A brachial plexus injury can affect someone’s life in many ways. Whether it is caused by an accident, a difficult birth, or a fall, this type of injury often changes how the arm, shoulder, and hand function. Some people lose a little strength. Others lose all movement in the entire arm. The kind of prosthetic solution that helps most depends on how much of the arm is still functional. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference between a partial injury and a complete one — and how prosthetics can support recovery in both situations.
At Robobionics, we work with individuals who are learning how to live and move again after these injuries. Our role is not just to provide a device but to understand each person’s needs and build something that matches their body, their goals, and their lifestyle. In this article, we’ll look at how prosthetic solutions differ for partial and complete brachial plexus injuries. Whether you’re exploring options for the first time or helping someone close to you, this guide will help you make a more informed and confident decision.
What Makes an Injury Partial or Complete
The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that starts in the neck and branches out to control the muscles of the shoulder, arm, and hand. When these nerves are damaged, signals from the brain can’t reach the muscles properly. A partial injury means that some nerves are still working. The person might be able to move their shoulder or bend their elbow, even if the hand is weak. In a complete injury, all or nearly all movement in the arm is lost.
In partial injuries, therapy can help improve what’s left. The body still has some control, and that means strength and coordination can return with time. But even in partial cases, the hand or wrist may remain weak, and that’s where supportive prosthetic devices can make a big difference. These devices are not replacing the arm — they’re helping the person use it better.
In complete injuries, therapy may still be part of the plan, but prosthetic intervention plays a much larger role. The affected arm may not move at all. It may hang loosely at the side or be hard to position. This can affect not only function but posture and comfort. In such cases, a prosthetic solution helps to restore balance, offer grip function, and reduce overuse of the healthy side of the body.
How Muscle Activity Affects Prosthetic Choice
The amount of muscle activity that remains after a brachial plexus injury often shapes what kind of prosthetic will work best. In partial injuries, some muscle signals are still present. That means devices like EMG-controlled prosthetics — which use muscle signals to move — may be a great fit. These prosthetics allow the user to open and close the hand, grip objects, and even rotate the wrist, depending on which muscles are still working.
In complete injuries, muscle signals may be too weak or missing altogether. That’s when passive or body-powered prosthetics come into the picture. Passive prosthetics help with posture and appearance, and some allow positioning of the limb for support. Body-powered prosthetics use movement from other parts of the body — like the shoulder — to activate a hook or grip. These are helpful when electronic control isn’t possible.
At Robobionics, we begin each case with a careful assessment. We use muscle testing to check where signals remain and which muscles still respond. This helps us choose the right system — whether it’s powered by the body, powered by muscle signals, or built for support. Every fitting is built around the user’s body and ability, so they get a solution that truly fits into their life.
Shoulder and Elbow Support in Partial Injuries
Many people with partial brachial plexus injuries still have movement in the shoulder and elbow but struggle with fine control in the hand. In these cases, the main challenge is completing tasks that require grip or holding an item for a longer period. A well-designed prosthetic for this type of injury often supports the hand or wrist more than the full arm.
Shoulder braces or lightweight dynamic orthoses may also be used in combination with a hand prosthesis. These tools guide the upper limb, help with posture, and reduce pain from overuse. They’re especially helpful for people who try to do everything with their healthy arm, which can cause fatigue and muscle strain over time. A prosthetic that supports the weaker side can bring better balance to the entire body.
Robobionics custom-builds prosthetic systems that allow for this kind of support. For example, if someone can still lift their arm but cannot grip, we can design a custom hand with adjustable grips that responds to small muscle signals. This way, the user can hold a cup, use utensils, or carry light items without needing full hand control. The goal is always the same — help the user do more with what they already have.
Addressing Functional Loss in Complete Injuries
A complete brachial plexus injury often means the user has no voluntary movement in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand. This changes how the entire upper body moves and functions. The affected arm may hang heavily and get in the way. Without movement, it can become stiff, painful, or even develop contractures. In these cases, prosthetic solutions go beyond function — they offer structure, balance, and comfort.
One common issue is posture. When one arm is no longer active, the body compensates by shifting weight to the other side. This can lead to back pain, neck strain, and uneven movement. A prosthetic arm that provides support, even without active movement, can restore symmetry. It also helps the person carry items or perform tasks that require both arms, even if one is used more for balance.
Robobionics offers full-arm prosthetics for these cases. Some users prefer a passive device that looks natural and helps with positioning. Others may want a device that includes a mechanical or battery-powered grip so they can hold or stabilize items. The focus is on giving the user more control over their daily life — not just by restoring motion, but by restoring the ability to interact with the world using both sides of the body.
EMG-Controlled Prosthetics in Partial Recovery
When someone has partial recovery after a brachial plexus injury, their muscle signals may still be strong enough to control an EMG-powered prosthetic. These devices are designed to respond to electrical activity from specific muscles. When the user thinks about moving their hand, the muscle contracts slightly, and sensors in the prosthetic pick up that signal. The prosthetic then opens or closes the hand, depending on the signal strength and direction.
This type of control feels more natural and allows smoother movement. Users can learn to adjust their grip strength, switch between different grip modes, and even perform complex tasks like writing or using a touchscreen. For someone who has regained shoulder and upper arm control but still struggles with hand function, this solution brings independence back into daily life.
