Four types of prostheses

For many prosthesis wearers, having a prosthesis that restores their body image as realistically and discreetly as possible is of utmost importance.

If patients want their prosthesis to realistically resemble their other arm, we make a cosmetic device made of HTV silicone. With this material, the shape, color and surface structure of the skin can be reproduced to accurately and realistically resemble the desired characteristics. Even the fingernails, which are custom-made from an Acrylic material, can be painted with nail polish.

In addition to cosmetics made of HTV silicone, PVC gloves (industrially prefabricated gloves) are also available in forearm / upper arm and shoulder treatments.

The term “passive” should not be associated with the notion of "non-functional". On the contrary, a passive prosthesis can be used to perform everyday bi-manual activities, such as holding and moving objects. However, no joints are built into the prosthesis that could be actively moved.

Myoelectric prostheses are highly functional and especially suitable for active users who want to live their lives as independently as possible. These prostheses are powered by electrical energy.

The electronic hand of the microprocessor-controlled high-tech prosthesis is controlled muscularly (= "myo"): With every contraction of the muscle, a minimal electrical voltage is generated on the skin. Electrodes positioned in the prosthesis shaft detect these muscle tensions and transmit them as control signals to the electronics of the prosthesis. Here the signals are converted into hand movements.

Depending on the hand or control system, different gripping options and hand positions can be carried out in this way. Driving a car, handicraft work and much more can be achieved with a myoelectric prosthesis – when combined with ambition and consistent training. You can use this prosthesis both for strong grip and sensitive work (= proportional control).

In the case of self-powered prostheses, the prosthetic function is not controlled electrically, but by the body’s own power. This is usually done in the form of mechanical, lockable joints or belt and tension systems (bandages) attached to the shoulder or arm of the opposite side. These systems, which are controlled by the user’s own force, can be used to bend a prosthesis finger, open and close a prosthetic hand or actuate an elbow joint, for example.

A hybrid prosthesis combines two different techniques. This means that certain sections of the prosthesis are controlled externally or electronically, and other sections are controlled independently by means of joints or belt-and-tension systems. In the case of an upper arm prosthesis, a myoelectric hand, for example, can be combined with an elbow joint controlled by a tension system. Here, the opening and closing of the prosthesis hand takes place electrically by means of external force (myo signals) and the bending and stretching of the forearm via tension bandages – in other words, self-powered.

This prosthesis type does not exist for finger prostheses.

As the name suggests, a work prosthetic supports you in manual work or even with office activity on a PC. Depending on your specific requirements, this is a hybrid or cosmetic prosthesis – or a combination of both. Whether for a single finger or the entire upper arm – we manufacture the right work prosthesis for every amputation level.

Work prostheses are generally very robust. Depending on requirements, different tools can be attached to the shaft. Probably the most well-known work prosthetic is the "hook".

Similar to a work prosthesis, the functional aid is an individual tool that makes it easier for you to carry out a specific activity (e.g. eating, cycling, playing an instrument, etc.). A functional aid helps you where you can't get any further with a normal prosthesis.   

We provide a wide range of functional aids for individual fingers, as well as for the entire arm including:

• eating aid
• writing aid
• steering aid
• sports aid (riding aid, fishing aid, swimming aid, archery aid, etc.)
• music aid (violin aid, guitar aid, saxophone aid, trumpet aid, etc.)