PARTIAL HANDS PROSTHESES

Improving physical capability is a constant design criterion. This is strikingly achieved with partial hand prostheses. The use of the remaining thumb or fingers is enhanced by prosthetically providing parts against which they can work. Restoration of near-normal appearance is an important bonus. Partial hand prostheses are usually the most difficult to develop but are very rewarding.

TOTAL HANDS PROSTHESES

 When the loss is at wrist level, prosthetic fitting can usually be done without a forearm socket. Flexible armatures built into a hand prosthesis allow its configuration to be passively changed by the normal hand for holding light objects. This capability also contributes to near-normal social appearance. Despite a slight difference in length between the two arms,this technique is preferable to adding a forearm socket.