A custom, functional and lifelike passive prosthetic hand for infants and small toddlers: Clinical note

Publication Date

6-1-2020

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Prosthetics and Orthotics International

Volume

44

Issue

3

DOI

10.1177/0309364620909276

First Page

180

Last Page

184

Abstract

Background and Aim: For infants and small toddlers with congenital upper limb deficiencies, terminal devices mainly provide either cosmesis or functionality. We report a clinical note about fitting a child with a low-cost passive hand targeting both functionality and cosmesis. Technique: An elastomeric, alloy-wire-reinforced hand was fabricated using additive manufacturing to allow independent positioning of the digits. A clinical pilot in-home evaluation was conducted on a child with upper limb loss. Discussion: The fabricated hand met the functional requirements but required a cover for cosmesis due to a poor surface finish associated with the fabrication technique. The participant child was comfortable using the prosthesis for various tasks. The parents were satisfied with the hand’s function and cosmesis when covered with a cosmetic glove. This work demonstrated a new design and process that may in the future improve the utilization of prosthetic hands to promote early prosthesis use and a child’s development. Clinical relevance: Early prosthesis use is important for infants and toddlers. Additive manufacturing may enable the fabrication of custom passive prosthetic hands that provide both cosmesis and functionality.

Funding Sponsor

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

Keywords

additive manufacturing, biomechanics, hand, Prosthetic design, prosthetic hand, prosthetics, rehabilitation, rehabilitation of prostheses users, testing of prosthetic and orthotic components, upper limb prosthetics

Department

Biomedical Engineering

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