Function… Aesthetics… Speed… Dexterity… Power…

These are just some of the attributes that people look for in a prosthesis. Some may rate certain factors higher than others, and there are many different prosthetic options depending on what you are looking for.

In this section we look at the two main groups of prosthesis:

PC_thumb_active_prosthetics.jpgActive prostheses 

An active prosthesis enables the user to grasp and manoeuvre objects.

PC_thumb_passive_prosthetics.jpgPassive prostheses

A passive prosthesis is one that typically offers limited, grip function but closely resembles the natural body part it is replacing.

We also look at the following prosthesis options:

PC_thumb_full_hand_options.jpgFull hand options

People who are missing their whole hand have a wide range of prosthetic options available to them. There isn't one perfect prosthetic hand solution for everyone. A wide range of passive, body-powered and myoelectric prostheses all have different advantages and disadvantages.

PC_thumb_partial_hand_options.jpgPartial hand options

As you move down the arm, the incidence of amputation increases, which means it's much more likely that someone will lose fingers than an entire hand or arm. As a result, there are many more people with a partial hand or finger loss worldwide.

PC_thumb_above_below_elbow.jpgAbove elbow

If you have a limb absence above the elbow, then your prosthetic options become more complex. There are solutions that can incorporate either electronic or body-powered elbows, which work with a variety of prosthetic hands.

Patients/Families

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"It's amazing technology - I have never seen anything like it in my career and it is so far ahead of other prostheses I have had experience with. It was truly astonishing to see how much function my patient has been able to get back by using the device, and he is constantly improving over time."

Alexis Maloney, MS, OTR/L,
Orlando, USA

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