Article

Literature mostly describes the cosmetic role of prostheses for
finger amputation. The impact on hand function has not been systematically
explored. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to describe the impact of silicone finger
prostheses on hand function and gripping ability.
STUDY DESIGN: Prospective
descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS: We included 42 adult patients with
partial or complete single- or multiple-digit amputation of one hand. We evaluated hand function of the injured hand without and with the prosthesis with the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure, and grip power and tracking ability
with a grip-force tracking system. RESULTS: Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure
grip index scores were slightly higher when using the prosthesis as compared to
not using it (though not reaching the minimum real difference reported in the
literature), except for lateral grip. Grip power was not significantly affected
by prosthesis use for power grip and lateral grip and slightly diminished for tip
grip. Tracking errors only differed with respect to the signal type but not with
respect to using the prosthesis. CONCLUSION: A minimum improvement of hand
function can be expected at best with silicone prostheses for finger amputation,
accompanied by a slight decrease in tip grip power. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
Based on
our results, an evidence-based explanation can be given to patients after finger
amputation regarding the functional benefits that can be expected from a silicone
prosthesis.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS