The goal of the preprosthetic phase is to prepare the residual limb for wearing a prosthesis. During this time it is important to continue to strengthen the muscles and regain mobility.
In addition, the team will help to improve cardiovascular fitness. After amputation of the upper extremity, many activities will need to be relearned. As soon as possible, therapists will also support in improving fine motor skills and the dexterity of the remaining hand. The more confidence felt in performing everyday activities such as eating, writing or oral hygiene, the easier it will be to regain independence.
Your first prosthetic fitting begins in the rehabilitation clinic. The components of the prosthesis are carefully selected by the proshtetist. The first socket is often temporary because the shape of the residual limb will change - especially in the first few weeks/months after the amputation. Due to the inactivity, the anatomical conditions of your arm change, ie muscles become weaker, thinner and narrower. A general increase or decrease in weight also leads to volume changes in the residual limb. Such changes in shape can be compensated for, but at some point has to be adapted accordingly by your prosthetists and sometimes completely replaced. This may even be necessary several times in the period after the operation.
After the prosthesis is received, the actual prosthesis training takes place. This includes exercises with the prosthesis, such as approaching an object, targeted gripping and releasing of objects, and allows the wearer to gain control over the prosthesis and its components. By repeatedly practicing with the prosthesis, they will get to know individual grip patterns and their use in everyday life. During the advanced training, the amputee will learn to use the prosthesis for more complex and important movements and to use both hands. It is important to develop an awareness of the body symmetry and ergonomic movements. This is important in order to avoid overuse symptoms in the non-amputated extremity. Therapists will support in this.
What prostheses are available?
Today's modern prosthesis systems can already partially replace the functions of your amputated arm, even if we cannot yet speak of a 100% replacement. Modern prosthetics can still help wearers to lead a mobile, independent and active life. State-of-the-art, innovative technologies, shapes and processing techniques enable optimal care that meets individual needs as well as medical requirements. The aim is to offer optimal functionality and allow natural movement. Ultimately, it is about achieving the greatest possible mobility, independence and quality of life.
There are a number of touch prosthetic solutions available for upper limb amputees or those with limb loss. Össur's wide range range of upper limb prosthetic solutions are designed to meet a variety of needs and help users take the next step towards a life without limitations. Whether it help users to gain back practical skills at home, or enable them to get back to what they love doing for fun, Össur is sure to have a solution that is right for the job.
Upper limb prostheses fit into three main categories, active full hand prostheses, active partial hand prostheses and passive functional hand prostheses. All varieties have different benefits to meet the needs of each individual.
An arm prosthesis usually has a modular structure in order to imitate the mobility and functionality of the arm. An arm prosthesis usually consists of a socket that is individually manufactured for you, a prosthetic elbow if necessary, a prosthetic wrist and a prosthetic hand or a partial prosthetic hand.
Silicone liner
A prosthetic arm can often be worn without a silicone liner. However, it can increase the wearing comfort and protect the sensitive residual limb. In this way, pressure points and overloads can be reduced or even avoided entirely.
Prosthetic arm socket
A suitable socket is extremely important for rehabilitation. Each socket is custom made for each person; the better it fits, the more comfortable it will be to wear. In addition, a perfect fit improves control of the prosthesis and thus contributes to conficence and comfort. To achieve this, the socket is always made individually.
Elbow/shoulder joints
In the case of an upper arm amputation, the arm joints are essential components of the prosthetic fitting. The joints should help to lift the hand and enable the user to reach certain positions to support in everyday activities. The user’s needs and amputation level are taken into consideration when deciding on the right elbow or shoulder joint for each individual.
Hands
Our hand consists of 27 bones, which is about a quarter of all bones in the human body. It gets its mobility from 33 muscles of the forearm. A prosthetic hand will never be able to completely replace the physiological hand in function and appearance, but it can give back a great deal of independence.
In order to find the perfect prosthetic hand, various factors such as area of application and future goals should be taken into account. The prosthetist can give detailed advice on this, from multiarticulating hands to mechanical hands.
Prosthetic Gloves
Prosthetic gloves protect the mechanics of the prosthetic hand from moisture, dirt and dust.
There are different types of prosthetic gloves available, some that very closely mimic real life skin (Livingskin) even down to tattoos, hairs and freckles, and some that are designed to highlight the high-tech aspect of the prosthesis. The decision of which glove to choose lies with the amputee. They can even be changed depending on the occasion, the freedom lies with the user. The prosthetist will be able to go through all the options available.
Partial hands
Part of the physiological hand or even several fingers are often retained in upper limb amputation, especially in the event of an accident. But even the lack of just one finger can lead to restrictions in everyday life. The perfect partial hand prosthesis for each individual depends on the affected limbs, the desired use and goals. The user’s prosthetists can advise on what the best options available.
The perfect combination
The structure of the prosthesis depends on each personal profile. Everyone is individual and feels differently. Many aspects play a role, such as goals, amputation level, lifestyle and hobbies. The prosthetist knows each individual requirements and the technical possibilities of the prosthetic components. In this way, both can be combined in the best possible way.