The prosthetic technology has seen significant advancements in the past few decades. Amputees now have a wide variety of options to choose from as per their needs and preferences. Some prosthetic arms are entirely for cosmetic purposes while others are more functional artificial arms. Understanding different types of prosthetic arms and the differences between them can help amputees choose the right option for themselves. Let us discuss the same through this article:
1. Cosmetic Prosthetic Arms
These prosthetic arms are mainly used for aesthetic purposes. Cosmetic prosthetics can resemble the appearance of a natural human hand, however, they are very little functional. The color and size can be customized as per the user’s skin tone and individual needs. Made using silicone or PVC, these prosthetic arms are suitable for those who are looking for an artificial arm that looks realistic.
Talking about the practical benefits of these arms, they offer limited to no functionality. Users cannot move the parts of these arms. Also, these arms do not have grasping or holding features. They are solely for cosmetic purposes. However, the Krea Limb from Symbionic, which is a cosmetic prosthetic arm, comes with different adjustments to allow users to perform different activities.
These types of cosmetic prosthetic arms may be suitable for occasional use, but not a good choice for those who are looking for functional prosthetic arms for everyday use.
2. Body-Powered Prosthetic Arms
Body-powered prosthetics, as the name suggests, are controlled by the user’s body movements. There is a proper system of cables connecting the prosthetic arm to the upper body parts of the user, such as the shoulder, the other arm, etc. These can be majorly divided into two categories, include:
- Voluntary Opening: Voluntary opening body-powered prosthetic arms requires force to open the prosthetic hand while the closing is automatically done using an elastic band or spring. These are usually easier to control.
- Voluntary Closing: These are the exact opposite of voluntary opening prosthetic arms. In voluntary closing, users need to apply force to close the hand or the hook. These are comparatively difficult to use and control. However, they provide a better grip.
Body-powered prosthetic arms are more functional than cosmetic arms and are suitable for everyday physical activities. They do not require any external power sources. These prosthetic arms are more affordable than myoelectric and bionic arms, which makes them a suitable choice for many amputees. However, they lack precision and are challenging to operate at times.
3. Myoelectric Prosthetic Arms
Myoelectric arms use electric signals from the user’s muscles to create movements. The electrodes present within these prosthetic arms can detect the muscle signals from the user’s residual limb and use them to initiate precise movements. Some key components used in myoelectric prosthetics are:
- Electrodes: Electrodes are placed on the skin of the user’s residual limb. They are responsible for detecting muscle activity.
- Controller: The signals detected by the electrodes are sent to the controller, which interprets the information and further sends commands to the motors.
- Motors: Depending on the received commands, motors generate natural-like movements.
- Batteries: Batteries are responsible for powering the electric arm and other electric components used within it.
It may take some time for the users to learn how to use myoelectric arms. But once they are comfortable, they can easily create precise movements with their artificial myoelectric arm.
These prosthetic arms are highly functional and allow users to perform activities with high precision. For those who are looking for an artificial limb to perform fine motor tasks, such as typing, holding smaller objects, and more. As myoelectric arms use more advanced technologies, they come at comparatively higher costs.
4. Bionic Arms
Bionic arms can be understood as the pro version of myoelectric prosthetic arms. These arms integrate the myoelectric technology with some additional features and sensors to provide better movements and functionality to the users. They can very closely replicate natural hand movements and provide users with better control over their artificial arms.
These arms also have a sensory feedback mechanism, i.e. they can help users feel the texture of things they touch. Also, users can feel the amount of pressure they are applying, which helps them perform activities with more convenience. With bionic arms, users can perform multiple complex tasks at the same time with maximum precision. Symbionic’s bionic arm is one of the most advanced and functional prosthetic arms available in the Indian market.
Conclusion
All four types of prosthetic arms have their own advantages and disadvantages. Cosmetic prosthetic arms can help amputees regain confidence but they are not functional. Body-powered arms are functional but may be difficult to operate and uncomfortable at times. But for those who are looking for simple and affordable prosthetic arm options, cosmetic and body-powered arms are good choices.
On the other hand, for maximum functionality and comfort, myoelectric and bionic arms should be given preference. At Symbionic Tech, you can find affordable options in cosmetic and bionic arms customized as per the user’s individual needs.