Prosthetic Options

There are six prosthetic options for upper limb amputees and people with congenital limb differences. Choosing the appropriate option depends on several factors, including a person's level of limb loss and their goals for using a prosthesis. Our philosophy is to educate people on the range of possibilities and give them the opportunity to decide what’s appropriate for their lifestyle and needs.

No Prosthesis:

Some people choose not to wear a prosthesis; we believe it is important to recognize and respect that choice. However, before you decide if this is the right choice for you, it’s a good idea to consult with an upper limb prosthetist to be sure you understand the risks. In some cases, overusing the sound side of your body to compensate for a lost limb can lead to problems with body symmetry, alignment and posture. Learn more about why some people choose not to wear a prosthesis.
  • No Prosthesis Option
  • No Prosthesis
  • No Prosthesis Option

Passive Prostheses:

Passive prostheses are sometimes designed to look like a natural arm, hand and fingers. These prostheses are lightweight, and while they do not have active movement, they may improve a person’s function by providing a surface for stabilizing or carrying objects. Passive prostheses may be covered with high-definition silicone that is custom painted to closely resemble the person’s sound arm, hand and fingers, or a more basic production glove. There are also passive devices for partial hand and finger differences. Robust, articulating prosthetic fingers have a high-tech, metallic appearance. They are typically mounted onto a carbon fiber shell with a soft silicone inner socket, and can replace up to four fingers on a single hand. The user positions these fingers by pushing the fingertips against a firm surface into the degree of flexion needed for a specific object or task. Learn more about passive prostheses.
  • Passive Custom Restoration Prosthesis
  • Passive Custom Restoration Prosthesis
  • Point Design Digits
  • Point Design Digits Passive

Body-Powered Prostheses:

Body-powered prostheses for limb differences above the wrist are operated by a system of cables, harnesses, and sometimes, manual control. Movements of the upper arm, shoulder and chest are captured by a harness and cable system and used to control the prosthesis. As users grow accustomed to the feeling of varying tension on the cable, they may experience an improved sense of the position of the limb and the degree of opening on the terminal device. People who are engaged in manual labor may favor the durability and basic function of body-powered prostheses. For partial hand and finger differences, there are body-powered devices that are moved by the residual finger(s). Learn more about body-powered prostheses.
  • Jason Koger BP Swing
  • NP MCP Drivers
  • BP Scissors

Electrically Powered Prostheses:

An electrically powered prosthesis includes motors and batteries that provide movement and power to the prosthesis. The electric components vary based on the level of limb loss. There can be sensors or various inputs that detect the movement of muscles in the residual limb or upper body. These sensors or inputs then signal the motors in the prosthesis to make the desired movements. Some electrically powered prostheses have the option of being covered with a cosmetic glove. Cosmetic gloves are available in a wide range of flesh tones and can even be customized to match the remaining hand as closely as possible. In addition, multi-articulating myoelectric fingers can be useful for people with a partial hand difference. Learn more about electrically-powered prostheses.
  • Luke
  • ETD
  • Touch Bionics
  • Bebionic

Hybrid Prostheses:

Hybrid prostheses combine two different types of the above-mentioned devices into one prosthesis; for instance, body-powered and electrically powered components in one prosthesis, or a partial hand prosthesis with both passive and body-powered fingers. In some cases, this combination can offer a better functional outcome. For people with higher levels of limb loss who require more than one movable component, hybrid devices can be very helpful. A hybrid may have an increased area of function that can broaden its use on the job and in other activities. Learn more about hybrid devices.
  • Hybrid Prosthesis
  • Hybrid
  • Hybrid Partial Hand

Activity-Specific Prostheses:

Activity-specific prostheses are designed for an activity where a residual limb with no prosthesis, or a passive, body-powered or electrically powered prostheses, could be damaged or simply won't work as needed for the specific activities. We are experts in designing activity-specific devices that enable those with upper limb differences to participate in work, sports, hobbies and other specialized activities. Learn more about activity-specific prostheses.
  • Angel Giuffria Yoga
  • Swimming Prosthesis
  • Workout Attachments
  • Wendi Parker on Stand Up Paddleboard