Have you lost part of your arm, or do you know someone who is facing this challenge? Upper limb prosthetics are no longer just replacement tools—they are advanced technology that restores mobility and independence to your life more naturally than ever before. In this article, we’ll reveal the secrets behind the different types of upper limb prosthetics, their various uses, and how the latest technologies (such as Ottobock’s Bebionic bionic hand) can help you regain your confidence and return to your daily life with vigor and strength. If you’re looking for the perfect solution to replace your upper limb amputation, you’ve come to the right place.
What is upper limb prosthetics?
A prosthetic arm is a replacement prosthesis for a natural arm that has been lost due to injury, disease or disability, this prosthesis consists of a set of components, including artificial joints and motors, to enable the user to control the movements of their arm in a way that mimics natural movement, and prosthetic arms can be passive like a mannequin arm, or advanced like a robotic arm.
Some prosthetic arms have sensors and electrodes that allow the user to receive feedback from the prosthesis. These devices are able to perform very complex movements and provide sensory feedback to the user. Arm prostheses are used for activities such as writing, cooking, and even playing sports and musical instruments.
The difference between cosmetic and functional upper limb
With the increase in demand and interest in upper limb prosthetics, the advantages of each type have multiplied, which has made some people confused about making the right decision about the appropriate prosthesis for each of their cases. So we distinguish in this table between upper limb prosthetics provided for purely cosmetic purposes, and functional upper limb prosthetics provided to enable the amputee to perform basic hand functions, where:
| Characteristic | Cosmetic upper limb | Functional upper limb |
| Main goal | Advanced technical materials, such as electrical and mechanical parts | Restoring mobility and functionality |
| Functionality | It has no active movement but improves functionality by providing a surface for support and carrying items | Contains mechanical or electrical movement |
| Materials used | Silicone or similar materials that mimic skin and shape | Usually, a higher cost due to advanced technology |
| Psychosocial benefits | High to promote trust and social inclusion | Promotes independence and the ability to perform daily tasks |
| Cost | Often less expensive | Usually higher cost due to advanced technology. |
| Weight | Lightweight | It may be heavier due to technical components |
| Control | No functional control | Mechanical or electrical control of muscles or nerve commands |
| Maintenance | Simple and low-maintenance | Requires regular maintenance and inspection of electrical and mechanical devices |
Conditions that require upper limb prosthetics
Upper limb prosthetics may be a suitable option for those who have suffered an arm amputation or were born with a congenital limb deformity that affects their appearance or function, as different types of upper limb prosthetics are available to suit various types of upper limb amputations and congenital deformities, including:
- Transradial amputation: Amputation involving the bones of the forearm
- Elbow disarticulation: Amputation at the elbow joint
- Transhumeral amputation: Amputation above the elbow and across the humerus
- Shoulder disarticulation: Amputation at the shoulder joint (glenoid shoulder joint)
- Forequarter amputation: Removal of the entire arm with the scapula and collarbone
- Congenital limb deficiency: Weak or underdeveloped arm bones, affecting the length or width of the arm
- Ulnar club hand: Weakness or underdevelopment of the ulna, causing the arm to bend inward
Therefore, if you need a prosthesis, we rely heavily on the position and level of your amputation as well as your needs and goals for mobility and independence when designing and choosing the right upper limb prosthetics for you.
Types of upper limb prosthetics
Many upper limb prosthetic options are available to meet the patient’s specific needs, ranging from cosmetic to mechanical prostheses, and are categorized according to their function, such as:
Passive prosthetics
While passive devices do not provide active movement, they serve a purely aesthetic purpose, allowing amputees to enjoy restored body symmetry and a more natural appearance, and they improve function by providing a surface for support and carrying objects. Prosthetics are typically made of lightweight silicone materials for a natural and realistic appearance, but can also be made from lightweight metals and plastics that provide a high-tech look.
They are easy to maintain and mimic the shape of arms and hands with amazing realism. A cosmetic amputee is usually covered with a cap to ensure the best effect, so that only the aesthetic part of the prosthesis is visible.
