Shoulder Disarticulation Prosthesis: Restoring Function
For individuals who have experienced shoulder loss through trauma, cancer, or other medical conditions, a shoulder disarticulation prosthesis opens doors that may have seemed permanently closed. This advanced prosthetic device helps people reclaim the daily activities and personal connections that make life meaningful.
Durrett's Orthotics & Prosthetics offers a wide range of prostheses for adults and children, and these products leverage the latest technologies. If you or a loved one needs a prosthetic shoulder, we have locations in Indiana and Kentucky and are ready to help.
What Is a Shoulder Disarticulation Prosthesis?
A shoulder disarticulation prosthesis is a specialized prosthetic device designed for people who have lost their arm at the shoulder joint. This type of amputation is one of the most complex because it removes the entire arm, including the shoulder blade and collarbone connection. Unlike lower-level amputations, where part of the arm remains, a total shoulder prosthesis must recreate movement from the very top of the limb.
These devices have several components working together.
- The socket fits snugly over the remaining shoulder area and chest wall, distributing weight evenly for comfort during wear.
- Internal mechanisms allow the elbow and hand portions to move, giving users control over grasping objects and positioning the arm in space.
Modern prosthetic shoulder designs can be body-powered, using cables and a harness system. Others are myoelectric, which means they respond to muscle signals from the chest and back.
The Journey to Getting a Prosthetic Shoulder
The process begins with healing after surgery: Doctors typically recommend waiting several weeks or months before starting prosthetic fitting, allowing tissue to stabilize and swelling to decrease. During this time, physical therapy is necessary for strength in the patient’s core and remaining shoulder muscles; both are essential for controlling a total shoulder prosthesis.
Your first appointment with our team takes time, as we take detailed measurements and make a mold of your shoulder area. We will create a custom socket that matches your body's contours while considering how you move throughout the day. You'll tell us about your lifestyle, job requirements, and personal goals.
Fitting sessions follow, where you'll try on the socket and make adjustments for pressure points or rubbing. Patience is essential here, as finding the perfect fit often requires multiple visits and adjustments to ensure a proper fit. Once the socket feels comfortable, the elbow joint and terminal device (hand or hook) are added and aligned.
Learning to use a shoulder disarticulation prosthesis takes practice. Your prosthetist and therapist will teach you how to put on and remove the device, operate the control system, and perform basic tasks. Early goals might include picking up a water bottle or opening a door. With time and repetition, your movements will become more natural.
Shoulder Disarticulation Prosthesis Design
Weight is an important factor in prosthetic shoulder design. A cumbersome one causes fatigue and discourages regular wear, but modern materials like carbon fiber and lightweight metals reduce strain and promote durability. The suspension system, which keeps the device attached to your body, also needs careful attention. It must be secure enough to prevent shifting during movement, but shouldn't restrict breathing or circulation.
Find Custom Prosthetics Near Edgewood and Lawrenceburg
Living with limb loss presents challenges, but you don't have to face them alone. At Durrett's Orthotics & Prosthetics, our experienced, compassionate staff members take time to listen to client concerns and create solutions tailored to their needs and lifestyle. Contact us for an appointment in Kenton County and Boone County, KY, and Dearborn County, IN.
