Prosthetic Arm Solutions
Upper extremity prosthetics is a very specialized area within the prosthetics field due to the low incidence and catastrophic nature of these injuries. Upper extremity prosthetic limbs require innovative and case-specific solutions. At POSI, we will provide you with an education and overview of all options available including silicone for prosthetics. Below are the four most popular upper extremity prosthetics options.
Silicone Prosthetics
POSI has the ability to use silicone for prosthetics. These silicone prosthetics are made utilizing the finest materials to create devices that are attractive, durable and low maintenance. Our “state of the art” fabrication and repair departments provide expedited fittings and repair for every type of electric controlled prosthesis. Due to our high volume of Upper extremity prosthetics case management, the POSI process includes a unique “loaner” program that reduces the downtime associated with repairs on more sophisticated components.
No Prosthesis
Some individuals choose not to wear a prosthetic limb; they find that they can perform all needed tasks without the assistance of a prosthesis. If you are in question as to whether a prosthesis is right for you, schedule an evaluation to see options available to your specific needs.
Passive Design Prosthetic Limbs
Some amputees do not need a dynamic or active prosthesis. For those in this group, we have a variety of passive prosthetic limb options.
A passive prosthesis provides a restoration of body symmetry. The prosthesis tends to remove the conspicuous nature of an injury or limb loss and adds weight to the human torso which balances out the spine for better alignment. It also offers protection to the residual limb. These types of prostheses can be designed very simply or can be dramatic life-like restorations.
Silicone for Prosthetics
At POSI, we use only the finest materials to fabricate these silicone prosthetics in our in-house prosthetic fabrication lab. In casting, we often use the sound side to duplicate the design from the involved side. Details, right down to the fingerprints, are copied into the restoration. Silicone prosthetics can be painted and highlighted in order to assure a very close match in skin color and texture. We even include hair if desired.
Some advantages to passive designs include: little or no harnessing for suspension, low maintenance, and durable materials. Disadvantages of passive prosthesis include no active control of a terminal device and limitation of bi-manual activities.
Myo-electric / External Powered Prosthesis
This prosthetic limb design eliminates the need for a harness system to capture motion in order to control the terminal devices and elbow. Today, there are numerous methods and control mechanisms which relay information to the terminal device hand and elbow often by a micro-processor.
- Myo-electrics use surface electrodes to pick up signals from the remaining musculature in the residual limb. These signals are used to tell the terminal device, wrist rotator or elbow to open or close, move up, down or rotate. If a muscle test shows there is not enough electrical input available from a particular muscle group, we can use switches or touch pads to operate the componentry. Most new technology uses some type of micro-processor (tiny computer), which allows the prosthetist to customize and refine the signals for operation of the prosthesis.
- Externally powered prostheses use batteries to power the motors at the terminal device, wrist, and elbow. The technology in batteries has improved so much that we now use lithium ion and nickel metal hydride batteries in many of our designs. These high-tech batteries allow the prosthesis to be used for up to three days between charges. Advantages for externally powered prostheses are an increase in grip force available at the hand and the elimination or reduction of a harness surrounding the unaffected side. It also allows for a larger area or scope of function around the body. Disadvantages of powered prostheses include cost, weight, rough duty, and unclean environments. Today with the advent of new processors and the eliminated of hard wiring as in previous designs, powered prostheses are now considered quite dependable and durable.
With the new silicone prosthetics technology available, the cosmetic look of the silicone prosthetics can be matched to resemble the sound side very closely. Since there is a host of options for terminal devices, wrists, elbows and control mechanisms, we are careful to select only those agreed upon after the amputee has been educated on all of their options.
Activity-Specific Prosthetic Limbs
Activity prostheses encompass any specific activities or needs that have not been addressed through the previously mentioned options. They may include a particular hobby or interest such as fishing, swimming, golf, billiards, photography. They can be vocation specific, such as construction, crane operator, drummer or machine operator. Most tasks can have a specific prosthesis design that will assist with the operation of one’s particular needs. Many times these designs are unique to the individual’s needs and their personality.
The above types of upper extremity prosthetics are only a brief overview of the options available today and should not be considered all-inclusive. If you have any specific questions regarding these Upper Extremity Prosthetics options, please Contact Us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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POSI prosthetist and technicians are trained and certified by the following manufacturers for use of their products:
Ossur: Touch Bionics, I-Limb
Otto Bock: Bebionic, Michelangelo
Prosthetic Orthotic Solutions International (POSI) is an outcome based prosthetic fitting & prosthetic care practice in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware areas. POSI specializes in; lower limb prosthetics, upper extremity prosthetics, silicone prosthetics, prosthetic arm, and prosthetic leg fittings.