You may have to go through several assessments before discovering a prosthetic hand that functions best, but the time and effort you put into exploring the prosthetics are worthwhile in the long run. While there are various prosthetics to choose from, many patients still face difficulties doing so.
To assist you in making an informed decision about which partial hand prosthetic type is most appropriate and applicable to your needs, here is a concise guide that introduces the prominent types of partial hand prosthetics.
1. Body-Powered Partial Hand Prosthetic
Body-powered partial hand prosthetics are helpful aids that can support the person’s normal hand and reinstate the capability to grasp and hold objects. Individuals involved in physical labor or heavy-duty tasks at their job or around the house may prefer the durability and functionality offered by body-powered prosthetics because they can withstand hostile environmental conditions such as being exposed to dirt, humidity, presumably heavy loads, and vibration. This makes them an appealing option for people who engage in these activities. You can consider projects such as installing fencing or operating a garden mower as examples of such tasks.
Typically, a harness and cable are used to control the operation of a body-powered prosthetic. The movements of your forearm, shoulders, and chest get recorded by the harness, communicated to the cable system, and utilized to open and retract the hook or hand in a manner that is analogous to the operation of the handbrake system in bicycles. As you become acclimated to the sensation of variable tension on the wire, you may experience a better feel of the arm’s location and the extent of openness on the terminal device. The user of a body-powered prosthetic receives useful tactile input about the environment around them, and the prosthetic itself often functions as an extra limb. These prosthetic hands are easier to operate, more reliable, demand less maintenance, and in many cases, are available at a lower cost than alternative hand options. However, the power and strength required to operate your prosthetic hand comfortably depend on various patient characteristics. These factors include your endurance, posture, and other possible mobility in the anatomical joints.
The most significant disadvantage of utilizing a body-powered prosthetic is that it is burdensome because it needs you to operate the device while also wearing a harness and wire system.
2. Electrically/Externally Powered Partial Hand Prosthetic
Electrically powered partial hand prosthetics utilize external power sources to move and administer your prosthetic hands. These prosthetic devices deliver active motion that does not require you to use gross motor movements. These prosthetics rely on sensors and other input forms to gather electrical signals from the residual muscles. Battery packs, electrodes, actuators, sensors, and other electronic components are integral parts of these systems and serve as a mediator in completing the power and input transmission pathway. Next, the bioelectric impulses are amplified, analyzed, and modulated to operate your prosthetic hand.
It allows many grips and hand positions to be conducted according to the hand or control system. With the right amount of practice and training, a person with a myoelectric prosthetic can do anything a person without a prosthetic can, including driving a car, lifting heavy objects, engaging in craftwork, and much more. This prosthetic lets you have a firm grasp while yet being able to perform delicate tasks.
There is less need for harnessing with electrically driven prosthetics. You get access to frictionless strength and different gripping patterns, your hands can move more naturally, and undergoing targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) surgery allows for a more instinctive command of the prosthetic. These prosthetics offer users more mobility and less restriction because they typically do not call for supplementary straps and all-encompassing cable systems to keep the prosthetic in place. In addition, the system requires little in the way of strength or force to operate proactively.
Electric prosthetics have a disadvantage though in that they aren’t water resistant. However, recent developments in water-resistant technologies have allowed some terminal devices and joints to overcome this obstacle also.
3. Hybrid Partial Hand Prosthetic
A hybrid prosthetic allows you to operate both your elbow and the hand concurrently, thanks to the hybrid device’s combination of body power and myoelectric control. This means that some parts of the prosthetic get operated mechanically or electronically while others are controlled autonomously by joints or belt-and-tension mechanisms. This configuration leads to weight reduction and eliminates the complication of the trans humeral prosthetic system while simultaneously providing for the rapid movement of the elbow to position the terminal device.
For prosthetics for your upper arm, a myoelectric hand, for instance, may be paired with an elbow joint governed by a tension system. In this configuration, the opening and closing of the prosthetic hand are accomplished electrically through the application of external force (my signals), and the flexing and bending of your forearm are achieved through the application of tension bandages. To put it simply, this configuration is self-powered. Given the individuality of each patient’s rehabilitative objectives, a combination of tools (hybrid prosthesis) may be necessary to maximize the likelihood of successful functional recovery.
How to Choose the Most Appropriate Partial Hand Prosthetic
Depending on how quickly you recover from surgery, prosthetic services can commence in as little as two weeks. There are situations where a prosthetic is needed soon after surgery, if not immediately. The sooner you start using the prosthetic after surgery, the quicker you’ll get used to it.
Certain things you must keep in mind while deciding on the type of partial hand prosthetic to install include the following:
Consider Your Lifestyle
Because of the intricate anatomy of the human arm and hand, it is often advised that numerous terminal devices or prosthetic devices be used for each amputation level. Therefore, to achieve the best results possible, it is up to each person to select the most appropriate equipment for the task at hand and their general lifestyle.
Explore All Available and Applicable Prosthetic Options
Contrary to common misconceptions, upper limb amputees can choose from a wide variety of prosthetic options. Some prosthetics, for instance, can be outfitted with various attachments to help you keep up with outdoor pursuits like adventure sports and camping. Never forget that you can and should seek better options rather than settling for something that isn’t ideal!
Evaluate Bionic and Non-bionic Options
There is a trade-off between the convenience and durability of bionic solutions. Bionic solutions are intriguing since they are intuitive and can increase your grip strength with electrical power.
If you’re in this position, you’ll require a bionic prosthetic for easier tasks and another alternative for more demanding work. If you prefer a non-bionic alternative, your partial hand’s size and form will determine whether a body-powered or mechanical device is more appropriate.
Cost Considerations
Thankfully, most insurance plans will pay for any prosthetics you might require. However, it is crucial to discuss your coverage options with your prosthetic provider because each plan and the level of coverage are distinctive. Once that’s settled, you can figure out the costs if you need to pay for the prosthetic from your pocket.
Picking the Best Prosthesis
Patients should put much thought into picking the best prosthetic hand for their needs. If you are seeking novel experiences, you may find it challenging to settle on the best option, given the abundance of alternatives. Fortunately, prosthetic advancements have allowed users to choose a hand that best suits their lifestyle and demands, regardless of the activity.
Are you thinking about getting a prosthetic? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at FIT Prosthetics if you have any concerns regarding the various prosthetics available. We take pleasure in helping you sort through the maze of advanced technologies to arrive at the most suitable prosthetic for your needs. Our highly-qualified and trained professionals can assist you in every aspect of your recovery and deliver a comprehensive and coordinated service. Contact us today to set up a consultation if you’re interested in learning more about our mobility services and solutions.