Article

Upper extremity myoelectric prostheses are expensive.
The Robohand demonstrated that three-dimensional printing reduces the cost of a
prosthetic extremity. The goal of this project was to develop a novel,
inexpensive three-dimensional printed prosthesis to address limitations of the Robohand. TECHNIQUE: The prosthesis was designed for patients with transradial
limb amputation. It is shoulder-controlled and externally powered with an
anthropomorphic terminal device. The user can open and close all five fingers,
and move the thumb independently. The estimated cost is US$300.
DISCUSSION: After
testing on a patient with a traumatic transradial amputation, several advantages
were noted. The independent thumb movement facilitated object grasp, the device
weighed less than most externally powered prostheses, and the size was easily
scalable. Limitations of the new prosthetic include low grip strength and
decreased durability compared to passive prosthetics.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most
children with a transradial congenital or traumatic amputation do not use a
prosthetic. A three-dimensional printed shoulder-controlled robotic prosthesis
provides a cost effective, easily sized and highly functional option which has
been previously unavailable.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS