A transradial prosthesis is an artificial limb designed for individuals who have had an amputation transradial prosthesis (below the elbow). It replaces the missing part of the forearm and hand, allowing users to perform everyday tasks. This type of prosthesis typically consists of a socket that fits over the remaining part of the arm, a wrist unit, and a terminal device, such as a hand or hook.
A transradial prosthetic is a device that replaces the part of the arm from the elbow to the hand. It fits over the remaining part of the arm with a custom-made socket. There are different types of control systems.
– A passive prosthetic doesn’t move and is mostly for looks or basic tasks.
– A body-powered prosthetic uses cables that you move with your shoulder or upper arm to control it.
– A myoelectric prosthetic has sensors that detect muscle movements in your arm and use these signals to move the hand or fingers. Some prosthetics combine both body-powered and myoelectric systems.
Depending on the type, the prosthetic can have different attachments for the wrist and hand, from simple hooks to advanced hands that can grip objects. If it has powered parts, it will have a battery. This helps the user do various activities and interact better with their surroundings.
There are several types of transhumeral prosthetics, each designed to meet different needs and preferences of the user. Here are the main types:
Passive Prosthetics: These prosthetics do not have moving parts. They are primarily for cosmetic purposes and can help with basic stabilization tasks.
Body-Powered Prosthetics: These use a harness and cable system controlled by the user’s body movements, typically using the shoulder or upper arm. The cables transmit the force to move the elbow and hand.
Myoelectric Prosthetics: These prosthetics use sensors that detect electrical signals from the user’s muscle contractions in the remaining part of the arm. The sensors send these signals to a motor that moves the elbow, wrist, and hand.
Hybrid Prosthetics: These combine features of both body-powered and myoelectric systems. For instance, the elbow might be controlled by body power, while the hand and wrist are controlled by myoelectric sensors.
A transhumeral prosthesis is designed for individuals who have experienced an amputation above the elbow. This can include people who have lost their arm due to traumatic injuries (such as accidents or burns), medical conditions (like cancer or severe infections), or congenital limb differences (where the arm did not fully develop at birth).
It is suitable for both children and adults, and can be customized to match the user’s lifestyle, whether they need it for basic daily activities, work-related tasks, or recreational use. The prosthesis helps restore functional independence by enabling movements like reaching, grasping, lifting, and stabilizing objects.
Yes, a transhumeral prosthesis is specifically designed for daily wear. Each device is custom-fitted to the individual’s arm to ensure maximum comfort, proper alignment, and secure support. Modern materials are lightweight and skin-friendly, which helps reduce irritation and pressure on the residual limb.
In addition, the socket—the part that fits over the arm—is carefully molded to match the user’s unique shape, providing a snug yet breathable fit. Many prostheses also feature soft liners and adjustable straps to enhance day-long comfort. With regular use and proper fitting, most users find that the prosthesis becomes a natural part of their routine, allowing them to move freely and perform daily tasks with ease.
Yes, most transhumeral prostheses are designed to support a wide range of daily activities. Depending on the type of prosthetic arm—whether it’s body-powered, myoelectric, or a hybrid model—it can help you perform tasks such as holding utensils, lifting light items, opening doors, writing, using a phone, or even buttoning a shirt.
Modern prosthetic arms are built with functional joints and gripping mechanisms that mimic natural arm and hand movements. This means you can regain a significant level of independence and confidence in handling regular routines at home, work, or in social settings. With training and practice, many users become highly efficient in using their prosthesis for both simple and more complex tasks.
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