In this Section:

• Dealing With Amputations
  • Advantages
  • Challenges
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Outreach & Education
  • Prosthetics
    • Adaptive
    • Comfort
    • Driving
    • Myoelectric
    • Passive
    • Static

Other Sections:

• Introduction
• About Amputations
• Dealing With Amputations
• Discrimination
• Famous Amputees
• Personal Accounts
• Interactive

Dealing with Amputations: Myoelectric Prosthetics

Myoelectric prosthetics allow an amputee to move the position of the prosthetic in a simple and fast manner. The responses are quite natural. There are two muscle receptors on the arm, one on each side. These help an amputee open or close the hand. For example, tightening the muscles on the inside of the elbow may close the hand, while tightening the muscles on the outside of the elbow may open the hand. These myoelectrical prosthetics look fairly realistic. Although not perfect, myoelectric prosthetics are very practical and helpful.