6 Advantages of an Above the Elbow Prosthesis

06 May.,2024

 

6 Advantages of an Above the Elbow Prosthesis

Prosthetic options for above the elbow can be complex at times. Georgia Prosthetics is here to help you sift through all of the research and options to help you determine the best options for you and your lifestyle.

For more prosthetic equipment constant temperature water tankinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

In this blog post we are going to talk about several advantages of above the elbow prostheses. We will talk about several ways that this type of prosthetics can help with your everyday tasks. If you recently had an above elbow amputation, this blog post will definitely help you.

If you have questions while reading this post or after you’re finished reading it, please don’t hesitate to call us. We love helping our customers achieve the best results for the prosthetics that fit several different lifestyles.

And now we’ll start talking about upper limb prosthetics…

6 Advantages of Above the Elbow Prostheses

With a high-quality, fully functioning above the elbow prostheses, you can experience several advantages, such as:

1. Ease of motion

The ease of motion is very important, especially when it comes to completing daily tasks. You’ll find that flexing and bending the prosthetic arm will give you great benefits.

2. Ability to hold a certain amount of weight

Chances are, you’ll most likely want to hold some weight using your residual arm. This can be possible when you have a high-quality upper extremity prosthetic.

3. Perform daily tasks with ease and quickness

Depending on the type of prosthetic, hand, and socket used, you can have a fast, powerful prosthetic to meet your daily needs.

4. Natural arm movements

When an upper limb prosthetic is fully functioning and designed the right way, you most likely will not experience many restrictions when it comes to natural arm movements. You should definitely choose someone who is experienced with design and function of prosthetics—choose Georgia Prosthetics!

5. Reflexes

With a high-quality prosthetic system, you can still experience regular reflexes to aid in your daily life. You want a system that is designed to meet your lifestyle, though.

6. Comfortable fit

You can experience the advantage of a comfortable fit when the prosthetic is designed and fitted appropriately. Make sure you choose a prosthetic maker who can create a comfortable prosthesis.

Sockets are Very Important for Upper Extremity and Above the Elbow Prosthetics

The socket, which is the part of the device that attaches to the person’s residual limb, is critical for these types of prosthetics

upper limb prosthesis from Georgia Prosthetics

If you have a poorly-designed socket that is uncomfortable or not fully functional, you will be limited as to the benefits of other prosthetic components. Suspension is a term for the method of keeping the socket attached to the residual limb.

Prostheses for the upper extremities have to be suspended throughout the entire range of motion in order to tolerate daily activities.

Suspension can be achieved through a variety of ways.

  • Silicone liners can be used in combination with certain locking mechanisms. The liners can increase comfort and provide excellent suspension for the wearer.

  • The wearer can use an external suspension sleeve.

  • A harness system can be used in which the straps will hold the prosthesis to the body.

  • Suction is another method to achieve suspension.

  • We can contour the socket around the amputee’s remaining body anatomy (also known as self-suspending).

As an example: A custom, self-suspending socket can be fabricated with or without a flexible inner socket. This type of socket will provide a great fit and a strong connection to the electrodes that are often used to control the hand.

Two Types of Prosthetic Control for Upper-Extremity Prostheses

There are two types of prosthetic control when it comes to fully functioning prostheses for the upper extremities. The two types are:

1. Body-powered prostheses

With this type of prosthetic, you will need to take into account whether or not control cables and/or a harness are needed. These features must be taken into account during the fitting and design process.

Furthermore, the socket must be designed appropriately in order to transmit and capture body movements that will operate the prosthesis. Body-powered systems are usually easier to put on.

It is optional that wearers can use prosthetic socks (or a different liner) to use between the socket and the residual limb. This will allow for added comfort.

2. Myoelectric prostheses

With myoelectric prosthetics, there must be surface contact between the electrodes and the wearer’s skin. This is a must.

In order to work properly, the socket should be designed to stabilize the electrodes against the muscle belly, while at the same time allowing the muscle to contract comfortably within the socket.

For most myoelectric prosthetic sockets, the person’s skin comes into direct contact with the socket in order to be fully functional.

How to Care for Your Above the Elbow Prostheses

When you choose a quality prosthetic device, we highly recommend taking very good care of it. This will help ensure that it will last as long as possible.

What is the proper care for upper limb prosthetics and sockets?

  • Clean and inspect the socket on a daily basis.

    Are you interested in learning more about lower limb prosthesis for sale? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

  • Clean it using a mild antibacterial soap with water.

Georgia Prosthetics can answer any of your questions regarding a specific type or brand name of above the elbow prostheses.

Georgia Prosthetics Can Help With Your Prosthetics

Our professionals provide customized prosthetics for amputees. If you are interested in learning more about our services, visit our prosthetics services page here.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our professionals, just call our Atlanta, GA office!

