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

Partial hand amputations are the most common upper extremity amputations and affect individuals across a spectrum of socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds. Prosthetic devices can provide straightforward solutions to the devastating aesthetic, functional, psychological, and social deficits caused by these injuries. However, because of the recent development of multiple partial hand prosthetic devices, many hand providers remain unaware of their applicability in practice. This article highlights the various classes of partial hand prostheses currently available, including passive functional, body-powered, and externally powered options. Familiarity with these partial hand prostheses will better enable providers to care for partial hand amputees.