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Article
A custom, functional and lifelike passive prosthetic hand for infants and small toddlers: Clinical note
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
  • Arezoo Eshraghi, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Jaeeun Yoo, University of Toronto, Institute of Biomedical Engineering
  • James Klein, University of Toronto, Institute of Biomedical Engineering
  • Ian Mckenzie, University of Toronto, Institute of Biomedical Engineering
  • Gabrielle Sebaldt, University of Toronto, Institute of Biomedical Engineering
  • Matthew Leineweber, San Jose State University
  • Lisa Artero, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Sandra Ramdial, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Jan Andrysek, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Publication Date
6-1-2020
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1177/0309364620909276
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
Citation Information
Arezoo Eshraghi, Jaeeun Yoo, James Klein, Ian Mckenzie, et al.. "A custom, functional and lifelike passive prosthetic hand for infants and small toddlers: Clinical note" Prosthetics and Orthotics International Vol. 44 Iss. 3 (2020) p. 180 - 184
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/matthew-leineweber/25/