Prosthetic hands and arms for performance-driven users.
If you work with your hands for much of the day, tackling lots of activities that demand a strong grasp, you’ll need a prosthesis that’s built for strength, speed, and durability. Scroll on to explore a range of robust devices and combinations to consider.
If you work with your hands for much of the day, tackling lots of activities that demand a strong grasp, you’ll need a prosthesis that’s built for strength, speed, and durability. Scroll on to explore a range of robust devices and combinations to consider.
Your typical day is full of active, hands-on tasks.
Whether you’re an avid gardener, work a manual job, or just have lots of grab-and-go activities each day, you’ll want a prosthesis that gives you instant, secure control of whatever you need to grasp. These devices typically come in one of two configurations: powerful myoelectric devices controlled by muscle signals from your residual limb and body-powered devices operated by movements in your shoulders, arms, and/or torso.
Here are a few ways to know if you’re a performance-driven user who needs some extra power from your hand or arm:
You need a strong grip for your usual daily tasks
From carrying groceries, to using hand tools, to picking up around the house, you need some extra power and strength for many of your most important everyday tasks.
From carrying groceries, to using hand tools, to picking up around the house, you need some extra power and strength for many of your most important everyday tasks.
You need to take quick, confident control
In addition to power, you also need speed for your daily activities. You’re looking for a fast, responsive prosthesis that can instantly snap to a strong, secure grasp.
In addition to power, you also need speed for your daily activities. You’re looking for a fast, responsive prosthesis that can instantly snap to a strong, secure grasp.
You want tools that can take some use
You put them to work all day long, so they have to be durable and dependable. Your prosthesis is one of those tools, so you need it to be tough enough for your demanding activities.
You put them to work all day long, so they have to be durable and dependable. Your prosthesis is one of those tools, so you need it to be tough enough for your demanding activities.
Looking for something else in a prosthetic hand or arm?
Do your favorite everyday tasks take lots of precise control and exacting finesse? Or do you simply want to look natural with ease? Either way, there are lots of options for users just like you. Pick a different page to check them out.
Performance combinations for above-elbow limb differences.
If want the ultimate in dependability, durability, and power, you have a range of excellent arm options to choose from. These devices may require components of an upper limb prosthesis: a prosthetic hand and wrist unit, an elbow unit, a liner, and a socket and suspension system designed by an expert prosthetist or Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO).
As you explore these components, keep in mind: different hands and arms often excel in different ways. That’s why many users find they need a combination of devices to support their varied needs. Having multiple options with complementary functions can be particularly useful when you handle many different tasks each day.
Below are several performance combinations with different features and advantages, but also different cost considerations. Like most prosthetic devices, these combos fall into three typical price ranges:
Premium: The most advanced components available, these options offer the best possible performance but may have limited insurance coverage.
Standard: These popular components typically offer excellent performance and trusted technology at a cost that’s typically covered by more insurers.
Value: Tried and true, these less technologically advanced components still offer solid, dependable support for a widely covered price.
DynamicArm + speedhand and Greifer
This combination is an excellent choice for users who want to invest in maximum reliability, functionality, and independence. DynamicArm provides an optimal balance of agility and control, while speedhand and the Greifer bring speed, power, and secure gripping strength to a wide range of core hand movements.
Performance combinations for below-elbow limb differences.
Many of these same devices are also great options for users who only need a prosthetic hand. Most still fall into the same premium, standard, and value price ranges when they’re used for either an above- or below-elbow prosthesis.
Just like with a prosthetic arm, it’s always important to consult a professional prosthetist when you’re exploring your performance hand options. Trust their expertise to help you find the best and most financially feasible components for your specific situation.
Michelangelo Hand and AxonHook
For users who want to invest in even more grip strength, the Michelangelo Hand and AxonHook are a perfect duo. Designed for the same specialized control system, they both offer exceptional speed, durability, and power: the Michelangelo Hand provides quick control of most essential grip patterns, while AxonHook delivers even more strength for demanding manual tasks.
More ways to enhance & personalize your hand or arm.
Once you and your prosthetist decide which devices you should use, you way still find you’re interested in customizing how your prosthesis works or looks. Below are several popular adapters and additions that can bring even more comfort, convenience, and natural movement to your daily activities.
Active rotation
This compact adapter gives users the ability to rotate their device at the wrist connection, turning the palm up or down to support different daily activities. It’s designed for use with powered prosthetic hands.
What about a socket? That’s where an expert comes in.
Your socket serves as the crucial connection between your residual limb and your new prosthetic hand or arm. Since every user’s body is unique, this component is almost always custom-fabricated by your prosthetist to precisely match your limb.
This personalized design is key to a secure and comfortable fit, providing you with optimal control and confidence — so trust that skilled mobility expert to craft the ideal socket for your hand or arm.
What to know about insurance, health systems, and prosthetic devices.
For many people with an upper limb difference, financial coverage is one of the biggest factors that determines their prosthesis options. We’re here to help you understand when and why that support can vary for different devices and their users, and how your coverage may impact your choices.
Meet some users thriving with Ottobock prostheses.
Each one of them has their own vigorous pursuits, energetic passions, and big ambitions — but they've all discovered how empowered they can be with an Ottobock hand or arm. Check out all the goals and dreams they’re reaching for with our devices.
Cameron’s always up for a challenge
Cameron never backs down from a challenge, whether it’s tackling a brand-new skill or graduating from the US military academy as an amputee. He lives by his own “five-time” rule: Try every new task five times, then take a break and try something else.
He relies on a pair of powerful hands to tackle his many different demanding activities. His Michelangelo Hand gives him the versatility of different grips, without compromising on strength and speed. But when he needs maximum visual feedback and precise control, he switches to his AxonHook.
We’re here to help you find the best possible options.
Submit the form below if you’d like to learn more about recommended prosthesis combinations, have questions about reimbursement, or would like to connect with a prosthetics professional who can evaluate your specific situation.