The spelling of the word "achiria" may confuse those unfamiliar with its pronunciation. The correct phonetic transcription is /ə-ki-ree-uh/. The first syllable is pronounced as "uh", followed by "ki" as in key, "ree" as in reed, and the final syllable as "uh". This word refers to the absence of hands or arms, and is often used in medical contexts. While the spelling may seem daunting, understanding the IPA phonetic transcription can help with proper pronunciation.
Achiria is a term derived from the Latin language, where "a-" means "without" and "chiria" refers to "hands." It is primarily used in medical contexts and describes a condition in which an individual lacks hands, either congenitally or due to an acquired injury or congenital abnormality.
Achiria is considered a rare and unique condition, as the absence of hands severely affects an individual's ability to carry out daily tasks that normally require manual dexterity like eating, writing, or grasping objects. The absence of hands can be a result of genetic factors, accidents, or developmental disorders.
Those with achiria may focus on adapting to the lack of hands by utilizing alternative methods or prosthetic devices to compensate for their physical limitations. These individuals often require specialized medical care, occupational therapy, and psychological support to help them develop alternative ways of performing basic activities and enhance their quality of life.
As technology advances, there have been significant strides in developing advanced prosthetic limbs and assistive devices to aid individuals with achiria. These innovations aim to improve mobility, functionality, and independence. Additionally, society's increasing awareness and inclusivity efforts have led to improved accessibility for individuals with achiria in various aspects of life, such as education, employment, and community participation.
In conclusion, achiria refers to the absence of hands, and it profoundly impacts an individual's physical abilities and daily functioning. It is a condition that requires comprehensive medical and rehabilitative interventions to enhance the affected individual's quality of life and support their integration into society.
1. Congenital absence of the hands. 2. Anesthesia in, with loss of the sense of possession of, one or both hands; a condition sometimes noted in hysteria. 3. A form of dyschiria in which the patient is unable to tell on which side of the body a stimulus has been applied.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.