Robobionics offers advanced EMG-controlled hands like our Grippy™ system. We work with each user to locate the best signal points on their body and train them to use those signals for real function. Our training programs include practice routines, real-life activities, and personalized coaching to make sure users feel confident and capable with their new prosthetic. It’s not just about fitting a device — it’s about rebuilding control, step by step.
Passive Support and Stability in Complete Paralysis
In complete paralysis, where no muscle control remains in the arm or hand, the focus of a prosthetic changes. It becomes less about movement and more about positioning, appearance, and comfort. Passive prosthetic arms are often used in these cases. These devices are custom-shaped to the user’s limb, lightweight, and designed to look natural. While they don’t move on their own, they help with daily tasks by keeping the limb supported and in a usable position.
Many people with complete brachial plexus injury still find great value in a passive prosthetic. It helps reduce shoulder strain, supports clothing fit, and prevents the arm from getting in the way during daily tasks. For some, it also provides emotional comfort — restoring the shape and symmetry of the body and reducing the feeling of loss that often comes after injury.
Robobionics designs passive prosthetic arms that are easy to wear, low maintenance, and adapted for daily routines. We offer different cosmetic finishes and socket options to match both comfort and lifestyle needs. While the arm may not move, the user still benefits from having both sides of the body supported and working together — whether that’s for appearance, posture, or practical balance during activity.
Matching Lifestyle Needs to the Right Device
Choosing the right prosthetic is not just about what muscles are working. It’s also about how you live your life. A student, a factory worker, a teacher, and a caregiver all have different needs. Someone who works on a computer may need fine motor control. Someone who cooks or manages household chores may need grip support and stability. Someone who spends most of their time sitting may simply want comfort and balance.
At Robobionics, we take time to understand your daily life. During your consultation, we ask questions about what activities matter to you, what challenges you face, and what goals you have for the future. This helps us recommend the kind of prosthetic that will actually support your lifestyle — not just one that looks impressive on paper. A prosthetic should be something you want to wear every day, not something you avoid.
We also provide trials and demos before final fitting. This gives you a chance to test the device and see how it feels in real situations. Whether you’re using your prosthetic for work, for family life, or for your own comfort, we’re here to help you find a solution that fits. Our mission is simple — build prosthetics that work for people, not just for injuries.
Long-Term Adjustment and Care After Fitting
Receiving a prosthetic is a big step in recovery, but it’s not the final one. To make the most of any device — whether it’s designed for a partial or complete brachial plexus injury — users need time to adjust, practice, and get regular care. This process may take weeks or even months, depending on how comfortable the device feels and how often it is used. Every user’s journey is different, and long-term success depends on ongoing support and thoughtful adjustments.
As your body changes, the prosthetic might need to change too. For instance, if your muscles grow stronger with therapy, your control over an EMG device might improve, and we can adjust its settings to match your new signals. If your limb shape changes due to weight gain, weight loss, or activity level, the socket might need to be reshaped or replaced. These changes are normal and part of maintaining a good fit and function over time.
At Robobionics, we schedule follow-ups at regular intervals to ensure everything continues to feel right. We also encourage users to share honest feedback about comfort, performance, or any daily challenges. Whether it’s a minor adjustment to reduce pressure or a full upgrade to a new device, we’re always ready to respond. Our long-term care model is built on partnership — we don’t just give you a prosthetic, we grow with you.
The Emotional Impact of Regaining Function
Living with a brachial plexus injury is not only about physical recovery. It also affects how a person feels about their identity, independence, and future. The emotional weight of not being able to do basic tasks, rely on others for help, or explain the condition to friends and coworkers can be overwhelming. This impact can be especially deep when recovery is slow or uncertain.
That’s why finding the right prosthetic solution can be life-changing. Whether someone has a partial or complete injury, the right support system helps bring back more than just movement. It restores confidence. It allows a person to rejoin routines they may have stepped away from — like working, parenting, traveling, or engaging in social activities. Even the simple act of holding an object or stabilizing a plate during meals can feel like a major win.
At Robobionics, we don’t just see our users as patients. We see them as people with stories, goals, and dreams. Every fitting, every adjustment, and every training session is part of helping someone return to their life with more strength and pride. Prosthetics are not the end of recovery — they are often the beginning of a new chapter where ability, dignity, and purpose return in full.
Conclusion: Finding Your Path with the Right Prosthetic
Every brachial plexus injury is different. Some people recover part of their function, while others face permanent changes. But no matter the level of movement or the type of injury, one thing stays the same — the need for a solution that helps you move forward with comfort, confidence, and control. The right prosthetic can bring back balance to your body and your life.
At Robobionics, we design prosthetics that work with your unique condition. Whether you need a hand that responds to muscle signals or an arm that provides posture and stability, we’ll help you find a fit that feels natural and useful. We work with you, your doctors, and your therapists to make sure your device supports not just your body — but your way of living.
Book a free consultation with Robobionics today and take the first step toward a solution that fits your injury, your life, and your future. Let us help you discover what’s still possible — because mobility, dignity, and strength should always be within reach.