What are the disadvantages of prosthetic arms?

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Conventional hand reconstruction methods may provide less than optimal results for certain patients. There are many sophisticated prostheses that satisfactorily replace the basic function of an upper extremity (upper arm, forearm and hand). However, replacing upper extremities (in whole or in part) with prosthetics remains suboptimal in that prostheses do not provide sensation and are not natural-appearing substitutes for missing limbs.

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Physical Disabilities

Physical disabilities can be sensory, where there are problems with sight, hearing or speech, or they may impair motor function, so that movement is restricted or imprecise. Injuries may cause a disability, and disease such as a heart condition may also make normal exertion impossible. Some disabilities start at birth - congenital disabilities. Others are acquired during life. If you have a disability, it is almost certain that there are many others who do also. Most conditions have support groups or associations that have grown up relating to the problem. These groups may offer specialized help to minimize the effect of the condition.

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