What To Consider When Selecting An Upper Extremity Prosthetic

By Elinor Tran


When weighing up the options regarding choice of an upper extremity prosthetic Georgia dwellers usually find the learning curve quite demanding. They will need to look at whether they'd prefer to go without a prosthesis. If they want one, they'll choose a passive or functional device. They could also think about having a combined approach of the three options.

Passive prostheses are used purely for aesthetic reasons while functional ones will help the amputee to perform basic daily tasks. The latter sometimes also performs the job of being an aesthetic improvement. Today, functional prostheses can do amazing things.

Prostheses that are functional work either from the power of the body or mechanically. The former work intuitively once the amputee has learned how to use them and has gotten used to them. They function almost like a bicycle handbrake, and use a cable or leverage system which is manipulated through small upper body movements to open and close the hand.

Body powered prostheses which use mechanics are also fairly naturally used because the amputee plays a role in exerting and controlling his own strength. They have complex mechanisms but they do give the user a finer tuned motion of opening and closing the hand. The user will feel and control how much force he applies.

There are also battery operated prostheses which open and close independently. Body powered devices are less pricey. They also have a good feedback system so the user has a sense of what they're doing. They're extremely light.

Those with certain physical disabilities won't be able to use body powered prostheses. Their other disadvantage is that they appear rather mechanical. Electric powered prostheses are heavier and more expensive. They're excellent for those with disabilities and have a strong grip. When choosing an upper extremity prosthetic georgia locals will find there are some with more than one form of control for higher functionality.




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