Advanced Upper Limb Care
Above Elbow Prosthesis Solutions Designed for Your Life
ForMotion above the elbow prosthetic services help people who have undergone elbow disarticulation or transhumeral amputation regain range of motion and dexterity. Our care team develops a rehabilitation program based on your needs and work with you to create an above elbow prosthesis that helps you move freely and comfortably.
Personalized Prosthetic Care
Above Elbow Prosthetic Care for Elbow, Upper Arm and Shoulder Amputations
ForMotion provides above elbow prosthetic solutions across a range of amputation levels, each requiring a different approach to fitting, control and rehabilitation.
Elbow Disarticulation (ED)
Elbow disarticulation (ED) is an amputation directly through the elbow joint. This procedure results in a long residual limb that provides a good foundation for a prosthetic solution. Our care team will work with you to create a personalized solution that fits your lifestyle and activity needs.
Creating a stable, comfortable fit for your prosthetic solution is essential, and that starts with determining the right type of socket, hand, and overall structure. You can choose a cosmetic, mechanical, or myoelectric solution, as well as a functional or hybrid prosthesis to achieve the appearance, range of motion and dexterity you want.
Creating a stable, comfortable fit for your prosthetic solution is essential, and that starts with determining the right type of socket, hand, and overall structure. You can choose a cosmetic, mechanical, or myoelectric solution, as well as a functional or hybrid prosthesis to achieve the appearance, range of motion and dexterity you want.
Forequarter Amputation (FA)
Forequarter amputation (FA) is the most extensive arm amputation, removing the entire arm including the upper arm, scapula and clavicle. As a result, the functional demands on a prosthetic solution are significant. The weight and design of the solution will also affect the amount of control and dexterity you’ll be able to achieve. Our care team will create a customized prosthetic solution that fits your body and lifestyle and helps you move in the ways you want.
The challenges this procedure presents can be addressed by a range of different designs, but there are additional factors to consider. For example, myoelectric solutions may not be workable because of their weight and the complexity of muscle activation and control. A forequarter solution is typically built as a mechanical prosthesis with a harness that allows you to control a mechanical elbow, including a lock and a double hook. You can also choose a cosmetic solution that provides a more natural appearance and some support. If you choose not to have a full prosthetic solution, a lightweight shoulder shield that provides a more balanced appearance is also an option.
The challenges this procedure presents can be addressed by a range of different designs, but there are additional factors to consider. For example, myoelectric solutions may not be workable because of their weight and the complexity of muscle activation and control. A forequarter solution is typically built as a mechanical prosthesis with a harness that allows you to control a mechanical elbow, including a lock and a double hook. You can also choose a cosmetic solution that provides a more natural appearance and some support. If you choose not to have a full prosthetic solution, a lightweight shoulder shield that provides a more balanced appearance is also an option.
Shoulder Disarticulation (SD)
Shoulder disarticulation (SD) is an amputation removing the entire upper and lower arm, preserving the shoulder blade and collarbone. Because this procedure leaves little to no residual limb, a prosthetic solution must be held in place securely using straps. Our care team will work with you to design and create a solution that fits your body comfortably and meets your lifestyle and activity needs.
Your full prosthetic solution will include a shoulder joint, elbow joint, and prosthetic hand. The solution can be cosmetic, mechanical or myoelectric. As with all prostheses, the specific design and construction will incorporate the functionality and components you need for the mobility and dexterity you want to achieve.
Your full prosthetic solution will include a shoulder joint, elbow joint, and prosthetic hand. The solution can be cosmetic, mechanical or myoelectric. As with all prostheses, the specific design and construction will incorporate the functionality and components you need for the mobility and dexterity you want to achieve.
Transhumeral Amputation (TH)
Transhumeral amputation (TH) is an amputation through the humerus, or upper arm bone, removing part of the upper arm and the entire forearm. Because the length of the residual limb can vary, each prosthetic solution is designed and built to meet each patient’s specific needs and requirements. Our care team will work with you to create a customized prosthetic solution that fits you comfortably and helps you move in the ways you want.
