DEVELOPMENT OF A MINIATURE RATCHETING PROSTHETIC DIGIT FOR SMALL ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH PARTIAL HAND AMPUTATION

Abstract

The loss of digits from the hand is the most common upper limb amputation but there is a lack of commercially available prosthetic digits to replace what was lost. The lack of prosthetic options is especially severe for small adults of children with hand sizes that are too small for existing prosthetic componentry. Here we describe the design of a miniature ratcheting prosthetic digit for small adults and children with partial hand amputation. The design features are discussed and mechanical testing of the digits was performed. The results indicate that the miniature digit can withstand heavy-duty loads and has a failure strength of over 275 lbs while sized for a 5th percentile female hand or an 8-year old child. Soon, this miniature digit will hopefully serve a population of people with partial hand amputation that have been underserved up to this point in time.