Those who have had an amputation of their arm may be interested in using an arm prosthetic. With the various types of arm prosthetics, including the elusive “bionic arm,” it can seem overwhelming to determine what type of prosthetic arm is best for you and your needs. At Lawall Prosthetics and Orthotics, we understand that you have many questions surrounding prostheses and are happy to offer as much information as you need.

Throughout this guide, you can learn what an arm prosthetic is, how they work, what bionic limbs are, and the benefits this type of prosthetic offers. Let’s get started.

Arm prosthetics are devices that replace a missing arm. The arm prosthesis can serve many purposes, including looking like an arm, helping with balance, and allowing for better maneuverability due to the ability to use both hands.

Some prosthetic arms serve no mechanical purpose and are instead used to give the appearance of two arms. Other prosthetics utilize a series of cables, pulleys, and wires to allow the user to use the hand-like end to grab objects. Many prostheses can handle simple open and close actions for the hands, but more advanced electrical prostheses are working on creating individual fingers that move with the transfer of an electrical signal from the muscles to the prosthesis.

While there are four general categories of prosthetics (transradial, transhumeral, transtibial, and transfemoral), two are prosthetics for the arm while the other two are types of leg prosthetics.

Transradial and transhumeral prosthetics are the two types of arm prosthetics, with the defining difference whether or not the elbow is included in the prosthetic. Transradial prosthetics are for the arm below the elbow, while transhumeral prosthetics encompass all arm prosthetics above the elbow.

Because of the elbow and its positioning, the transhumeral prosthetic is one of the most difficult prosthetics to get fitted, which is why it is crucial to work with a talented and experienced prosthetist to ensure that your arm prosthetic is fitted perfectly.

There are three main methods of powering prosthetics and getting the arm prosthetic to “work”: body, motor, and myoelectric.

Body Powered

Body-powered prosthetics utilize cables to connect the prosthetic limb to another part of the body, often the opposite shoulder. Moving that shoulder then controls the prosthetic, such as opening and closing the pincher on the end of the prosthetic. Of all the functional prosthetics, body-powered prosthetics are typically the least expensive option.

Motor Powered Prosthetic Arms

Motor-powered prosthetic arms utilize switches and buttons to operate the prosthetic. Like body-powered prosthetics, the opposite shoulder is typically employed, but instead of operating a cable, the shoulder instead pushes a button or switch. Different buttons and switches perform different actions on the prosthetic arm.

Myoelectric Powered Bionic Arms

The most advanced, and thus expensive, method is myoelectric. This method is inspired by the natural process of contracting and relaxing muscles, which occurs through electrical signals. Similarly, myoelectric-powered prosthetics utilize the electrical signals generated by the residual limb when contracting muscles to move the prosthetic. Electrodes are placed to read these electrical signals and then move the prosthetic as indicated.

It is this method of powering prostheses that forms the foundation of bionic limbs.

Bionic Limbs

Bionic limbs, in general, are a type of artificial limb that utilize signals from the muscles, brain, or nerves to move. This method of powering the prosthetic results in a much more seamless movement that very closely mimics natural movement.

Compared to other forms of powering prostheses, bionic limbs do not require as much body power to operate and give the user maximum control. This not only applies to what movements are completed by the prosthesis but also how fast or slow the movement occurs. For example, with a bionic arm, users can open and close the hand quickly or slowly depending on the signal sent to the prosthesis.

Benefits Of a Bionic Limb

The bionic limb and its advanced technology offers many benefits to users.

Better Controllability

One of the most significant advantages of the bionic limb is the amount of control that it allows for its users. With other prosthetic limbs, the movement relies on either the actions of another part of the body or the manual pressing of a button, which can leave movement slightly jilted.

In comparison, bionic limbs function very similarly to a natural arm in that they move based on electrical signals released by the muscles. So, when someone wants to move their wrist, the muscles in the residual limb contract, and the electrodes placed on the muscle record these signals and move the wrist accordingly.

Some bionic limbs are even working on controlling finger movements, allowing for fine motor control that was previously inaccessible for those with a prosthetic arm, further improving the user’s control.

Bionic limbs can also register the speed at which certain actions should be done. For example, when wanting to close the hand slowly, the muscles in the residual limb contract slowly, and the speed of contraction is picked up by the electrodes and mimicked in the bionic limb. This technology allows for immense control over the bionic limb, which is not possible in other prosthetic arm types.

Improvement Of Sensation

Recent advances in bionic limbs allow the user to feel the placement and movement of their artificial limb, something which has been challenging to replicate in other prostheses.

Bionic arms also allow the user to feel objects by sending the necessary signals back to the brain from the point of contact on the prosthetic. This encourages the user’s ability to use the bionic limb similar to a natural arm and restores a monumental sense of touch to that limb.

Improved Reintegration of the Artificial Limb

The improved controllability offered by the bionic limb also means that it is more easily utilized in everyday mechanics. Some artificial limbs serve no physical function and simply act as a natural-looking arm. In contrast, bionic limbs are intended to work as a natural arm would. While no prosthetic hand has been able to mimic the functionality of an anatomical hand, technological has improved tremendously over the years and is continually striving to mimic the amazing functionality of an anatomical arm.

Prosthetic Arms Q&A

What is an arm prosthetic?

An arm prosthetic is a device that replaces a missing arm. Some prosthetic arms only serve as a placeholder for appearances, while others have functionality, including the movement of the hand or bending of an elbow.

How do prosthetic arms work?

There are three methods of powering an arm prosthetic: body, motor, and myoelectric. Body-powered prosthetics utilize cables attached to the prosthetic and opposite shoulder, where movement in the shoulder operates the prosthetic. Motor-powered prosthetics use a similar setup, but the opposite shoulder instead operates buttons or switches to produce the desired activity in the prosthetic.

The most advanced prosthetics utilize myoelectric power, which is the electrical signals generated by contracted muscles. Electrodes are placed on the residual limb, which records the electrical signals produced when contracting the muscle and moves the prosthetic accordingly.

Do bionic limbs exist?

Bionic limbs do exist, and they continue to advance in terms of their functionality and ease of use every year. Bionic limbs utilize myoelectric power, which allows them to offer seamless movement of the bionic limb and increased control.

How much does it cost to get a prosthetic arm?

A bionic arm can range from $20,000 to $100,000 without insurance. The cost will depend on how much functionality the prosthetic offers (i.e., just hand movement or finger movement as well) and how much of the arm is included in the prosthetic. For example, a bionic arm that encompasses the elbow will cost more than one that does not.

What are bionic limbs made of?

Bionic limbs are typically made from plastic, silicone, and other lightweight materials. They also contain electrical systems and electrodes to capture the muscle’s electrical signal and transform it into movement in the limb.

What are the benefits of bionic limbs?

The three primary benefits of bionic limbs are better control, improved reintegration of the prosthetic limb, and increased sensation.

Ask Us Your Questions

At Lawall Prosthetics and Orthotics, we understand that choosing a prosthetic arm is a big decision, with many factors to consider. Our trained practitioners work with you to understand your lifestyle, health, and other factors that are essential considerations for choosing your best prosthetic.

You are likely to have many questions regarding prosthetic arms, and we are happy to take as much time as needed to answer any question you may have, ensuring that you feel confident in choosing the best prosthetic arm for you and your needs.