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Body-Powered Prostheses

Trans-humeral body-powered socket prosthetic arm with a hook for the terminal device. (Photo Courtesy of HJF)

Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Houdek lost his right hand and severely injured his left arm during a farming accident. He has returned to work full-time and continues to impress his doctors with his recovery.*

Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Houdek is shown working on a car with his body-powered prosthetic arm. Houdek lost his right hand and severely injured his left arm during a farming accident.*

*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

Body-powered prostheses usually rely on hooks and cables powered by other body parts, such as the chest, shoulder, and/or elbow, to control movements.¹ A body-powered prosthesis is the most widely used type of upper limb prosthesis.²

Pros:

  • Very reliable, especially during periods of long use, because they do not rely on an electrical power source.2

  • A shorter training period is required compared to other prosthetic options.1

  • Simply designed, durable, and less expensive than electric prostheses.1,2

  • Can be used by people with different levels of limb loss—above elbow (transhumeral) and below elbow (transradial), and by people with neurological impairments or neurodegenerative disorders.2

Cons:

  • Designed to work well rather than look realistic (e.g., wires and cables show). Given this, body-powered prostheses may look more like a tool than a limb.2

  • Described as hot or uncomfortable by some, and can sometimes cause tears and snags in clothing.1

  • Require some physical ability to operate properly, so may not be a good choice for people with bilateral hand or upper limb loss, or limited strength and flexibility.2
 

Ms. Skinner, with unilateral, below-elbow limb loss (5 years after amputation), talks about how she uses a mechanical prosthesis.

 
 

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References