Upper extremity amputations occur in the upper arm (humerus bone) or the forearm (radius bone). For either of these amputations, a myoelectric prosthesis is a great limb loss solution.
Myoelectric is the term for the electric properties of muscles. A myoelectric-controlled prosthesis is an externally powered artificial limb you control with the electrical signals generated naturally by your own muscles.
Designed to mimic human anatomy and motion, myoelectric prostheses are the closest alternative to an anatomical hand or arm.
A transhumeral amputation takes place above the elbow. At Allen Orthopedic Labs, we offer a myoelectric prosthesis, which is typically controlled by electrical signals from one or two muscle sites in the residual limb or upper shoulder area.
A surgical procedure called targeted muscle reinnervation creates additional EMG sites that can improve a person’s ability to use the prosthesis.
Transhumeral Prostheses offered by Allen Orthopedic:
A transradial amputation takes place below the elbow. It’s called transradial because the radius is one of the two long bones that make up your forearm.
This type of amputation leaves your elbow and most of your arm intact, which makes recovery easier and makes it more likely that you will be able to continue to use your arm even after the amputation.
A myoelectric prosthesis, like those offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs, is the newest and most advanced form of transradial prostheses. It connects an electronic hand to the muscles in your arm. As the muscles contract, electrodes send a signal to the artificial limb, causing it to move in much the same way as your real hand.
Transradial Prostheses offered by Allen Orthopedic:
