Restoring Form and Function to the Partial Hand Amputee: Prosthetic Options from the Fingertip to the Palm

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Partial hand amputations represent the most frequent upper extremity amputations.
• These injuries significantly impact individuals' aesthetics, function, psychology, and social well-being.
• A gap exists in provider awareness regarding the applicability of emerging prosthetic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform healthcare providers about the diverse range of available partial hand prostheses.
• To bridge the knowledge gap concerning the practical application of modern prosthetic solutions.
• To enhance the care provided to individuals with partial hand amputations.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on partial hand prostheses.
• Categorization of devices into passive functional, body-powered, and externally powered options.
• Discussion of the clinical applicability and benefits of each prosthesis class.

Main Results:

• Multiple classes of partial hand prostheses are available, offering varied functionalities.
• Passive functional prostheses provide basic aesthetic and functional restoration.
• Body-powered and externally powered prostheses offer advanced functional capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Increased provider familiarity with partial hand prostheses is crucial for optimal patient care.
• Understanding the different prosthetic types enables better matching of devices to individual patient needs.
• Advancements in prosthetic technology offer improved outcomes for individuals with partial hand amputations.