Unique challenges faced with partial hand amputations.
A partial hand amputation poses unique challenges, but new developments in rehabilitation, medical technology, and support networks provide a number of ways to improve quality of life and functionality. The main choices available to partial hand amputees are examined in this blog post, including prosthetic options, adaptive equipment, new technology within our advancing industry.
Understanding partial hand amputation.
A partial hand amputation involves one or more fingers, a portion of the palm, or other parts of the hand are removed. This is frequently brought on by trauma, illnesses, or birth defects. The range of prosthetic intervention greatly depends on the extent of the amputation, whether it applies to one finger or several digits. Regaining as much function and independence as possible while addressing emotional and social issues is the objective for the majority of people.
Partial hand prosthetic options.
There are multiple prosthetic options offering different solutions tailored to each patients wants and needs and level of amputation.
Cosmetic Prosthesis (Silicone Restoration Prosthesis)
- Purpose: Cosmetically restore the missing digit. Designed to resemble a natural hand. Focuses on aesthetics rather than function.
- Features: Lightweight medical grade silicone that has been specially molded to match skin tone and features realistic details like creases and nails.
- Limitations: Limits functionality, primarily serving as a passive replacement.
- Best for: Individuals who put appearance first for psychological or societal reasons.
Task Specific Prosthesis
Naked Prosthetics PIPDriver
- Purpose: Individuals who have had the middle of their distal phalanx amputated.
- Features: A body-driven, articulating prosthesis that substitutes a missing DIP joint, protects sensitive residua, restores length, and improves dexterity.
- Limitations: Requires an intact proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint along with sufficient joint range of motion to optimally function the device. Relies on strength and mobility to articulate the device.
Naked Prosthetics MCPDriver
- Purpose: Individuals who have had their proximal phalanx amputated
- Features: The function of the middle and distal phalanges are restored by the MCPDriver. Patients can restore their normal grasp patterns and fine dexterity with the help of these body-driven, articulating devices. Pinch, key, cylindrical, and power grasps, as well as grip stability, are all restored by the MCPDriver.
- Limitations: Requires an intact metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint along with sufficient joint range of motion to optimally function the device. Relies on strength and mobility to articulate the device. Typically not suitable for more proximal amputations- there needs to be enough residua to engage the suspension ring.
Naked Prosthetics ThumbDriver
- Purpose: Individuals who have had their distal interphalangeal (DIP), metacarpophalangeal (MCP), or even their entire thumb amputated as long as a portion of their carpometacarpal (CMC) joint remains.
- Features: It has a unique anchor design that follows the patient's natural CMC motion and offers a strong framework to withstand the strong forces produced by opposition.
- Limitations: To efficiently drive the prosthesis, the ThumbDriver needs an intact carpometacarpal (CMC) joint and enough residual thumb length to engage the suspension ring. With secondary articulation from the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, it mostly depends on CMC motion. Functionality may be diminished and specific design considerations are required if these anatomical requirements are not fulfilled.
Naked Prosthetics GripLock Finger
- Purpose: Individuals who have an amputation at or proximal to the MCP joint. Including complete digit loss.
- Features: Using their other hand or a hard surface, users can position the finger into different degrees of flexion. By flexing past the last locking position or depressing the dorsal pawl (lever), the GripLock Finger can then release to full extension.
- Limitations: This is a passive design and requires manual positioning of each digit. While it restores grasp patterns for medium to large objects it lacks fine motor control necessary for smaller objects such as threading.
Point Design Point Digit
- Purpose: Individuals who have an amputation at or near the Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, restoring opposition and grasp.
- Features: Durable, passive digit with a ratcheting mechanishttps://www.pointdesigns.com/en/m locking into 11 flexion positions. Supports grasping medium to large objects (e.g., tools, utensils) for work or daily tasks.
- Limitations: This is a passive design and requires manual positioning of each digit. While it restores grasp patterns for medium to large objects it lacks fine motor control necessary for smaller objects such as threading.
Point Design Point Partial
- Purpose: Individuals who have an amputation at or near the Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint, aiding grip function.
- Features: The Point Partial is a powerful, passive articulating prosthetic finger that uses a new ratcheting mechanism to lock into seven distinct flexion positions.
- Limitations: The adaptability for quick grip changes is diminished by manual modification. Lack of dexterity makes it unsuitable for delicate tasks.
Point Design Point Thumb
- Purpose: Individuals who have a thumb amputation at or near the Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, restoring opposition and grasp.
- Features: Robust thumb with 11 flexion positions and MCP joint rotation for natural mobility. Supports gripping in demanding tasks like construction or daily activities.
- Limitations: Socket fit is crucial to decrease slippage from occurring.
Open Bionic Hero Gauntlet
- Purpose: Individuals who have an amputation at at the Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint, or through the metacarpal bones, however not suitable for patients with full hand amputations or higher.
- Features: Operated by wrist movement (flex to close fingers, extend to open)
- Limitations: Fingers do not move individually making fine motor control difficult. Can not preform specific finger gestures such as pointing.
- Best for: Patients who have lost one or more full fingers.
New Prosthetic Technology: 3D Printing Digits
- Purpose: For individuals who have congenital finger deficits or partial finger amputations, 3D-printed prosthetic digits are intended to restore both function and appearance. The goal of these prosthetics is to improve the quality of life for those who have lost fingers by offering a lightweight, and adaptable option that provides dexterity for everyday task performance.
- Features: Custom designs created from a 3D scan of the patients residual limb resulting in an intimate fitting 3D printed prosthesis. Everything is customizable for all activities and desires
- Limitations: Individual finger movement is limited to the patients range of motion within their residual joints. Unsuitable for patients with nerve damage and limited mobility.
Best for: Ideal for patients with amputations within the digits that are looking for residual length to assist in everyday tasks.
Adaptive Equipment & Task Specific Devices
- Grip enhancing tools - Foam or silicone grips can be added to utensils, pins, or tools to increase the diameter and reduce strain on joints to improve grasp.
- Magnetic zipper pulls - MagZips are one style of magnetically connecting zippers to help zippers fasten on their own allowing patients to pull up the zipper with one hand.
- Button Hooks - Weave through the button hole and through the button to allow patients to fasten buttons independently.
- Eazy pull hairbrush - Strap across hair brush to allow patients to brush their hair independently
- The use of AI like Grok or ChatGPT can give many solutions to adaptive equipment for partial hand amputees!
Partial hand amputations require personalized solutions, and today’s options - from cosmetic silicone restorations to advanced 3D-printed digits-offer a spectrum of choices to meet diverse needs. Whether prioritizing aesthetics, affordability, or functionality, individuals can work with our team here at Tillges Orthotics & Prosthetics to find the right fit. Adaptive equipment and rehabilitation further enhance independence, while innovations like the Hero Gauntlet and 3D-printed digits point to an exciting future. By exploring these options and leveraging support networks, partial hand amputees can regain confidence, functionality, and a renewed sense of possibility.
RESOURCES
- Heavy-Duty Prosthetic Fingers | Point Designs. (n.d.). Www.pointdesigns.com. https://www.pointdesigns.com/en/
- Hero Gauntlet. (n.d.). Open Bionics. https://openbionics.com/hero-gauntlet/
- MagZips. (n.d.). The Active Hands Company. https://www.activehands.com/product/magzips/
- Naked Prosthetics. (2019). Naked Prosthetics. https://www.npdevices.com/