byAmber Henson, on May 30, 2023
“To each their own” is a phrase that applies well to individuals who wear prosthetic devices. There are many different types of terminal devices that provide excellent function for the person using them. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of usingpassiveandcosmetic devices.
Let’s start with the mental health aspect of it. Passive devices can be some of the least expensive prosthetic options, making them accessible to more people. We have heard from many of our patients with acquired amputations that the benefits of looking down and seeing a hand there, even if it is a cosmetic device, can be enormous. It helps them cope with the loss of their hand. When someone is able to wear a passive or cosmetic device, it can save them from what many people who don’t wear a device do: put their affected hand/limb in their pocket or hide it behind their back. This guarding/maladaptive behavior can contribute to feelings of embarrassment, and also cause overuse issues with the other hand and arm.
与自然的美容设备,the wearer doesn’t have to worry that others will see them as different. These devices can do an excellent job of keeping gawkers at bay because strangers won’t see a prosthetic device—at a casual glance they just see another arm. We have an excellent example of a patient whodidn’t think he wanted a passive at first. After Abe’s amputation, he initially opted to wear a body-powered hook and a TASKA hand. But after repeatedly getting stopped by inquisitive flyers at the airport, and at least one ruined dinner with his wife due to an overly curious waitress, Abe decided that a cosmetic hand might help him blend in.
Both passive and cosmetic devices also do an excellent job of protecting the residual limb. Many people with an acquired amputation experience sensitivity at the end of their residual limb due toneuromasor other issues. The prosthesis can act as a cushion between the residual limb and the harsh outside world.
These devices are more functional than one might think. Both cosmetic and passive devices provide a surface for stabilizing and may allow people to use both hands to pick up bulky items. Some cosmetic devices may include passivewire armaturesthat allow a small amount of positioning ability, so the patient can change their grip with their sound hand to hold a variety of objects. Passive positionable devices, such as Point Designs, which you can see in the image below, can provide grips and up to a 150 pound load rating.They may also help balance out a person’s body and minimizeoveruse issueson their sound side.
In addition, passive devices have some advantages over other types of prostheses. While multi-articulating myoelectric hands might look cool, not everyone wants that bionic look. Most electric devices aren’t particularly durable or waterproof, and they need to be plugged in each night. Body-powered devices can require a harness, which bothers some people. A cosmetic or passive device needsless maintenancethan either of those options while still providing functionality for the patient—and they’re waterproof!
But just because they are simple devices doesn’t mean that our prosthetists fit our patients and then send them out the door. Ourclinical therapy specialistswork with each individual to make sure they know how to use and care for their device. Ourholistic approach to prosthetic caremeans we employ screening tools like ourWellness Inventory(WI). Our WI screens our patients in key psychosocial areas: resilience, pain, post-traumatic anxiety, drug and alcohol use, health-related quality of life, and depression.
According to our associate, clinical psychologist and amputee Suzi Phelps, Ph.D., “Addressing psychosocial challenges could be the difference between a person having the patience and motivation to learn how to use their prosthesis or becoming frustrated and giving up."
If you or someone you know may benefit from a passive or cosmetic prosthesis,please contact us. If you use or have used a passive device and would like to tell others about your experience, please comment below. We hope you have found this article helpful.
