Powered upper limbs, DHA Karachi
Myoelectric bionic arms: when a powered hand is the right choice
A bionic hand that opens and closes when you tense your forearm can change daily life, but it is not right for everyone. We check your muscle signals, your work and your power supply first, and only then talk about which hand.
- Signals checked first
- Training included
- Answered 24/7
Clinically reviewed by Ummad Shafique Mughal, Consultant Orthotist and ProsthetistUpdated 6 October 2026
Bionic arms
How a myoelectric arm works
A myoelectric prosthesis has small electrodes inside the socket that rest on your forearm muscles. When you tense a muscle, the electrode picks up the tiny electrical signal and a battery-powered motor opens or closes the hand.
Single-grip hands open and close one way; multi-grip hands move each finger and switch between grips. Myoelectric arms start from Rs 650,000, multi-grip hands from about Rs 1,500,000, and the best-known imported hands cost several times more.
Is it right for you
Who gets the most from a bionic arm
We check these before we recommend a myoelectric arm, because it is a large spend.
Usually a good candidate
- Clear muscle signalsTwo muscles in the forearm that you can tense separately and reliably.
- A below elbow stump of fair lengthRoom in the socket for electrodes and a battery, without making the arm too long.
- Reliable power at homeYou can charge every night, even with load-shedding, using a UPS or power bank.
- Time to trainA few weeks of practice with the hand and the app.
Where another arm may serve you better
- Heavy, wet or dusty workMotors and electrodes dislike water, dust and impact; a hook is tougher.
- Weak or confusing signalsIf the electrodes cannot read you clearly, the hand will frustrate you.
- A tight budgetRepairs and batteries are expensive; a body-powered arm may give you more for the money.
Inside the arm
The parts of a myoelectric arm
The socket and electrode placement matter as much as the hand itself.
Cast from your forearm and tested so the electrodes sit exactly over the right muscles.
Made by usPick up the signal from each muscle; their position is tested and adjusted in the test socket.
Usually twoBuilt into the socket; most last a day of normal use on one charge.
Charge every nightOpens and closes in one grip, strong and simpler to use.
From Rs 650,000 completeIndividually moving fingers and several grips chosen by muscle patterns or an app.
From about Rs 1,500,000A silicone or protective glove over the hand to keep dust and moisture out.
Replaced from time to time
Prices for 2026
Myoelectric options and what they cost
Indicative ranges for a complete below elbow arm. Imported multi-grip hands vary most with exchange rates.
| Build | What you get | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Single-grip myoelectric | Our socket, two electrodes, a battery and a single-grip powered hand. | Rs 650,000 to 1,500,000 |
| Multi-grip myoelectric | A hand with moving fingers and several grip patterns. | Rs 1,500,000 to 4,500,000 |
| Premium imported hands | The best-known international multi-articulating hands with app control. | Rs 4,500,000+ |
Ask us about the running costs too: gloves, batteries and servicing over five years. See every level in the price guide.
Your visits
How a myoelectric fitting usually runs
More visits than other arms, because electrode placement and training take time.
- First callLevel, date of surgery, work and power at home.
Day 1
- Assessment and signal checkWe look for two clear muscle signals before going further.
Week 1
- Cast and test socketElectrodes placed and moved until the hand responds cleanly.
Weeks 1 to 2
- Order and buildImported hands are ordered once you agree the plan in writing.
Weeks 2 to 3
- Final fittingHand, battery and electrodes set and tuned.
Weeks 3 to 4
- TrainingOpen, close and grip practice, then real tasks at home and work.
Weeks 4 to 8
If the signal check shows a myoelectric hand would frustrate you, we tell you then, before anything is ordered.
In the clinic
Signals, sockets and training
Daily life
Living with a bionic arm in Karachi
A little routine keeps a powered hand working for years.
Plan around load-shedding with a UPS or power bank, and keep the charger in one place.
Sweat can confuse the signal; keep the skin and electrodes clean and dry.
Take the hand off for wudu and washing up; keep dust out with the glove.
Gloves wear and batteries age. We tell you when each needs attention.
Call us straight away if
- The hand opens or closes by itself
- The battery will not charge or drains within hours
- The skin under an electrode is red or sore
- The glove is torn and dust or water can get in
- The hand has been dropped or knocked and moves oddly
Stop using a hand that moves unpredictably until we have checked it. It is safer to switch it off.
Questions
Myoelectric arm questions
Ask anything else on WhatsApp or call +92 337 8414002, day or night.
How much does a bionic arm cost in Pakistan?
A complete below elbow myoelectric arm with a single-grip hand starts from Rs 650,000. Multi-grip hands usually take the price to Rs 1,500,000 to 4,500,000, and the best-known imported hands cost more.
Can everyone use a myoelectric arm?
No. You need clear muscle signals, a suitable stump and reliable power to charge it. We check these first and suggest another arm if a powered hand would not suit you.
How long does the battery last?
Most batteries last a day of normal use. They are charged overnight, and batteries are replaced every few years.
Can it get wet?
Most myoelectric hands are not waterproof. Take the arm off for wudu, bathing and washing dishes.
Is it stronger than a hook?
Grip can be firm, but motors and fingers are more delicate than a steel hook. For heavy, dirty work a body-powered hook is usually better.
Is a myoelectric arm possible above the elbow?
Yes, but it is far more complex and expensive. We discuss it honestly after assessing your arm.
Related
Other limbs and help you may need
Talk to the clinic
Find out if a bionic arm suits you
Call or WhatsApp to book a signal check with the free assessment. We will tell you honestly whether a powered hand is worth it for you.