A forearm prosthesis is used following below-elbow arm amputation and helps restore essential hand functions: gripping, holding objects, performing everyday activities, and using a phone, tools, and other daily items.
The key advantage of forearm prosthetics is the preserved elbow joint. This makes it easier for the patient to control the prosthesis, movements become more natural, and the adaptation process is typically faster than with upper arm prosthetics.
In Ukraine, various solutions are available: cosmetic, mechanical, and bionic forearm prostheses. The prosthesis type is selected individually — taking into account the amputation level, residual limb condition, muscle activity, lifestyle, and the patient’s goals.
We support the patient at every stage: from the initial consultation and solution selection to prosthesis fabrication, usage training, rehabilitation, and ongoing maintenance.
Main levels:
The greater the preserved forearm length and muscle activity, the more options exist for precise prosthesis control. This is especially important when fitting a bionic prosthesis, which reads muscle signals.
The key difference from an upper arm prosthesis is the preserved elbow. The patient does not need to control an artificial elbow module, so the prosthesis focuses primarily on restoring hand function and grip.
At the same time, the quality of prosthetics depends on the precision of socket fabrication, skin condition, residual limb shape, and correct control configuration.
A forearm prosthesis helps restore:
This is why forearm prostheses often yield good functional outcomes when properly selected and combined with regular training.
A mechanical prosthesis operates through body movements and a cable system. The patient performs a specific movement with the shoulder, torso, or preserved part of the arm, which activates the hand opening or closing mechanism.
Advantages of a mechanical prosthesis:
A bionic forearm prosthesis works by reading muscle signals. Sensors detect muscle contractions in the residual limb, and the system then converts these signals into hand movement.
A bionic prosthesis allows:
Features:
Features:
Features:
Approximate timelines:
Timelines depend on:
With a forearm prosthesis, you can:
Key factors:
Possible challenges:
Key factors:
Mechanical forearm prostheses are more affordable and suitable for basic tasks. Approximate cost — from UAH 50,000 to 180,000.
Bionic forearm prostheses are a more technologically advanced solution. They require individual configuration and training. Approximate cost — from UAH 300,000 to 1,500,000 and above.
The price includes not only the prosthesis itself, but also:
Forearm prosthetics, including below-elbow arm prosthetics, may be provided free of charge under the state program for supplying technical rehabilitation aids.
The program is implemented in accordance with Resolution No. 321 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, dated 2012, and guarantees the right to free provision of prostheses when medical indications are present.
The All-Ukrainian Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Center “ZDOROVYE” participates in this program and provides a complete prosthetics cycle — from document processing to full patient adaptation.
When obtaining a referral from the social protection authorities, it is necessary to specify our center:
LLC “All-Ukrainian Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Center ZDOROVYE” as the enterprise where prosthetics will be performed.
This is important because the selected enterprise is recorded in the documents and affects the ability to receive prosthetics specifically at our center.
Grounds:
Important:
The following can receive a free forearm prosthesis:
At the first stage, the specialist assesses:
Factors considered:
It is important that the socket:
After fabrication, the prosthesis is configured.
For a mechanical prosthesis, the cable system and ease of control are adjusted.
For a bionic prosthesis, sensors are configured, muscle signals are calibrated, and optimal control modes are selected.
The patient learns to:
When needed, the following are provided:
When can forearm prosthetics begin after amputation?
Prosthetics begins after the residual limb has fully healed and the physician has given approval. This is usually possible after 3–6 weeks, but the exact timing depends on tissue condition, presence of swelling, scars, and the patient’s overall health.
How does a forearm prosthesis differ from an upper arm prosthesis?
With a forearm prosthesis, the elbow joint is preserved. This makes control easier, movements more natural, and adaptation faster. An upper arm prosthesis must replace both the elbow and the hand, making it more complex.
How does a mechanical forearm prosthesis work?
A mechanical prosthesis is controlled through a cable system. Movement of the shoulder, torso, or preserved part of the arm transfers force to the hand mechanism, allowing the patient to open and close the grip.
How does a bionic forearm prosthesis work?
A bionic prosthesis reads muscle signals from the residual limb. When the patient contracts specific muscles, sensors transmit the signal to the control system, and the hand performs the desired movement.
Can the arm be fully restored after a below-elbow amputation?
Fully restoring the natural arm is not possible, but modern prostheses allow most everyday and work-related tasks to be performed. Particularly good results are achievable when the elbow is preserved and rehabilitation is carried out regularly.
Is controlling a forearm prosthesis difficult?
Forearm prosthesis control is generally mastered faster than upper arm prosthesis control. The preserved elbow helps make movements more natural, and the main training focuses on hand control and gripping.
How long does adaptation to a forearm prosthesis take?
Initial skills are developed within 1–2 weeks. Basic adaptation usually takes 3–6 weeks. Confident use may take up to 2–3 months, especially with a bionic prosthesis.
Can I work with a forearm prosthesis?
Yes. After adaptation, many patients return to work. Capabilities depend on the prosthesis type, profession, workload, and the tasks that need to be performed by hand.
Can I use a phone with a forearm prosthesis?
Yes. This is particularly convenient with bionic prostheses, which allow more precise holding of the phone and fine actions.
Can I write with a forearm prosthesis?
In some cases, yes. It depends on the prosthesis type, amputation level, the patient’s skills, and the time dedicated to training.
Can I cook and perform household tasks?
Yes. After training, the patient can perform many household activities: hold objects, open packaging, prepare simple meals, use dishes, and carry out daily tasks.
Can I get a forearm prosthesis free of charge?
Yes. In Ukraine, a forearm prosthesis may be provided free of charge under the state program with valid medical indications and an approved Individual Rehabilitation Program.
What is included in free forearm prosthetics?
Free prosthetics includes prosthesis fabrication, individual fitting, configuration, usage training, rehabilitation, and specialist support. Transport, accommodation, and meals during the prosthetics period may also be provided.
What should I do if the prosthesis chafes or causes discomfort?
You should contact the center for adjustment. Chafing or pressure in the first weeks may occur due to tissue adaptation, changes in residual limb volume, or the need for additional socket adjustment.
How long does a forearm prosthesis last?
Service life depends on the prosthesis type, workload, conditions of use, and regularity of maintenance. Bionic prostheses require more attentive servicing and configuration.
Is it necessary to come to the center for prosthetics?
Yes, a visit is required for the examination, fittings, configuration, and training. Free transport or a specialist home visit is available if needed.
Is accommodation available during the prosthetics period?
Yes. Free accommodation and meals are provided to patients during the prosthetics period.
Is rehabilitation provided after receiving the prosthesis?
Yes. Rehabilitation is a mandatory part of the process. The patient learns to use the prosthesis, perform household activities, and gradually return to their usual level of activity.
Can I do sports with a forearm prosthesis?
Yes, but the type of activity and workload are selected individually. The prosthesis type, residual limb condition, and specialist recommendations should all be taken into account.
Can I drive a car with a forearm prosthesis?
Yes, after adaptation and with a sufficient level of prosthesis control. Each case is assessed individually.
Can I upgrade to a more advanced prosthesis later?
Yes. As the residual limb condition, activity level, or patient needs change, replacement, upgrade, or selection of a different prosthesis type is possible.
If you or your loved ones need upper limb prosthetics — it is important to start with a professional assessment.
