What You Need to Know Before Inserting a Prosthetic Arm

Things to know before buying a prosthetic arm are closely related to every amputee patient. Having an amputation surgery as a result of injury at work or in different accidents can cause arm loss. Those who are looking for a medical treatment method instead of a missing arm may prefer to wear an arm prosthesis. There are many different models of these prostheses that mimic the functional and appearance features of the real arm. You can find the details that must be considered before the prosthetic arm is attached in our article.

What is Prosthetic Arm?

A prosthetic arm, also called an arm prosthesis, is an artificial limb applied to patients who lost their limbs as a result of an accident or who were born without an arm. It is very important to choose the prosthesis according to the level of the people who have undergone amputation surgery (limb amputation) in arm prosthesis insertion. In this way, as a result of the arm prosthesis selection made according to some criteria, it becomes possible to obtain maximum efficiency from the prosthesis. Although it is an artificial limb, the arm prosthesis, which significantly improves the quality of life of the person, is produced according to each patient’s own body size.

Prosthetic Arm Types

Prosthetic arm types are divided into 3 different classes in terms of their properties, although they are produced from similar materials. Each type of arm prosthesis has its own characteristics and advantages. Types of arm prostheses that differ from each other in terms of cost and functionality are:

• Bionic (chip) arm
• Myo electronic arm prosthesis
• Cosmetic (silicone) arm prosthesis
• Hydraulic arm prosthesis

Bionic Arm Features

Bionic arm prosthesis can be applied to all limbs lost in the lower part of the patient’s shoulder. Bionic arms can be worn on the elbow and shoulder area, especially on the hand and wrist. These fully bionic prostheses have a chip system. Thanks to the microchip technology placed in the socket to be applied to the patient, the prosthesis moves depending on the muscle movement. The working system of bionic arms depends on muscle movement and is very easy to use.

The most important feature in choosing the bionic arm prosthesis is that the thumb, which has 33 percent of the function of a hand, is electronic. That’s why the bionic arm can do all the squeezing and holding movements that a real hand can do. In addition, 5 fingers on bionic arms work with a motor independently from each other and select functions from 12 to 32. In bionic arm prostheses, it is possible to use it with an aesthetic appearance together with the silicone glove given according to the skin color of the patient.

Vocational School Electronic Arm Prosthesis Features

Myo electronic arm prostheses are among the prosthetic arm types most preferred by those who have lost their limbs. These prostheses work with a completely electronic system and can be worn from the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Inside the socket to be attached to the patient’s body, there is a system that works according to muscle movements. In the Myo electronic arm prosthesis design, which is extremely easy to use, only 3 fingers are movable and the other 2 fingers are fixed in the required position. However, with 3 movable fingers, it can do all the grips and grips that a real hand can do.

MYO Electronic Arm SGK Payment How Much?

The Myo electronic arm government payment varies each year at a set rate. According to SGK regulations, patients who want to wear a prosthetic Myo electronic arm can benefit from the state payment if they are insured. Depending on the model and price of the Myo electronic arm prosthesis to be fitted, SGK payment is made between 12 thousand TL and 20 thousand TL. The costs of installing Myo electronic arms for people who lost their limbs after a work accident are covered by the insurance at the workplace.

Silicone Arm Prosthesis

Silicone arms can be used with other arm prostheses. Another option for those who want to use prosthesis for their lost limb after amputation surgery is silicone arms. This option, also known as a cosmetic prosthesis, can be preferred apart from bionic arm and myo electronic arm prosthesis. The cosmetic, that is, silicone arm prosthesis, is non-functional and is produced exclusively for the use of patients with aesthetic concerns. Silicone arm prostheses produced in different sizes help the patient feel better in terms of appearance.

What are the Prosthetic Arm Levels?

Prosthetic arm dimensions are adjusted at different levels according to the region where long loss is experienced. Attention should be paid to the level difference in prosthetic arms worn from the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder area. In order to get maximum efficiency from the arm prosthesis, it is necessary to have information about the arm prosthesis levels:

• Below-elbow arm prostheses
• Elbow arm prostheses
• Shoulder disarticulation prostheses

Types of Prosthetic Arms Below Elbow

As the name suggests, the below-elbow arm prosthesis is placed under the patient’s elbow joint. It is specially produced for the use of patients who experience limb loss from the elbow or wrist. The prominent features of below-elbow arm prosthesis types are as follows:

• Myo electronic system can be applied.
• Bionic system can be applied upon request.
• It is designed in the color option closest to the patient’s own skin color.
• It is attached without any surgical operation.

Above Elbow Prosthetic Arm Types

In the above-elbow prosthesis types, the connection point is the part of the arm above the elbow. Patients who have lost a limb between the elbow joint and the shoulder can regain all the functional features of a real arm, thanks to this prosthesis. The following features are available in the above-elbow prosthetic arm types, including the Michelangelo arm prosthesis:

• According to demand, Myo electronic system or bionic system can be applied.
• The prosthesis is designed in the color closest to the skin color of the patient.
• It can be put on and used practically without any surgery.
• There are different options, electronically and mechanically, according to the choice of joint to be made instead of the elbow joint.

Shoulder Disarticulation Prosthesis

Shoulder disarticulation prosthesis is applied if the patient experiences arm loss from the shoulder. It can be optionally applied in the form of myo electronic system and bionic system. These prostheses are used for the shoulder and elbow joint with mechanical or electronic joint options according to the patient’s preference. A surgical operation is not required for the placement of the shoulder disarticulation prosthesis.

Things to Know Before Wearing a Prosthetic Arm

There are some details that should be considered before installing a prosthetic arm. A prosthesis is a medical device used in the body to complete the arm deficiency and replace the missing arm. Prostheses can make an important contribution to restoring the functionality of the arms and improving the quality of life of the person. Before purchasing arm prosthesis produced in different models and types, it is useful to know all the details about these medical products.

Test the Comfort of the Prosthesis

It is recommended that you have prior knowledge of prosthetic arm comfort. If you will lead an active life after arm loss, it is recommended that you experience the comfort of moving with the prosthesis. In this way, you can choose the arm prosthesis that is most suitable for you by knowing what the effect of using an arm prosthesis beforehand. The comfort of the prosthesis allows you to get maximum efficiency while using it.

Learn How To Use The Prosthesis

The use of the prosthetic arm may differ for each model. Prosthetic arms, which are basically made of similar materials, have bionic, electronic and mechanical systems. The usage processes and features of each system are different from each other. Therefore, before purchasing an arm prosthesis, thoroughly research the usage features, advantages and disadvantages of all models. Learn how to use the prosthetic arm recommended by the doctor.

Gather Information About Prosthetic Arm Costs

Prosthetic arm costs may differ depending on whether the medical product is bionic, electronic or dynamic. By having detailed information about prosthetic arm prices, you can make the most suitable choice for your budget and needs. If you do not research the costs before the prosthetic arm is inserted, you may have problems deciding which medical support is the most ideal for you.

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