic arm like?
This is not something that can be done overnight. It takes time, practice, and a lot of patience. You will have to work very closely with your medical team on this journey.
This process, to be precise, is not a journey you go through alone. It is a collaborative effort between doctors, physical therapists, prosthetists, and your family.
Here are the steps in simple terms:
1. Medical consultation and assessment: First, you need to meet with your doctor to discuss this. He or she will refer you to a prosthetist. They will discuss your physical condition, lifestyle, needs, and goals and determine what type of prosthesis is best for you.
2. Measurements and Fitting: This is done about 3-6 weeks after surgery. The prosthetic socket is made to fit you by taking measurements of the rest of your hand, possibly using a mold or 3D scan.
3. Basic training: Once your arm is made, you will be given basic training on how to use it, how to remove it, how to put it on, how to clean it, and how to operate its parts.
4. Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Next, you will need to work with a physical therapist and an occupational therapist to learn how to use this hand to perform daily tasks. Exercises will be performed to strengthen the necessary muscles.
5. Mental health support: This is a very important part. Losing a limb is a huge emotional trauma. As you rehabilitate your body, you also need to heal your mind. You can get a lot of help from mental health professionals and support groups with people who have experienced the same things as you.
What are the benefits and risks here?
Whether or not to use a prosthetic arm is a personal decision, but consider these factors before making that decision.
Advantages and benefits
If you don't use a prosthetic hand, you will unknowingly get used to using your other hand for everything. This can lead to problems like:
- Loss of body balance and slouched posture.
- Long-term neck and back pain.
- Pain and injuries caused by overuse of the other arm and shoulder (Repetitive strain injuries).
These risks can be reduced by using a prosthetic arm.
Risks and challenges
- When using body-powered arms, muscles may feel tired.
- Mechanical faults and electronic devices can cause charging problems.
- If not done properly, pressure sores or skin irritation may occur.
- Sweat can build up inside the socket and cause discomfort, so it needs to be cleaned frequently.
But remember, many of these risks can be avoided with proper fitting, training, and maintenance .
A new technology called Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR)
This is a new and advanced technology that is performed alongside surgery. This is especially important for those who are looking to use a myoelectric arm.
Simply put, to prevent pain from occurring when major nerves are severed during arm removal surgery, the surgeon reconnects those nerve endings to other muscles. This is called ``Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR)``.
This has two main advantages:
1. Pain reduction: Reduces the risk of post-surgery nerve pain (neuromas) and phantom limb pain (pain that feels like a limb is there even though it is not there).
2. Facilitating control of the myoelectric hand: Using those reconnected muscles, the myoelectric hand can be controlled more easily and naturally.
You can ask your doctor for more information about this.
Take-Home Message
- A prosthetic arm is a great strength for someone who has lost an arm to resume daily activities and face society.
- There are different types of prosthetic hands to choose from depending on your needs, lifestyle, and financial capabilities.
- This is not an instant fix. It takes time to get used to it. It is very important to seek the support of doctors, physical therapists, and mental health professionals on this journey.
- With the advancement of technology, today, artificial hands have been created that can perform even the most advanced and delicate tasks.
- Patience, a positive attitude, and kindness to yourself throughout this entire process are essential to success.
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