A transhumeral prosthesis, also known as an above-elbow prosthesis, is an artificial limb that replaces the part of the arm from above the elbow down to the hand. It is designed for individuals who have lost their arm at or above the elbow joint. This type of prosthesis includes a socket that fits over the remaining upper arm, an artificial elbow joint, and a forearm and hand.
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.
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