Cosmetic arm
A light arm with a silicone or PVC hand shaped and coloured to match the other hand. The fingers can be bent into a holding position.
Best forAppearance at work and in public, light holding and steadying
FromPKR 60,000
Upper limb prostheses
Prosthetic arms, below and above the elbow
An arm prosthesis can be made mainly for appearance, mainly for grip, or as a balance of the two. We start by asking what you want your hand to do each day, then build the lightest arm that does it.
At a glance
- Levels
- Wrist, below elbow, elbow, above elbow
- Starting price
- PKR 60,000, cosmetic arm
- Clinic stages
- About 2 to 3 weeks
- Types
- Cosmetic, body-powered, myoelectric
Short answer
How much does a prosthetic arm cost?
A cosmetic arm starts from PKR 60,000 (about US$220) and a body-powered arm with a hook or mechanical hand from PKR 150,000. Above-elbow arms cost more because they need an elbow joint. Myoelectric hands are imported to order and start from about PKR 1,200,000.
Written and checked by the clinical team at Prosthetic Professionals. Last reviewed October 2026. General information only; your own surgeon or doctor decides when a limb is ready for fitting.
Which arm suits which person
Most people losing an arm in Pakistan lose it in a road or work accident, often with machinery, or through electrical burns. Some children are born with a short arm. The level of the loss and the length of what remains decide how much the arm can do.
A below-elbow arm keeps your own elbow, so it is lighter to control and easier to learn. Above the elbow, the prosthesis needs its own elbow joint, and every movement takes more planning.
Many people use the other hand for fine work and want the prosthesis to hold, steady and carry. Others mostly want the sleeve to look natural at work and in family photos. Both are good reasons, and the build is different for each.
- The wound has healed and the swelling has settled
- Your shoulder moves freely, which body-powered arms rely on
- You know which tasks matter most to you
Three ways to power an arm
The socket is made from your cast in every case. What changes is how the hand or hook opens and closes.
Body-powered arm
A harness across the shoulders pulls a cable that opens a hook or a mechanical hand. Strong, repairable and not affected by sweat.
Best forGripping, lifting and manual work, reliable in heat and dust
FromPKR 150,000
Myoelectric arm
Sensors in the socket read muscle signals and drive a battery-powered hand. Imported to order; we confirm the model and price for your level first.
Best forUsers who want a powered grip without a harness
FromPKR 1,200,000
Prosthetic arm prices
Ranges include the socket, the harness or electronics, and training in daily tasks.
| Build | What it usually includes | Typical range (PKR) | From (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic arm, below elbow | Cast socket, light frame, silicone or PVC hand | 60,000 to 180,000 | about 220 |
| Cosmetic arm, above elbow | Socket, passive elbow, cosmetic forearm and hand | 90,000 to 250,000 | about 320 |
| Body-powered arm, below elbow | Socket, harness, cable, hook or mechanical hand | 150,000 to 400,000 | about 540 |
| Body-powered arm, above elbow | Socket, harness, cable-operated elbow, hook or hand | 250,000 to 600,000 | about 900 |
| Myoelectric arm | Socket with electrodes, battery, powered hand, imported | 1,200,000 and up | about 4,300 |
Myoelectric prices depend entirely on the imported hand chosen. Converted at about PKR 278 to the US dollar, October 2026.
See every priceHow an arm fitting runs
Two to three weeks of clinic visits, with most of the time spent learning everyday tasks.
- 1
Photos and a list of tasks
Send photos of the arm and a short list of what you want to do: eat, dress, ride a motorbike, carry bags, write.
- 2
Assessment
We check the length of the limb, shoulder and elbow movement, muscle signals for myoelectric arms, and the skin.
- 3
Cast
A plaster cast is taken with the arm in a natural working position.
- 4
Test socket and harness
The test socket is worn with the harness or electrodes, and we adjust until it stays on through lifting and reaching.
- 5
Hand or hook set-up
The terminal device is fitted, the cable or sensors tuned, and the opening force set to your strength.
- 6
Daily-task training
Opening and closing, holding a cup, buttoning, carrying, and the tasks on your list.
People who use the arm for the first weeks every day tend to keep using it. We will plan practice you can do at home.
Living with an arm prosthesis
Sweat is the main enemy of arm sockets in Karachi and the Gulf. Wear a cotton sock or liner, wash it daily, and dry the skin before putting the arm back on.
Cosmetic gloves stain. Newspaper ink, ballpoint pens, turmeric and engine grease leave marks that do not wash out, so keep the hand away from them or wear a work glove over it.
Body-powered cables stretch and fray over time. A fraying cable is cheap to replace and dangerous to ignore, because it can snap while you are lifting something.
- Wash the arm sock or liner daily
- Keep pens, dyes and grease away from cosmetic gloves
- Replace the cable at the first sign of fraying
- Charge a myoelectric hand every night
Questions about this fitting
Ask your own questionShould I choose a hook or a hand?
A hook grips small and awkward things better and is easier to see around while you work. A hand looks more natural. Many users keep both and swap the terminal device depending on the day.
Can I ride a motorbike or drive with an arm prosthesis?
Many people do, sometimes with a simple adaptation to the handlebar or steering wheel. We talk through the controls you use at the assessment so the grip is set for them.
Is a myoelectric hand practical in hot weather?
It can be, but heavy sweat can upset the sensors and the hand needs charging every night. Some users in hot climates find a body-powered arm more dependable for work and keep the powered hand for indoor use.
How long does a cosmetic glove last?
With care, often a year or two before stains and wear make it worth replacing. Gloves can be replaced without making a new socket.
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Tell us what you want the hand to do
Send photos of the arm and a few lines about your work and daily routine. We will reply with the type of arm that fits it, and a first price.