Upper limb prostheses

The appropriate upper-limb prosthesis depends on the patient's anatomy, goals, tolerance, desired appearance and the activities the device is expected to support. Many prostheses combine cosmetic and functional objectives.

Body-powered prostheses

Body-powered prostheses use cable control and are generally moderate in cost and weight. They are durable and provide useful sensory feedback, although they may be less cosmetically pleasing than some myoelectric systems and can require greater gross limb movement.

Externally powered prostheses

Externally powered systems use electric motors controlled by batteries and patient-operated controls. They may provide greater grip strength, more proximal function and improved cosmesis, but can be heavier, more expensive and more maintenance-intensive. Available designs generally provide less direct sensory feedback than body-powered systems.