Product Overview
Body-Powered Prosthetic Devices
Arm Dynamics patient Eduardo Garcia wearing his body powered prosthesis
Arm Dynamics technician discussing body powered prosthesis with patient
Arm Dynamics prosthetist instructing patient on proper usage of his body powered prosthesis
Body-powered prostheses are useful tools that can restore the ability to pick up and grasp objects and assist the user’s sound hand.
Movements of the upper arm, shoulder and chest are captured by the harness and cable system, and used to open and close the hook or hand, similar to how a bicycle handbrake system works. 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. Hooks can be made of aluminum, steel, or titanium and can be rubber lined for better gripping. The grip force of a voluntary opening hook is determined by the number of rubber bands holding the hook closed.
The components of a body-powered prosthesis include:
A custom fit socket
A terminal device such as a hook or hand
A wrist unit
A harness and cable system
Above elbow prostheses will include an elbow unit
Shoulder disarticulation prostheses will include an elbow and a shoulder
Many amputees like the durability and basic function of body-powered prostheses and find them particularly useful for working outdoors or in rugged or wet environments. A custom silicone interface can improve user comfort and is available in a wide range of colors.
(https://www.armdynamics.com/research-and-technology/prosthetic-technology)
