Living without a hand or upper limb can be tough. It makes it hard to do everyday activities. Today’s artificial hands are giving people control, independence, and confidence. It makes dreams come true and helps with everything from drinking coffee to typing or painting. This guide covers how prosthetic hands work, their types, and factors to consider when choosing one.
What is an Artificial Hand?
An artificial hand is a synthetic object that imitates the human hand from its appearance to its operations. Those who went through an amputation, whether caused by an injury, illness, or birth defect, can benefit from it and lead independent lives. However, current upper limb prosthetics range from basic mechanical to advanced bionic hands with actual feeling and movement. This raises the question of how it functions.
3 Different Mechanism of Artificial Hand
- Mechanical Control: The simplest models employ body movement or straps to manage hand actions, such as opening or closing.
- Myoelectric Control: Professional ones involve placing sensors on the stump to capture muscle signals. These signals are interpreted as movements, such as gripping, pointing out, or rotating the wrist.
- Bionic Technology: Some are fitted with artificial intelligence (AI) and sensors for precise movement and to provide feedback on the pressure applied to their surface or the texture of an object being held.
Top 3 Types of Artificial Hands
1. Mechanical Hand
A mechanical hand involves actual mechanical movements. It is operated by hand or body-activated power, such as straps and cables, all fitted to interact with the user’s upper limb. These hands enable small movements, including picking up and grasping, to hold things.
Example: A hook-type prosthetic hand used for handling objects.
2. Bionic Hand/ Myoelectric Hand
A bionic hand/ myoelectric hand is a sophisticated upper-limb prosthetic device that employs electronic recursions to imitate a hand. It uses myoelectric sensors to pick up muscle signals from the remaining limb, allowing the user to exercise control such as grasping, pointing, or rotating. Some models also incorporate sensory feedback so that users can feel the textures of pressures on their bodies.
Example: The Bebionic hand has multiple grip patterns and fine motor control of the fingers.
3. Cosmetic Hand
A cosmetic hand is thus a upper limb prosthetic designed more with aesthetics than any physical performance capabilities. It is made from realistic materials resembling a real hand, skin colour, and texture. Artificial hand for disabled pay for psychological comfort and boost self-esteem without sacrificing style.
Example: Models of lifelike silicone that mimic the skin of hands for use in cosmetics.
A mechanical hand, bionic, or cosmetic hand is chosen based on the patient’s requirements, movements, and budget. Engaging an expert helps ensure that the hand functions as intended and is satisfactory to the occupant.
Top 6 Advantages of an Artificial Hand
- Restores Functionality: An artificial hand is important because it helps a person carry out simple tasks such as grasping an object, typing, preparing food, etc.
- Improves Independence: A significant benefit is that users can accomplish activities independently without much help.
- Boosts Confidence: Gaining a look-a-like prosthetic hand gives the person confidence in social or career situations.
- Customizable Features: Modern prosthetic hands allow for multiple grip configurations, control over the wrist position, and touch parameters.
- Improved Locomotion and Hand Function: New designs offer accuracy and slow and apparent motions for sensitive operations.
Example: An artist can also paint detailed pieces of work with an upper limb prosthetic and good motor capability. - Psychological Well-Being: Recovery is possible for hand function, greatly enhancing people mental health and quality of life.
Key Factors to Consider While Selecting a Prosthetic Hand
Prosthetic hands are as diverse, and the one you choose is based on your lifestyle, needs, and your pocket.
- Functionality: Determine if the prosthetic is needed for functional reasons or esthetical purposes.
- Technology: Mechanical Hands: Affordable with, however, more limited functionalities compared to its paid counterparts.
- Bionic Hands: Other features, such as multi-grip patterns and sensory feedback, are relatively low for this.
- Comfort: It may comfort the wearer so that it can be worn for many durations without much discomfort. Having a custom-made experience is key to perfection.
Want to know how to get started with a prosthetic leg? Read ‘What You Need to Know Before Getting a Prosthetic Leg: Step-by-Step‘ today!
The Importance of Choosing the Right Prosthetics
The hand-arm prosthesis uplifts the quality of your life, helps you be independent, and builds your self-confidence. So, making the correct choice ensures:
- The capacity to do special activities as expected
- Long-term usage
- Value for your investment
Contact a prosthetist to consider options based on personal preference and customized to one’s lifestyle. Whether one decides to use a bionic hand for disabled users or a mechanical one, it is essential to synchronize the prosthetic’s movements with specific goals to ensure the best outcome.
What Does a Prosthetic Hand Cost?
The prosthetic hand cost in India will vary depending on the kind and characteristics of the hand. A mechanical hand is usually comparatively affordable, while a bionic hand with sensors and robotics addition is costlier. Anyone considering the options should contact a prosthetist and discuss the artificial hand price and existing financial support possibilities.
Conclusion
To conclude, prosthetics have helped to restart the lives of so many people outside. They help restore functionality, enhance confidence, and embrace independence. Your choice depends on your needs, lifestyle, activity, and budget level. Check out a simple mechanical hand, an innovative bionic hand, or a cosmetic prosthesis for better mobility. Moreover, you can find the best artificial hand for your daily life by consulting an expert prosthetist and a wide range of options.
If you are ready to take the next step, contact the best Prosthetic and Orthotic solution in India, KARE today. Our professional team is prepared to provide the most innovative and effective services. Let them help you manage your life for the future and accept new opportunities.