Levels of Upper Extremity Amputations
Transcarpal/ partial hand- removes part of the hand
Prosthetic options focus on restoring precision and fine motor skills, these devices may include cosmetic covered and functional components to assist with tasks that require more dexterity.
Wrist disarticulation- removes part of the hand after separating it from the lower arm at the wrist joint
Transradial/ below elbow- removes part of the forearm by cutting across the ulna and radius
Prosthetic options often include myoelectric prostheses that use muscle signals to control the hand and wrist movements or body-powered devices that use cables and harnesses for control.
Elbow disarticulation/ at the elbow- removing the lower part of the forearm after separating it from the upper arm at the elbow
Transhumeral / above the elbow- removes the forearm, elbow, and part of the upper arm by cutting across the humerus
Prosthetic options often include myoelectric prostheses that use muscle signals to control the hand, wrist, and elbow offering a higher degree of functional movements, or body-powered devices that include mechanical elbows and terminal devices controlled by body movements.
Shoulder disarticulation/ at the shoulder - removes the entire arm after separating it from the shoulder
Prosthetic options for this population are often more complex and will include custom-designed solutions. These options can be myoelectric or body-powered and will have additional components that compensate for the absence of the shoulder joint.
Forequarter/ above the shoulder - removes the arm and part of the shoulder - sometimes the clavicle and scapula are also removed
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/amputation
Does the type/ level of my limb loss affect my prosthetic options?
The answer to this is yes, the level and type of upper extremity limb loss/ difference can affect the user's prosthetic options. The main reasoning behind this is that the different levels of limb loss and specific characteristics of the amputation or congenital limb difference can impact the prosthetics' overall functionality and fitting. When clinicians are fitting patients for prosthetic devices they should consider the following:
Unique anatomy that differs in a congenital vs amputated limb
Ongoing adjustments due to limb changes individuals may experience over time, especially with congenital cases and individuals growing and developing.
Individualized solutions based on specific needs, preferences, and functional goals and allowing the patient to have customization of devices to match the unique requirements of each individual.
Cosmetic considerations such as realistic-looking covers and materials to achieve a natural appearance
Functional goals are based on lifestyle and activities the individual wishes to engage in and are tailored to support a range of tasks from daily activities to specialized activities and hobbies.
Advancements in technology allow for innovative designs and
Early intervention in the case of congenital limb differences can be very beneficial to promote development, enhance mobility, and facilitate the learning of motor skills.