Upper limb prosthetics: Return to fitness and independence
Upper limb prosthetics is a field of medicine dealing with restoring the function and aesthetics of the lost upper limb. Contemporary prostheses are complicated devices, who allow people after amputation to perform many daily activities, from eating and dressing to writing and operating a computer.
Types of upper limb prostheses
The upper limb prostheses can be divided into several categories:
Due to its functionality:
- Cosmetic prostheses: Their main goal is to improve aesthetics and cover up the limb loss. They may have limited functionality.
- Functional prostheses: They are designed like this, to restore the greatest efficiency of the lost limb. They can be mechanical, Mioelectric or hybrid.
Due to the level of amputation:
- Hand prostheses: Used in the event of loss of part or all hand.
- Forearm prostheses: They cover the forearm and hand.
- Arm prostheses: They embrace the arm, forearm and hand.
- Prosthesis: Used in the case of amputation in the shoulder joint.
Due to the control type:
- Mechanical prostheses: They are moved in the patient's body movements, np. With the help of cuts moved in the opposite shoulder or spatula.
- Mioelectric prostheses: Use electrical signals from the patient's muscles to control denture movements.
- Hybrid prostheses: They combine elements of mechanical and myoelectric prostheses.
How to choose the upper limb prosthesis?
Choosing the right prosthesis of the upper limb is a complex process, who requires the patient's cooperation with a team of specialists, In this doctor, prosthetist and physiotherapist. During the selection of the prosthesis, many factors are taken into account, such as:
- Amputation level
- The remaining limb efficiency
- Patient's physical activity
- Patient profession
- Patient's goals and expectations
The benefits of using the upper limb prosthesis
Upper limb prostheses can bring many benefits to people after amputation, m.in.:
- Improving efficiency and independence
- Increasing self -confidence
- Better quality of life
- Possibility to return to work and hobby
- Reduction of pain and discomfort
Challenges related to the use of the upper limb prosthesis
The use of the upper limb prosthesis is also associated with some challenges, such as:
- Learning prosthesis
- Taking care of the prosthesis and repairing it
- Coping with discomfort and pain
- Acceptance of the prosthesis by yourself and others
The future of the upper limb prosthetics
Upper limb prosthetics is constantly developing. New technologies, such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence, open new possibilities in the field of creating more functional and comfortable prostheses. In the future, the upper limb prostheses may become indistinguishable from natural limbs, and people after amputation will be able to enjoy full fitness and independence.
Summary
Upper limb prosthetics is a field of medicine, which gives people after amputation hope for a return to fitness and independence. Contemporary prostheses are more and more functional and comfortable.