Upper Extremity Prosthetics

An upper extremity amputation can occur trans-radial (below the elbow) or trans-humeral (above the elbow).

There are two types of prosthetics for upper extremity amputations:

• Body powered – Uses anatomical movements of the arms and shoulders to open or close the prosthetic hand.
• Myoelectric – Uses electrical signals (stimulus) a nerve sends to a muscle to open or close the hand.

Other terms to know in reference to upper extremity prothesis:

• Socket – What your limb will go into. It is a very important part of your prosthesis as it is what supports weight and aids in suspension. There are many different adjustments that can be made to ensure a comfortable fit inside the prosthesis.
• Suspension – How the socket stays attached to your limb. This can be done via harnessing straps or using the contours of your arm to hold the socket in place.
• Terminal device – This is at the end of the prosthesis and is used to interact with your environment. It can be a functional hook or hand terminal device. non-functioning hand can be used for cosmetic purposes.