Body-powered upper limb prosthetics
Bodily-powered prosthetics use a system of cables that connect the prosthesis to another part of the body, usually the opposite shoulder. By moving this shoulder, a person can effectively control the prosthesis by opening and closing the jaw or pliers at its end. The durability and reliability of these body-powered devices make them an effective option for certain types of manual labor or hobbies.
While they are suitable for situations involving water, heat, dirt, grease, and sharp or heavy objects, they may not be the best choice for everyone. Radial and humeral prosthetics activate exaggerated movements in the back, shoulders, and neck, which can cause pain and lead to repetitive motion injuries. In terms of cost, these prosthetics are the most economical option, making them the perfect choice for those looking for a functional prosthesis on a budget.
Bionic prosthetics: How do they work?
Myoelectric prostheses are the most advanced and expensive type of upper limb prosthetics. These limbs work by electrical signals produced by the muscles that remain in the limb when it is flexed or relaxed. These signals are translated by electrodes placed in the body and then sent to the prosthesis to move it as needed. Myoelectric upper limb prosthetics allow a person’s range of motion to expand, increase grip strength, and provide easier and more natural movement than body-powered devices. This option is available for all levels of upper limb loss and is especially useful for above-elbow amputations. Its advanced types include:
Bebionic Hand
The Bebionic Hand is a lifelike prosthetic hand and one of the most advanced myoelectric upper limb prosthetics on the market today. It utilizes the latest technology and ergonomic features, such as 14 different gripping patterns and hand positions, allowing the user to handle almost anything needed in their daily routine—from eating and carrying bags to opening doors, turning on lights, and writing. It is characterized by its sleek, modern, and compact design, in addition to having a natural appearance that works and feels like a real prosthetic limb.
From helping amputees around the world perform simple tasks like tying their shoes, to restoring their self-control and self-esteem, this advanced upper limb prosthetics device can be managed, monitored, and configured wirelessly using smart electronics and Bebionic’s flexible, easy-to-use BeBalance programming software that comes with each hand.
Electronic and semi-electronic elbow joints
Electronic and bionic elbow joints represent a major advancement in the field of upper limb prosthetics, providing advanced solutions to restore normal movement and function to people who have lost part of their arm. Bionic joints are characterized by their ability to control the movement of the elbow using advanced technologies, allowing the user to perform a wide range of movements with precision and ease, improving functionality and increasing independence in daily activities. Meanwhile, semi-bionic joints combine mechanical and electronic components, providing the user with a balance between high performance and simplicity of use. These joints are a suitable option for people who need additional support in elbow movement without the need for complex technologies in their upper limb prosthetics.
i-Digits Quantum Fingers
Myoelectric control of hand prostheses is a constantly evolving field, and one of the features requested by users is the ability to move each finger independently. Therefore, a myoelectric partial hand prosthesis has been developed within the field of upper limb prosthetics, suitable for people with the loss of one to five fingers, where the level of absence is away from the wrist and close to the metacarpophalangeal joint. This innovation in upper limb prosthetics aims to provide the best way to give partial hand patients independent control of their prosthetic fingers.
With i-Digits, pour yourself a cup of coffee, get dressed and go about your day
Hybrid prosthetics
These devices combine body-powered and myoelectric components into a single prosthesis to optimize a person’s functional ability. These designs are intended for amputees with limb loss across the humerus, shoulder, or even the front quadrant, and often include a body-powered elbow with a myoelectric hand that can be operated simultaneously. Hybrid designs in upper limb prosthetics are also available for partial amputees, combining elements from two or more upper limb prosthetic options.
Activity upper limb prosthetics
These highly specialized prosthetics are designed for use in activities where other prosthetic options are not suitable, such as riding a bike, playing a musical instrument, fishing, and more. People often need one type of prosthetic to use at work and at home, and an activity-specific device to use for fitness training, playing sports (sports prosthetics), or enjoying other hobbies, helping the user regain their ability to be active, healthy, and fit.