As with prosthetic solutions for elbow disarticulation (ED), choosing the right type of socket, elbow joint and hand for you will be essential in achieving a stable, comfortable fit. Weight is also an important factor. Your solution may be secured with a sleeve that protects your residual limb and achieves a more stable fit. To get the appearance and function you want, you can choose from cosmetic, mechanical, or myoelectric solutions, as well as functional or hybrid designs.
As with prosthetic solutions for elbow disarticulation (ED), choosing the right type of socket, elbow joint and hand for you will be essential in achieving a stable, comfortable fit. Weight is also an important factor. Your solution may be secured with a sleeve that protects your residual limb and achieves a more stable fit. To get the appearance and function you want, you can choose from cosmetic, mechanical, or myoelectric solutions, as well as functional or hybrid designs.
Advanced Upper Limb Care
Above Elbow Prosthesis Solutions Designed for Your Life
ForMotion above the elbow prosthetic services help people who have undergone elbow disarticulation or transhumeral amputation regain range of motion and dexterity. Our care team develops a rehabilitation program based on your needs and work with you to create an above elbow prosthesis that helps you move freely and comfortably.
Prosthetic Technologies
Types of Above Elbow Prosthesis Technology for Different Needs and Activities
ForMotion understands the potential for prosthetic solutions to transform the lives of the people we care for. We’re inspired to continually advance prosthetic technology through research and development and committed to creating a custom prosthetic solution that helps you live and move the ways you want. Here’s a guide to the types of upper limb prosthetic solutions we offer.
Body-Powered / Mechanical
A durable, functional prosthetic solution that transfers your body’s movements through a cable connected to a harness, allowing you to open or close a prosthetic hand by moving your shoulder or elbow. These can be equipped with a mechanical hand, hook, or specialized tools.
Myoelectric
The term "myo" refers to muscle, as these prosthetic solutions use muscle signals to provide control and dexterity. Myoelectrodes translate the electrical signals created by tensing muscles in your residual limb, providing for precise control of your prosthetic hand. Advanced myoelectric prostheses allow you to individually control fingers and switch between different grips.
Hybrid
These combine different types of prosthetic technologies to create enhanced versatility and control. For example, a myoelectric prosthetic hand integrated with a mechanical elbow joint that provides the benefits of both systems in one.
Osseointegrated
This type of prosthetic solutions attaches directly to the bone with a titanium coupling. Osseointegration provides greater freedom of movement and a stable, natural-feeling connection while eliminating the need for a sleeve.
Cosmetic
Designed to closely resemble your natural arm and hand while providing additional support and stability. Their lightweight construction also helps your body feel balanced.
Specialized Activity
These are prosthetic solutions specifically designed to improve performance for sports and activities like cycling, weight training, skiing, and paddling. Each is a custom design that helps you get or stay active in the things you love to do.
CARE Program
Comprehensive Acute Rehabilitation Empowerment Program
CARE Program
Any individual can be subject to limb loss, which can be devastating both emotionally and physically. There are many tools available that can assist amputees in recovering and regaining the self-confidence to move forward. We offer comprehensive support to help you, your family and caregivers navigate your prosthetic journey. Our CARE Coordinators provide guidance, connect you with resources, help you set goals, and assist you in accessing servic...
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Phase 1 | Pre & Post-operative
- CAREs Coordinator outreach
- Discuss process of potential protective post-operative device, if ordered by MD
Phase 2 | Sub-Acute & Rehabilitation
Once patient has been directed to home or inpatient rehabilitation hospital:
- Clinician/CAREs Coordinator corresponds with therapist on patient's progress
- CAREs Coordinator will check in regularly with patient to offer help and guidance
- Healed and approved for prosthetic intervention by MD.
Phase 3 | Function & Outcomes
- Prosthetic evaluation in-clinic: medical history review, determine goals, and more.
- Patient casting in-clinic
- Patient is fit with a test version of prosthetic device in-clinic
- Device is delivered in-clinic
- Patient is directed to outpatient PT or rehab for gait and strength training
Resources
Support & Resources
We understand that finding the right care for your condition can be challenging and confusing. Take advantage of the resources on our site and the expertise of our care team.
Locations
Find Your ForMotion Clinic
We have an established and growing network of Orthotic and Prosthetic clinics. Find the location that's closest to you.
