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Upper limb prostheses designed for cosmetic and partial functional (e.g., rotation, flexion) replacement of a limb above the elbow articulation. These prostheses typically consist of external devices that include elbow, wrist, and terminal (i.e., hand, hook) components; they may include totally or partially implantable components (e.g., sensors, electrodes). The elbow component can provide rotational and flexion movements and locking positions at the distal end. Above-the-elbow prostheses include, at the proximal end, a socket to the residual limb (i.e., the humerus) or to another prosthetic device (e.g., a tube). The elbow and wrist components of an upper limb above-the-elbow prostheses may be mechanically operated (e.g., using cables and springs); electrically powered (e.g., using motors and switches), or triggered by the electrical signals produced by muscle contractions (i.e., myoelectric). Some prostheses use a hybrid approach, using mechanical power for the elbow component and electric power for the wrist component or vice versa. Above-the-elbow prostheses are available in a great variety of configurations and sizes; they are used in patients who suffered amputations due to illness (e.g., diabetes) or traumatic accidents or, less frequently, in patients who have congenital abnormalities.
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