Myo Electric Hand
Myoelectrically Controlled Prosthesis for Wrist Disarticulation
Hybrid Prosthesis for Above-Elbow Amputation
The myoelectrical hand prosthesis is an alternative to conventional hook prostheses for individuals who have lost their forearms and hands due to accident or congenital conditions. These artificial limbs have a greater grip, a higher pinch force, and are more adaptable than conventional hooks. They are also easier to operate.
Myoelectric power is used to control the elbows, wrists, and hands that are powered by electric motors. Surface electrodes within the prosthesis socket make skin contact, detecting and amplifying the potential for muscle movement resulting from the voluntary contraction of muscle in the residual limb. The amplified electrical signal activates an electric motor to provide a feature (such as terminal unit functioning, wrist rotation, or elbow flexion). The most recent electronic control systems perform many tasks, permitting elbow motion, wrist rotation and hand movements to operate sequentially.
Myoelectrical hand prostheses offer improved function and a wider range of functional roles in comparison to “hook” prostheses. Patients with congenital limb deformities, as well as those who had their limbs amputated due to accident or surgery, can use myoelectric hand prosthetics. The unit is appropriate for amputees with above-elbow and below-elbow amputations as well as unilateral and bilateral amputees. Patients must pass a control test and have a minimum microvolt threshold, or the minimum strength of the microvolt signals generated by the remnant arm musculature.
Myoelectrical hand prosthesis are recommended for people who are at least one year old. Until around the age of 12 to 16 months, infants with congenital absence of the forearm(s) and hand(s) are often fitted with a traditional passive prosthesis; after that, a myoelectrical prosthesis may be used.
Myoelectrical hand prosthesis typically have a one-year parts and labour guarantee. Usually lasting two to three years, the motor and drive mechanisms may need to be changed after this time. The sockets may need to be changed every 12 to 18 months when applied to a youngster because of growth. By the fifth year, the entire prosthesis may need to be replaced under heavy use.