3 Types of Upper Extremity Prosthetics

Are you missing a hand or one of your digits? Do you want to practice fencing, painting, or do you simply want to be able to independently care for yourself? While old-school prosthetics had trouble performing even rudimentary tasks, modern prosthetics have a much wider range of usability. At AOD Prosthetics and Orthotics, we can help you and other Texans find the prosthesis that's right for your needs.

Significant Changes in Technology

There have been a lot of changes in prosthetic technology and design in the past few years.

While advanced low-tech options do exist, chances are you would greatly benefit from one of the high-tech solutions that could allow you far more usability. In the past, you had to be very careful about how much you could trust your prosthesis to do. Nowadays, prosthetics are a lot smarter and more reliable.

Prosthesis fingers have improved mechanics and functionality and now have multiple motors, better batteries, more intelligent sensors, and more accurate grip strength when handling something delicate. Computers have also improved dramatically. It is now much easier to make detailed and sophisticated computer models of a prosthesis.

You can have a prosthesis designed for a great range of general activities, allowing you a lot more freedom than what used to be possible. It is even easy to develop specialty prosthetics for specific activities like sports, jobs, and various hobbies.

If you have an older prosthetic, now would be an excellent time to consider a major upgrade.

Types of Upper Body Prosthetics We Offer

At AOD Prosthetics and Orthotics, we have several types of prostheses to meet almost any patient's needs. These options range from various brands of electric motor-driven hooks to state-of-the-art cyborg-like electric hands, and even individual prosthetic digits. Here are some of the hands and fingers we offer at AOD Prosthetics and Orthotics:

AOD Prosthetics and Orthotics

Body-Powered Heavy Duty System

A heavy-duty body-powered system is a controllable prosthesis system that does not use electronics at all. It is mechanically powered, and it works based on the position of your arms and body. Body-powered prosthetics are great for dusty outside work environments.

You do not need to worry about the electronics getting damaged because there are no electronic parts. When you want to do water activities, you are working on a ranch, or you are a tradesman, then a heavy-duty body-powered system is a good choice. These are also great for recreational activities like camping, hiking, or doing contact sports.

Because these are purely mechanical, and they have a relatively simple design, you do not have to worry as much about them getting banged up. With an electric prosthesis, you need to be mindful of what type of environment you take your artificial limb into.

The heavy-duty body-powered system also has a lot fewer limitations. You never have to worry about losing power and your prosthesis turning into a deadweight.

Unlike electronic devices that can take a while to learn to use and rely on computers to understand what you are trying to do, body-powered devices just work based on how you move your body. You just put the device on, and once you get the hang of how they operate, you can start to use them.

Myo i-Limbs and i-Digits

Myo i-limbs are tools that have the shape of a human hand and can grab things similar to a human hand. Once you learn how to use it, you'll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make in your life.

Unlike hooks which stand out a lot, the i-limb looks very similar to a human hand. There are three general sizes available, and with proper training, you can even use the i-limb to write your name.

These limbs do use some electronics, so you will want to be mindful of the environment you take them in; however, they work great in the vast majority of places. You could wear a glove around them, but the design is sleek enough that you won't feel the need.

i-limbs are like the prosthesis found in science fiction stories. You can even get a finger with a stylus on it so that you can operate a touchscreen like on a tablet or a smartphone.

This prosthetic uses Myo-band technology to detect electric signals you send to your muscles and then reads and communicates these signals to the prosthesis. The prosthesis picks up those signals and performs a pre-programmed operation of the hand or digits.

You have a limited number of actions and patterns of movement the hand can perform. The device cannot perform actions the same way a flesh hand can, and you need to train your brain to use it.

When getting fitted for this prosthesis, you learn the pre-programmed signals that the device can use and perform the appropriate action to trigger those signals.

Myo-i technology is at the cutting edge of the technology we have available today, and it shows great promise for the world of tomorrow.

ETD Myo Hooks

Hooks may not be as aesthetically pleasing as prostheses that look like hands, but they have a lot of versatility. These hooks are precise enough that you can crack an egg with them.

Hooks are well-liked in the prosthetic community due to their versatility and simplicity of operations. However, prostheses that look and operate more like human hands may have a steeper learning curve in their day-to-day operation. They may also have a more limited range of functions.

However, while learning to use a hook does take some practice, it can generally be picked up to basic usability faster than the hand-shaped prosthetics.

Myo-Electric Hand

This is a less advanced prosthesis that works similarly to the i-limb and i-digits. Your brain sends signals to your muscles, which are translated to the robot hand through sensors. It looks like a flesh hand, but only the first three fingers work. The other two are strictly cosmetic.

Be-bionic

be-bionic prosthetics are eclectic arms that, much like the i-limb brand, read the signals you send to your muscles to activate different grips.

You push a button on the arm to select what set of grips you want (with 14 types of grips in total), and then you flex your muscles to control the arm. It has a battery indicator on the arm, and the charge lasts about a day. These hands are available in two different sizes and with three wrist versions to suit individual requirements.

Be-bionic prosthesis hands have been transforming the lives and abilities of amputees around the world since their conception by helping them perform simple tasks like tying shoelaces, to giving them back their control and self-esteem.

The Taska Hand

The taska hand is a heavy-duty electric hand much like the be-bionic. Unlike the be-bionic prosthetic hand, the taska is waterproof up to the wrist.

It has buttons to select what type of grip pattern you want to use on the back of the hand. You can use your muscles to rotate the wrist of the taska an entire 360 degrees.

In addition to the versatility of the taska hand, it has a quick-disconnect feature with infinite rotations, reliable release, and improved life. The dual-release buttons make it easier and faster to change your hand, while also enhancing grip security and preventing unwanted releases.

How AOD Prosthetics and Orthotics Will Help You Find the Best Prosthesis for Your Situation

In the end, there are a lot of prosthetic options. What is best for you will depend on the extent and shape of your missing extremity, your desired tasks, comfort, and goals.

When you call us, we will schedule a preliminary consultation to determine your needs and discuss what options are available. Sometimes you may want a high-tech solution. Other times, a purely mechanical solution would work best for your situation while others will get a range of prosthetics for different situations, like being in public versus at home.

After your scheduled consultations with us, we can begin the fitting process. We have locations in San Antonio, Texas, and Huston, Texas, where we will use our 3D scanning and 3D printing technology to provide you with the best fit possible.

Once that is done, we can then order the best type of prosthetic hand or prosthetic finger for your unique situation.

Are You in the Market for a New Prosthesis?

Are you fed up with poorly fitted prosthetics that don't work when and how you need them? Do you want to take back your mobility and get a prosthetic that lives up to its promises?

If you are ready to see the possibilities that a new prosthetic can bring, contact AOD Prosthetics and Orthotics and put your goals in motion today. Our staff is ready to help you get the right orthotics and prosthetics in Texas.