Hand prosthesis
If the hand needs to be amputated to the wrist, this is called wrist disarticulation. A hand prosthesis replaces the entire hand.
Partial hand prosthesis
All procedures between a finger amputation and a hand amputation are called partial hand amputations. Partial hand prostheses replace individual fingers or thumbs as well as parts of the hand.
Finger prosthesis
Finger prostheses realistically reproduce individual missing fingers.
Trial prosthesis
Henriette wears a prosthesis for the first time
Henriette was born with a congenital malformation (dysmelia) of her left hand. Four of her fingers are severely shortened, only the thumb is fully formed. Until now, the teenager had managed quite well without a prosthesis, but her desire for an aid that looked very much like a real hand grew stronger and stronger. In addition, Henriette wants to learn golf and is active in sailing. The length of the prosthetic fingers is an advantage for certain hand movements.
Henriette is currently wearing a trial prosthesis with which she is testing various everyday situations. The student will receive the final partial hand prosthesis - with fingernails that she can paint - at her next Pohlig appointment.
Course of treatment
We will give you an overview of the typical procedure of a prosthetic fitting at Pohlig.
How much does a prosthesis cost?
The cost of a prosthesis depends on various factors.
Aaand action!
On our YouTube channel you will find exciting videos on the topic of (partial) hand prostheses.
What works best for me?
Selection of the (partial) hand prosthesis
As with any prosthesis treatment, it is primarily a question of what anatomical functions still remain (e.g. is wrist function maintained?) and what you want to achieve with your prosthesis. Accordingly, during a joint consultation, we determine whether the prosthesis should be more robust and as simple as possible (work prosthesis), whether an inconspicuous restoration of the body image is the top priority (habitus prosthesis) or whether a highly functional, myoelectric prosthesis is the best choice.
Work prosthesis
Work prostheses, as the name suggests, are used for manual work. The user's demands on the prosthesis in this case are:
- high robustness
- resistance to impact, dust and moisture
Work prostheses are designed primarily for function and load. With their help, it is possible not only to carry objects, but also to perform some sports.
For the use of different working tools, the prostheses can be equipped with multifunctional adapters that allow you to quickly adapt the function of your prosthesis to the task at hand.
For the use of working tools of different professions, the prostheses can be equipped with multifunctional adapters for the exchange of a wide variety of working tools,
can carry heavy objects, play sports with them, and they can also
they can carry heavy items, they can be used for sports, they can also be used for multi-functional purposes and attachments.
Partial hand prostheses can be used to carry heavy items, as well as for sports, and they can also be adapted for multi-functional purposes and attachments.
Passive prosthesis (cosmetic prosthesis)
For many patients, it is primarily important that the (partial) hand prosthesis restores their body image as realistically and inconspicuously as possible. To meet these high aesthetic demands, we use a cosmetic made of HTV silicone. Shape, color and surface structure can be realistically reproduced with this material.
In the case of passive prostheses, the term "passive" should not be associated with "functionless". On the contrary, with a passive prosthesis, everyday bimanual activities can be performed again, such as holding and moving objects.
In addition, integrated finger joint systems make various finger positions possible. Whereas in the past it was necessary to use the opposite hand to flex or extend the prosthetic finger, the user can now achieve different flexion positions by simply pressing the individual fingers against a tabletop, his or her leg or an object. If the respective finger is bent a little further in full flexion, it stretches again.
Myoelectric prosthesis
The myoelectrically controlled (partial) hand prosthesis can be used to perform activities that otherwise would be unthinkable.
The high-tech microprocessor-controlled prosthesis owes its high functionality to electrodes that are integrated into the shaft. These electrodes convert the electrical voltage generated in the muscle fibers of the stump into motion. It is easy to learn how to control the prosthesis with a little practice.
Of course, we always keep up with the latest technology and incorporate innovative components into the prosthesis. The (partial) hands of our manufacturers are lightweight, anatomically based on the natural hand and offer a variety of functions as well as a kind of sense of touch:
- some of the fingers can be controlled individually (multi-articulating). This allows objects to be gripped and held securely.
- feedback on gripping force can be transmitted to the user via vibration signals.
Physiotherapy
We train you in the everyday use of your prosthesis.
Make an appointment
Make an appointment over the phone or send us a message!
If the whole hand needs to be replaced
Hand prosthesis
Passive hand prosthesis
The patient was born with a split hand (hand malformation). Apart from a special prosthesis for swimming, she has not used any aids so far. Now, however, the 16-year-old wants to wear a prosthetic hand made of silicone for optical reasons.
The silicone prosthesis is visually oriented to the hand that is still present. Your fingernails can be varnished. The varnish can be easily removed with a special nail polish remover.
If hand parts need to be replaced
Partial hand prosthesis
Passive partial hand prosthesis
Partial hand prosthesis (cosmetic prosthesis) made of silicone with passive finger joints for positioning of the individual fingers.
The user is missing all four fingers on their right hand. Only the thumb is still present. The function of the partial hand prosthesis can be significantly expanded with the integrated finger joints.
Good to know!
Product information
A hand prosthesis is a medical device with specific product characteristics.
We explain to you what you should pay attention to when putting on and wearing the prosthesis, how you clean your aid and what you can do in the event of a functional failure.
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Research article
Prosthetic treatment after amputation in the finger and hand areas
Authors: M. Schäfer, D. Dreher, F. Muders, S. Kunz
Source: ORTHOPÄDIE-TECHNIK 08/14, ORTHOPÄDIETECHNIK