In addition to meeting the basic needs of self-care, dressing, cooking, and eating, what are the tasks or activities that the patient wants to use the prosthesis for? Tasks related to work, household chores, family activities, recreation, hobbies, and specific skills should be considered. Other key points to consider in upper limb prosthetics are the overall weight of the prosthesis, its look and feel, and ensuring that the socket interface allows for long and comfortable wear. So if you or a loved one is exploring upper limb prosthetics, these factors are essential for choosing the most suitable option.
Silicone upper limbs: Are they effective?
There are many advantages of silicone upper prosthetics (passive silicone), as having an arm, hand or finger that resembles the shape of the healthy part of a person’s body can provide psychological and social benefits to the user, that is, it can help them feel more comfortable with their different limbs, and this is especially useful for those who have lost part of the upper arm as a result of trauma, as these devices also help to achieve the symmetry of the individual’s body, as having a prosthetic device adds length to the injured arm or hand and helps restore a normal anatomical condition.
For anyone with a limb difference, silicone upper limbs can boost confidence in public, help improve overall body image, and help an individual feel more integrated and less stressed about appearing in public with a prosthetic that actually looks like a device. In addition, these prosthetics are lightweight and provide a level of functionality that improves a person’s abilities by providing a surface to hold or carry objects.
Advantages of modern upper limb prosthetics
Modern upper limb prosthetics are characterized by advanced technologies that guarantee a qualitative change in the lives of their users, including:
- Upper prostheses that utilize electrical and muscular control systems give their users natural and smooth movements, providing greater freedom of movement and precise control, restoring their independence and improving their quality of life.
- The use of an upper prosthesis helps the body to better balance the workload and distribute pressure more evenly among the body’s muscles
- Lightweight and ergonomic designs are suitable for daily use for long periods of time, thus helping the user to get used to the prosthesis and not to leave it
- It can provide psychological and social benefits to the user due to the return of their ability to use their limb and improve their appearance after fitting their prosthesis
- Help reduce pain and minimize overuse of the healthy limb, thereby improving physical balance
Upper limb prosthetics fitting and rehabilitation steps
The process of fitting upper limb prosthetics requires a thoughtful plan, because obtaining upper limb prosthetics and learning how to use them is a difficult task that requires commitment, practice, and patience. The following is a brief explanation of the steps to obtain a prosthesis:
- Consultation and evaluation: The process begins with an evaluation and consultation with a doctor who will assess your physical fitness to use the upper prosthesis, then discuss your lifestyle, needs, and goals to determine which type(s) of prosthesis is best suited for you.
- Fitting: Fitting usually takes place three to six weeks after amputation surgery. During this process, the doctor determines which prosthetic limbs and muscle groups the patient will use to operate the prosthesis, takes accurate measurements of the remaining limb, and may make a mold or 3D scan.
- Basic training: When your prosthesis is ready for fitting, your prosthetist will explain the basics of how it works and how to care for it, such as how to put it on and take it off, how to clean it, how to adjust it, and how to operate its various mechanical and electronic parts.
- Physical and occupational training. After that, the physical therapist and occupational therapist will teach the patient how to use the prosthesis in their daily life, help them strengthen the necessary muscles, and train them in the movement patterns needed to accomplish their tasks.
- Mental health care: While rehabilitating your body, you are also addressing an important psychological event, so don’t underestimate this part. Mental health professionals and peer support groups can help support this part of your journey, along with the physical part.
Rehabilitation after prosthesis fitting
After the prosthesis is fitted, the patient enters prosthetic use and functional rehabilitation, where they learn how to use the prosthesis effectively and enhance functional abilities. Rehabilitation after prosthetic fitting includes the following steps:
- Physiotherapy: An essential part of rehabilitation, it aims to improve the strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and range of motion of the remaining limb and the rest of the body. It also helps the patient use the prosthesis safely and effectively, and the therapist develops a specialized exercise program tailored to the patient’s needs.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy aims to help the patient perform daily activities using the prosthesis, such as dressing, cooking, and cleaning. The occupational therapist works with the patient to design a training program that suits their needs and goals.
