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Electric versus pneumatic power in hand prostheses for children
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands.
Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Pneumatic power offers a promising alternative to traditional electric myoelectric hand prostheses for children. This approach can overcome limitations like high weight, slow speed, and bulkiness in current pediatric below-elbow prosthetics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
Background:
- Externally powered hand prostheses for children with below-elbow amputation are typically myoelectrically controlled and electrically powered.
- Current myoelectric prostheses present challenges including high weight, low operating speed, system vulnerability, and size limitations, particularly for patients with long residual limbs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of pneumatic power as an alternative to electrical power for externally powered pediatric hand prostheses.
- To demonstrate how pneumatic systems can address the limitations of current myoelectric prosthetic devices.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the theoretical advantages and potential of pneumatic power systems.
- Comparison of pneumatic systems against established myoelectric prosthetic technologies for pediatric use.
Main Results:
- Pneumatic power has the potential to significantly reduce prosthetic weight compared to electric systems.
- Pneumatic systems may offer improved operating speeds and enhanced system robustness.
- The reduced size of pneumatic components could allow for better fitting in children with longer forearm stumps.
Conclusions:
- Pneumatic power presents a viable solution to overcome key disadvantages of current myoelectric hand prostheses for children.
- This technology could lead to more functional, lighter, and better-fitting prosthetic devices for pediatric amputees.