Below-Elbow (BE) Prostheses
CARE & USE GUIDE
General Description
A Below-Elbow (BE) Prosthesis is custom designed
for each individual and is dependent on the length
and shape of the residual limb, as well as the individuals activity level, prognosis and individual preference.
A BE Prosthesis can be made for different purposes
depending on the wearer.
There are three main categories of BelowElbow Prostheses:
Cosmetic
(Passive)
Prosthesis
A Cosmetic, or Passive, Below-Elbow
Prosthesis
(see
Figure 1) is used
primarily to replace
the body part that is
missing. This promotes a healthy
body image, and is
also functional in
that it can assist the
sound side arm in
activities such as
holding or placing
objects.
Figure 1
Tips and Problem Solving
Body Powered
(Conventional)
Prosthesis
A Body Powered (See
Figure 2), or Conventional,
Below-Elbow Prosthesis,
consists of a socket,
triceps cuff, suspension
and cable system with
flexible or rigid hinges.
This prosthesis uses body
movements to operate the
terminal device (hand or
hook). The prosthesis is
Figure 2
connected to the body
through the use of cables and a harness. Using movements of the shoulders and the arms, the person can
open and close the terminal device.
Because of the simple design, this prosthesis is
highly durable and can be used for tasks involving
potentially damaging environmental factors, such as
water or dust. The benefits of this prosthesis are that
many patients report an increase in control due to a
3
phenomenon Figure
called
proprioceptive. This is the ability
to to sense the position, location, orientation and
movement of the limb in relation to the body.
The most common complaint that patients have with
regards to this device is that it can be uncomfortable, and
the control harness restrictive. Others dislike the hook
and control cables, desiring a more “lifelike” design.
• Wipe the socket using mild soap and water as Tips and Problem Solving
needed. It may need to be cleaned more often in
warmer climates or if an individual perspires heavily. • Wipe the socket using mild soap and water as
needed.
• To lengthen the lifespan of the glove, take care
when handling inks, newspapers and blue jeans, as • Hand-wash the harness in cold water using a mild
detergent, then line dry.
these items can stain the cosmetic glove.
• Inspect your limb daily for irritations, and if any • Clean the cosmetic glove with soap and water or
rubbing alcohol.
appear, contact your prosthetist.
(over)
If you have any questions, please contact Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics.
Your prosthetist is:
1.888.676.2276 (Toll Free)
www.cpousa.com
Your physician is:
Location:
Below-Elbow (BE) Prostheses
CARE & USE GUIDE (cont.)
• If prosthetic socks are worn, several changes may
be necessary during warm weather due to perspiration. If possible, the sock should be washed in mild
detergent and line dried as soon as it is taken off, in
order to preserve the life of the sock.
Prior to the intial myoelectric fitting, the patient is
trained in the operation of the prosthesis. He or she is
asked to “open” and “close” the phantom hand; the
remaining muscles are naturally activated when one
attempts to move the phantom hand. It is these con• The harness can be worn over an undershirt. This trol signals, coming from the natural muscle movewill minimize friction between the harness and the ments that, in turn, control the actions of the Myoelectric Prosthesis.
skin and help to keep the harness clean.
• If the terminal device is difficult to open, remove one Tips and Problem Solving
of the rubber bands or tighten the harness where it • Charge the battery nightly.
attaches to the cable.
• Wipe the socket out with mild soap and water as
• If the terminal device is too easy to open, add a needed. Do not submerge the prosthesis in water. If
rubber band or loosen the harness where it for some reason the prosthesis is submerged, conattaches to the cable.
tact your prosthetist immediately.
Myoelectric Prosthesis
• The cosmetic glove can be cleaned with soap and
water or rubbing alcohol. (Please check with your prosA Myoelectric BelowElbow Prosthesis uses thetist if alcohol is appropriate for your prosthesis.)
signals from muscles of • To lengthen the lifespan of the glove, be careful
the affected arm to around inks, newspapers and blue jeans, as these
control the opening and items can stain.
closing of the terminal
device (See Figure 3).
Electrodes are incorporated within the prosthesis. By contracting
the muscles of the arm,
which formerly controlled the opening and
closing of an anatomical hand, electrical outFigure 3
puts are sent to a motor
that opens and closes an artifical hand.
Notes