In the meantime, we invite you to check out our customer testimonials (https://georgiaprosthetics.com/testimonials/) and learn more prosthetics-related information by visiting our blog.

We look forward to meeting you!

Posted by Georgia Prosthetics
1947 Briarwood Ct NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: 404-873-3725

Prostheses

Key facts

  • Artificial body parts called prostheses can be helpful if someone is missing a body part due to a birth defect, accident or surgery.
  • Prostheses come in different types, such as limbs, breast and facial prostheses.
  • Prosthetists are experts who help design, fit and care for prostheses. Orthotists assist with support devices.
  • It is important to care for your prosthetic by getting regular check-ups and adjustments as needed.
  • There are many sources of funding for prostheses; part or all of the cost may be covered depending on your situation.

What are prostheses?

A prosthesis is an artificial replacement body part. It is made for a part of the body that may have been missing at birth, or that is lost in an accident or through amputation. Some people have a limb removed (amputated) as part of treatment for cancer, diabetes or severe infection.

A prosthesis might also be used as an alternative to reconstructive surgery. For example, a prosthetic breast may be created after a breast has been removed to treat cancer.

Today, prostheses for areas such as the hands, feet and face look very natural. They are often used to improve appearance rather than replace the function of the missing limbs. However, technological developments are also improving the function of limb prostheses. Some modern prosthetic limbs have battery-powered motors that help improve the prostheses' function. An example would be a hand prosthesis with moving fingers.

Prostheses may also include surgically implanted artificial body parts, such as:

  • replacement heart valves
  • bones or joints (e.g. a hip replacement)
  • cochlear implants

If you have one of these, your medical team will advise you on maintaining your health and lifestyle following the surgery.

You might also have heard the word orthosis or orthotic used. An orthosis provides external support to a limb or body part, while a prosthesis replaces it. For example, an artificial leg is a prosthesis, while a splint to support the leg is an orthosis.

Types of prosthesis

Limb prostheses include:

  • arm prostheses fitted at, above or below the elbow, including hand and finger prostheses
  • leg prostheses fitted at, above or below the knee, including foot and toe prostheses

Other types of prosthesis include:

  • an artificial breast worn in the bra to replace a breast removed due to cancer
  • implantable hearing aids
  • artificial eyeballs
  • ear, nose or eye socket replacements
  • an artificial soft or hard palate (worn like a dental plate)

Who can help with prostheses?

Prosthetists are health professionals who specialise in prostheses. If you need one, they will work with your medical team to design and fit your prosthesis and help you use and care for it.

If you need an orthotic device to correct problems with posture and walking, you might also be assisted by an orthotist.

What do prostheses cost?

Protheses can cost thousands of dollars, but there are many sources of funding. The cost might be covered in full or in part by:

Public funding can be limited. You might choose to pay more out-of-pocket to get a higher quality model prosthesis than one that public funding would offer. Speak with your prosthetist about the right prosthetic treatment plan for you. They will discuss with you all the associated costs, so you can make an informed decision.

Funding for breast prostheses is available under the External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program.

Prosthetics covered by private health insurance are listed on the Prostheses List . Most private health insurance doesn't fund prosthetic limbs or cosmetic prosthetics, but you should check with your insurer what they will cover.

Talk to your health professional about costs and funding sources. Remember to also ask about the costs of surgery, scans, tests and hospital stays.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Prostheses for children

Prostheses for children can allow them to be active and develop. Growing children will usually need to have their prostheses adjusted every few months, or more often if they are having a growth spurt. If they outgrow a prosthesis, another will need to be made.

Learning how to use a prosthesis can be challenging and tiring for anyone, especially a child. Limbs4Kids is an organisation that provides support for children who are missing a limb and for their families.

The Australian Government offers a range of allowances that relate to parenting and disability. These include:

Visit the Services Australia or Carer Gateway websites for more information.

Living with prostheses

A prosthesis can help you cope better with day-to-day activities, but it can take time to get used to.

You'll need regular check-ups, and adjustments to make the prosthesis as comfortable and useful as possible. You might also need a plan for rehabilitation to make sure you benefit from your prosthesis as much as possible.

You will need to take care of yourself and your prosthesis. This may include:

  • removing the prosthesis for sleeping, if that is recommended
  • regularly inspecting your limb's stump and keep the skin healthy
  • wearing appropriate protection between the stump and the prosthesis
  • wearing the appropriate shoes for a leg prosthesis
  • cleaning the socket of the prosthesis
  • seeing your prosthetist for regular check-ups

Resources and support

You should talk to your health professional about the benefits and risks of getting a medical implant. Use the Therapeutic Goods Administration's guide on what to ask. The information is in English, Arabic, Croatian, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

For more information, please visit Prosthetic Parts Manufacturer.