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training: Rehabilitation includes training in basic daily activities such as dressing, grooming, feeding, and housework to promote independence. Occupational therapists work with the case manager to assess abilities, provide aids, and teach appropriate techniques with or without a prosthesis.
- Psychological support and counseling: Rehabilitation includes an important psychological aspect to help the patient adjust to limb loss, which can cause emotional challenges and issues with body image and self-confidence. A psychologist coordinates psychological support services, connects the patient to appropriate resources, provides emotional support throughout the rehabilitation journey, and helps deal with the grief and loss associated with amputation and any associated psychological crises, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Community Reintegration and Follow-up: As the patient progresses through rehabilitation, the case manager assists with the transition to community integration by facilitating vocational rehabilitation, providing adaptive equipment, and advising on social and recreational activities. They also coordinate follow-up appointments and ensure that progress is monitored and necessary adjustments are made to the rehabilitation plan.
Most important guidelines after amputation to avoid complications or conditions that may affect the use of upper limb prosthetics
The following tips after amputation are essential to ensure the successful use of the prosthesis and avoid complications that may affect the quality of life, and the most important steps for post-amputation care:
- Stretching exercises to maintain range of motion and joint flexibility as well as muscle strengthening exercises around the amputated limb to improve muscular strength and control of the prosthesis
- Ensure that the prosthetic sleeve fits properly and does not cause excessive pressure or skin irritation
- Keep the prosthetic site clean and dry to minimize the risk of infections
- Pay attention to pain that may appear, such as friction pain or phantom pain, and consult your doctor immediately if any complications occur
Types of prosthetic pain (categorizing normal and poorly executed)
Although upper prostheses are an important step in restoring mobility and independence, some people may experience pain after fitting upper prostheses, which is a common issue that requires careful medical and rehabilitation follow-up, as the pain related to prostheses varies and may be normal pain that can be lived with and managed, or pain resulting from poor fitting or misuse of the prosthesis.
One of the types of pain is friction pain, which results from the friction of the skin against the prosthesis, especially at the beginning of use or as the user’s activity increases, while muscle fatigue pain is caused by bearing excessive weight or unusual movement that leads to fatigue of the muscles surrounding the upper prosthesis, and there is a common condition among prosthetic users, which is to feel pain in the amputated limb itself despite the absence of an actual limb, called phantom pain.
Pain due to poor execution or design includes pressure pain that results from irritation or blistering due to high-pressure points inside the incubator or on the skin, while misloading pain occurs when the weight distribution is not correct inside the prosthesis, causing excessive pressure on certain areas of the limb. In addition to pain due to faulty incubator design, such as improper clearance or excessive pressure that causes uncomfortable and persistent pain, there is also pain due to faulty incubator design, such as improper clearance or excessive pressure.
Cost of upper limb prosthetics: Key factors that affect the price
The exact cost of upper prosthetics depends on the complexity of the required system and how much insurance covers, as factors that affect the cost include the quality of materials, the advanced technology used, and the support and rehabilitation services that ensure a comfortable and successful experience, so prices vary depending on the type of technology used and the level of customization:
| The latest myoelectric arm technology | Functional prosthetic limb with a hook without insurance | Latest myoelectric arm technology |
| 5,000 USD | 10,000 USD | 10,000 – 20,000 USD |
We have multiple options to meet every need and budget, and with various financing and insurance options available, realizing your dream of regaining arm movement is closer than you think.
In conclusion, if you are looking for the best solution to compensate for upper limb loss, choosing the right upper limb prosthetics is the first step towards regaining your mobility and independence for a more active and confident life. With advances in upper limb prosthetics technology, you can now rely on advanced devices that combine comfortable performance with a natural appearance to suit your personal needs and lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to contact our experts for a personalized consultation to help you choose the most suitable prosthesis, ensure a successful rehabilitation journey that guarantees you the best quality of life, and get ready for a new phase of mobility and freedom with the best technologies in upper limb prosthetics.
Sources:
- Össur. (n.d.). Touch prosthetic options. Retrieved May 31, 2025
- Ottobock. (n.d.). Upper limb prosthetic solutions. Retrieved May 31, 2025
