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Above the Elbow (Transhumeral) Prosthetics in Las Cruces, NM

If you've experienced upper arm limb loss above the elbow and undergone an elbow disarticulation amputation, you have more options than you think! Our Prime Care Prosthetics & Orthotics team proudly serves the Las Cruces, El Paso, and Albuquerque area, offering reliable and customized prosthetic solutions.

What Is Above Elbow (AE) & Elbow Disarticulation Prosthesis?

Above elbow (AE) & elbow disarticulation prostheses are prosthetic devices that replace an amputated arm at or above the elbow. These are typically used when the amputation is due to trauma, cancer, or other medical conditions.

An elbow disarticulation prosthesis is custom-made and usually involves a socket, suspension system, elbow, and terminal device. Some devices may also have a separate wrist piece.

When it comes to getting a transhumeral amputation prosthetic, it's important that we understand your specific functional needs and goals. Our team will work with you to address your needs and help you meet your lifestyle goals.

above-elbow prosthetic arm
above-elbow prosthetic arm

Types of Transhumeral Prosthetics for AE Amputees Available in Las Cruces

There are different types of above-elbow prostheses and devices to consider. Our prosthesis will go over the different technology options available to you, the pros and cons of each, and what we can do to customize them for you.

Body Powered AE Prosthetics

An above-elbow amputee might opt for a body-powered AE prosthetic. This means that the wearer’s body movements control the prosthesis. This is accomplished through a system of straps referred to as the harness. These harness straps go around the opposite shoulder just like a backpack. The purpose of the harness is to hold the prosthesis in place and to help navigate the elbow and terminal device. By applying pressure through the harness, the wearer can raise the elbow and open the device. This is the most widely used above-elbow arm prosthetic style.

Myoelectric (MP) Prostheses

Another option for a transhumeral amputation prosthesis is called a myoelectric prosthesis. This is also referred to as an externally powered prosthetic arm. It works when you flex your residual biceps and triceps to move your hand and elbow. When these muscles move, they send electrical signals to the motor that operates using rechargeable batteries. Using a touchpad or switch to control the motor is also possible if you cannot use muscle-generated energy.

Hybrid Prosthetic Arms

Some patients prefer a below-the-shoulder, above-the-elbow prosthetic arm that uses external and body power. It’s common to have a body-powered elbow and an electronically-controlled hand for upper limbs using a mixture of internal and external power. This option is both functional and cosmetically appealing. Keep in mind that they are heavier and more expensive than traditional options.

Myoelectric (MP) Prostheses

A passive prosthesis is designed to appear like a real arm with hands and fingers. It is lightweight and, while not offering active movement, may still help with a person's function due to providing a stable surface for carrying or holding items. These prostheses can be covered with a high-definition silicone that is custom painted to mimic the individual's sound arm, hand, and fingers or a more basic production glove.

Myoelectric (MP) Prostheses

When a patient's goals cannot be met with passive, body-powered, or myoelectric prosthetic devices, PrimeCare's clinicians may recommend activity-specific prostheses. These are designed to help with specific tasks or activities and can be helpful or even necessary in certain situations. For example, multi-positional finger joints can be moved into place to allow for a higher-definition restoration to hold small objects.

Contact Us for Above-Elbow Arm Prosthetics in Las Cruces, NM

Ready to learn more about our above-the-elbow prosthetic services? Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!

A grandfather with a prosthesis walks with his grandchildren.

Upper Arm Amputation Prosthetic Parts

In order to determine the prosthesis that best fits your needs, it is important to understand your goals, work, and hobbies. This ensures your prosthetist chooses the best components of the transhumeral amputation prosthesis for your lifestyle.
An above-elbow prosthetic arm consists of a:
Socket
Suspension
Elbow Joints and Adapters
Prosthetic Hand or a Hook as the Terminal Device
Separate Wrist Piece

Our Process

A prosthetic arm for above-elbow amputees is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Here's a closer look at our process for above-elbow arm prosthetic devices.
assembling a prosthetic leg by a technician.
  • Stage 1: Beginning of the Process

    We typically fit a patient for an above-elbow amputation prosthesis a few days or weeks following the amputation, which includes fitting an AE shrinker. This optional compressive garment helps to shape your limb and reduces edema. It helps to stabilize the limb size earlier on in the process.

  • Stage 2: Casting & Diagnostics

    The next step in getting your prosthetic arm from above-elbow amputees is casting and diagnostics. We start by making an initial AE prosthetic device made from clear plastic. This allows our team to see how things are fitting and helps us improve the fit of your socket in the long run. Once completed, the cast will be filled and modified to produce your custom device.

  • Stage 3: Socket & Prosthesis Fabrications

    As soon as we know that the diagnostic prosthetic socket fits the patient, we fabricate the laminated elbow disarticulation socket. This custom-made socket is usually fabricated with carbon fiber, making it significantly lighter (and more comfortable) than the plastic socket, with higher tensile strength. This durable socket can last a while, depending on the overall use case. Patients can choose the design and color of the device to match their skin tone; some like to feature the logo of their favorite sports team.

  • Stage 4: Size & Fit Adjustment

    If any additional size or fit adjustments are necessary, we are happy to make them over a series of visits. We will also help each patient put on and take off the device and discuss the overall functionality of the residual limb and how your new limb works. We will talk you through any warning signs that an issue is developing.

  • Stage 5: Progress Tracking and Follow Up

    We want to hear how you are doing with your above-elbow amputation prosthesis! We will set appointments to continue checking in on how you’re adjusting to your prosthetic and can help answer any underlying questions you may have.

Why Choose PrimeCare for Your Custom Elbow Disarticulation Prosthesis in Las Cruces?

Our certified prosthetic specialists at PrimeCare are passionate about fitting you with the perfect prosthetic arm above the elbow. We know that every patient is different, and will work closely with you to ensure that your prosthetic device is comfortable and functional. Our team has extensive experience building and customizing prostheses for upper limb loss and differences. Regardless of your unique situation and goals, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Patient Success Stories

William E. Apodaca Fisk
lower Limb Prosthetics
Patient had to undergo a below the knee amputation of right leg to save his life. The use of his current prosthesis, which was fabricated using Ossur Prosthetics direct socket system, makes the patient feel, “like this prosthesis is part of my body and I have more control of my prosthesis.” Patient was able to get back to living a very active lifestyle thanks to the proper goal setting, latest technology and fitting techniques available from Primecare.
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories
Ralph Merrill
lower limb prosthetics
Patient suffered a tragic motorcycle accident when a vehicle ran a red light and hit him, resulting in an above-the-knee amputation. Patient was fitted with a prosthesis using the latest technology available with a microprocessor. Patient states, “my mobility really increased" [with the new prosetheses and vacuum with suction suspension]
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories
Janet Rodriguez
walkable prosthetic
I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on my right femur and knee cap at the age of 17. The tumor was not shrinking after 4 months of chemo and I made the decision to get it amputated.
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories

What Our Patients Are Saying

Contact Local Prosthetics and Orthotics Provider in New Mexico

PrimeCare is located in Las Cruces and Albuquerque but helps patients from Ciudad Juarez, El Paso, and surrounding areas.

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