**2. Level of amputation**

The prosthesis design may change with the change in the amputation level. For example, if a person lost the little finger of the right hand, he/she would only need an esthetic prosthesis. However, if the level of amputation is wrist, then the prosthesis required must have the functionality of all fingers and thumb to grip or hold an object. In this section, the level of amputation for upper and lower limbs is discussed.

### **2.1 Upper limb prostheses**

The upper limb prosthesis design and functionality varies with the level of amputation. There are five main amputation levels for upper limb [3], as shown in **Figure 2**, and each of them is briefly discussed below.

**11**

**Figure 2.**

*Level of amputation for upper limb.*

*Impact of Medical Advancement: Prostheses DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86602*

muscles responsible for wrist and finger movements.

In wrist disarticulation, the limb is amputated at the level of the wrist without affecting the bones and muscles of the forearm. The amputee is able to perform all the movements of the arm and forearm. Also, the amputee can contract the residual

In transradial amputation, the amputee loses limb anywhere between wrist and elbow. Since the amputee has a portion of forearm, he/she can perform the forearm rotation and also contract the residual muscles responsible for most of the wrist and

In transhumeral amputation, the amputation is between shoulder and elbow. In this type of amputation, the amputee loses all the functionality and muscles of forearm, wrist, and hand. The prosthesis used to assist this amputation must have the elbow, wrist, and hand function in order to enable the amputee to perform

In shoulder disarticulation, the amputee loses the complete arm with muscles and bones. For this type of amputation, the prosthesis required must have the

In forequarter amputation, the amputee also loses the shoulder blade and collarbone. For this type of amputation, the prosthesis design must have shoulder

*2.1.1 Wrist disarticulation*

*2.1.2 Transradial (below elbow)*

*2.1.3 Transhumeral (above elbow)*

activities of daily living (ADL).

*2.1.4 Shoulder disarticulation*

functionality of complete arm.

*2.1.5 Forequarter*

movements too.

finger movements.
