Traumatic injuries and birth defects may result in an individual with an undeveloped or amputated upper extremity, such as the forearm from the elbow down. While these people do not have hands on these limbs for dexterity, bioengineering has produced remarkable upper extremity prosthetics to reproduce activity-specific tasks in these individuals.

Many of these prosthetics are removed and interchangeable so people can alternate their prosthetics depending on the activity they wish to engage in.

Video Source

Some prosthetics do not possess hand mechanisms and are still recommended for use in certain exercises such as push-ups and running.

For games like volleyball and golf, a variety of handlike options are available to mimic a neutral hand position for spiking the ball or gripping the golf club. Prosthetics are also available that attach to dumbbells and create resistance in pools for swimmers.

Being proactive in the conception and implementation of these upper extremity prosthetics is an efficient way to ensure that all activities possible with regular limbs can be replicated by prosthetics. This technology is a game-changer for providing amputees and people with missing limbs the proper access to social and domestic lifestyles.

We welcome this technology and can’t wait to see how it continues to improve!
.