Perhaps you have lost a hand in an accident. Or you may be the mother or father of a child born with a congenital hand defect. Whatever the reason, losing the function of a hand can have a major impact on your life. However, with today's advanced medical technology, there are solutions that can help us cope with this condition. One such solution is a prosthetic hand. Let's talk about this today.
Simply put, what is a prosthetic arm?
A prosthetic hand, or ``Hand Prosthesis``, is a device that can be used to replace a missing hand or a hand that is not fully functional. It can be anything from a simple hook to a ``Bionic`` hand that works like a robotic hand.
A prosthetist is a medical professional who specializes in prosthetics. He or she will help you choose the right prosthetic for your lifestyle, needs, and activities. He or she will also fit it for you, train you on how to use it, and make any necessary adjustments over time.
Who needs these?
These prosthetic hands may be needed for two main purposes.
1. For those who have had a hand or part of a hand surgically removed: This is a great help for someone who has had part or all of their hand removed due to an accident or illness to get back to doing their job.
- Part of a finger or thumb.
- Partial hand.
- The entire palm up to the wrist.
- Part of the arm below the elbow `(Transradial)`.
2. Children born with congenital hand abnormalities: Some children may be born without fingers, fingers that are fused together, or part of the hand is missing. When such children are accustomed to an artificial hand at an early age, it helps them a lot in their development, as they grow up with it. Some of these situations are:
- Symbrachydactyly (congenital absence of fingers or part of the hand).
- Ectrodactyly (shortened fingers and a split in the middle of the palm).
- Radial dysplasia (hand deformity due to improper growth of the radial bone in the hand).
What are the main types of prosthetic hands?
Prosthetic hands come in a variety of styles and with varying levels of functionality. Some look just like a real hand, while others are designed with functionality over appearance. Let's take a look at the main types.
| Type of prosthetic hand | How it works and features |
|---|---|
| Passive Hand Prosthesis (for appearance and simple tasks) | These cannot move on their own. The main thing is the appearance. You can make them exactly the color and shape of your other hand. They can be used as an aid for simple things like balancing on the other side while lifting a load, or holding something. Usually, the first thing you get used to using is something like this. |
| Body-Powered Hand Prosthesis | This works like a cable system. When you move the remaining muscles in your shoulder, back, or arm, the cable connected to it stretches and opens and closes the fingers or hooks of the prosthetic hand. These are very strong. They are resistant to dirt, dust, and water, making them very suitable for everyday work, such as farming. |
| Activity-Specific Hand Prosthesis (for specific tasks) | These are made to do a specific job. Imagine you want to ride a bike, lift weights (exercise), or play a musical instrument like a guitar. You can build a device specifically designed for that job in this way. |
| Myoelectric Hand Prosthesis (operated by electrical signals) | This is the most advanced technology available today. When you flex the remaining muscles in your hand, the very subtle electrical signals coming from those muscles are detected by sensors attached to the artificial hand. Then, according to that signal, the hand can move the fingers one by one and grasp objects in different ways. We also call these `(Bionic Hands)`. |
How does the process of getting a prosthetic arm work?
This is not something that happens overnight. It is a journey that takes time, patience, and practice. You will have to work very closely with your medical team.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Doctors, physical therapists, and others going through this experience are there to help you.
Here are the main steps in this process:
1. Medical consultation and assessment: First, you will need to meet with your doctor to discuss your lifestyle, what you hope to do, and your needs, and decide what type of prosthetic arm is best for you.
2. Measurements and Fitting: Next, the prosthetist will take very precise measurements of your hand. They may even use a 3D scan. Based on those measurements, a custom-made hand will be made for you.
3. Basic training: Once your prosthetic arm is made, you will be taught how to put it on, take it off, operate its parts, and keep it clean. If it is a `(Myoelectric)` arm, you will also be taught how to charge its battery.
4. Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: This is the most important part. A physical therapist and an occupational therapist will work together to teach you how to use your hand to do everyday tasks. They will do exercises to strengthen the muscles needed, and they will practice everything from holding a cup to writing and eating.
5. Mental health support: As well as rehabilitating the body, this is a huge mental challenge. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek the help of psychiatrists and counselors to keep your mind strong and provide the necessary mental support throughout this entire process.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a prosthetic hand
Not everyone who loses a hand uses a prosthetic hand. Some people learn to work in other ways, for example, using their other hand, legs, or teeth. But there are several health benefits to using a prosthetic hand.
Advantages (good side)
- Body balance: When using a prosthetic arm, the body weight is evenly distributed on both sides. Otherwise, working with only one side of the body can cause back pain and neck pain.
- Rest the other hand: Doing everything with one hand puts a lot of strain on that hand. Therefore, there is a greater chance of developing muscle and joint pain in that hand (repetitive strain injuries).
- Increased functionality: Self-confidence increases as you can do many things on your own again.
Disadvantages (things to be aware of)
- Skin problems: If the fit is not right, the skin can become irritated and pressure sores can occur.
- Sweating: The area where the prosthetic arm is worn will sweat, so it needs to be removed and cleaned regularly.
- Muscle pain: Muscles may hurt at first, especially when using the hands, which are powered by the body.
- Maintenance: Mechanical parts can break, and electronic parts can have charging issues. These require maintenance.
Many of these risks can be avoided with proper installation, good training, and proper maintenance.
How long does it take to get used to this?
The time it takes for this to happen varies from person to person. It depends on many things, such as the type of hand you use, what you expect to do with it, and how you practice.
Typically, this rehabilitation process can take anywhere from a few months to a year . Just as your body adjusts, your mind also needs to adjust to this new situation. That too takes time. So, you need to be patient and kind to yourself on this journey.
Some frequently asked questions
Does an artificial hand have feelings?
No. With current technology, an artificial hand cannot feel touch. But scientists are still researching this.
Can you move the fingers of a prosthetic hand separately?
Yes, a `(Myoelectric)` or `(Bionic)` hand has a small motor in each finger, so you can move those fingers individually. But they don't move on their own. It's controlled by your muscle signals.
Can you drive a car with a prosthetic arm?
Yes, many people do. Especially if you drive an ``automatic`` vehicle. You may need to install a special device on the steering wheel, such as a ``steering wheel spinner``.
A hand is something very close to our lives, to our identity. Therefore, losing a hand is a great shock. However, a prosthetic hand is like a best friend who fills that gap, helps you to do your life's work on your own again, and helps you move forward with new hope. This journey is not easy, there may be setbacks. But have faith in yourself and the medical team that is helping you.
Take-Home Message
- A prosthetic hand is a valuable device that can make life easier for those who have reduced hand function due to an accident or birth.
- There are many different types, from simple-looking hands to highly sophisticated hands that are powered by body power and electrical signals.
- A team of doctors, specialists, and physiotherapists will help you choose the right arm for you and get used to it.
- This is both a physical and mental challenge, so it is very important to seek mental health support.
- With proper training and patience, many people are able to live a normal life with a prosthetic arm.
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