Information for Health Care Professionals
Prosthetic Function - Upper Prosthetic Function

Upper Extremity Amputations Facts and Statistics - Above Elbow (AE) and Below Elbow (BE)

• 50,000 new Upper Extremity amputations are performed every year in the USA
• Most common is partial hand amputations with loss of one or more fingers
• Next is loss of one arm - approximately 25,000 annually
• Right arm more frequently involved in work related injuries

Most frequent causes of UPPER LIMB amputations

Trauma......................................................... 77%
Congenital.................................................... 8.9%
Tumor........................................................... 8.2%
Disease........................................................ 5.8%

Considerations When Choosing a Prosthesis
Expected function of the prosthesis Cognitive function of the patient Vocation of the patient - Desk job vs manual labor Avocational interests of the patients - Hobbies, Sports Cosmetic importance of the prosthesis Financial resources of the patient
Assessment
Patients history Patient Needs and Functional Potential Multidiscipline Plan Based on Team Goals Implementation of Treatment Plan Evaluation of the Plan Discharge

Function vs Cosmesis

Cable-driven systems, particularly with commonly used prehensors known as hooks.

Studies have shown hooks to compare favorably against myoelectric hands in terms of functional benefit. Such studies have led the casual reader to conclude that if an individual desires function, a hook is a far better choice. If, however, the same individual desires a prosthesis possessing some manner of cosmesis, then a myoelectric hand is the preferred choice, provided that person is a candidate for such a device. Thus, the common misconception was (and still is today with more traditionally minded clinicians) that, if one desires function, then cosmesis must be sacrificed. If one desires cosmesis, function must be sacrificed.

Making Prosthetics More Lifelike

Computerized and interactive motor control mechanisms allow gripping and touching more naturally.

The woman pouring champagne is holding the glass with a prosthetic hand. Amputees get greater control over the movement of their prosthesis when the systems either more adequately mimic biomechanic actions of the body or establish a path of communication between prosthesis and body.