Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

• Seyed Mohammad Mousavi Nodoshan ¹
• Mohammad Taghi Karimi ²
• Saeid Forghani ²
• Nima Jamshidi ³
• Mahdi Naghdi ⁴

¹ Msc Student, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Academic Member, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Academic Member, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

⁴ Bsc Student, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Finger and partial finger amputations are the most frequently encountered forms of partial hand loss. Partial finger amputation not only influences on social participation of amputee but also effects on their economic situation. Good appearance and secure suspension are two most important parameters which influence on the performance of artificial finger. This research was aimed to modify and design a new suspension system for finger prosthesis to enhance suitable suspension.Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects with partial finger amputation were recruited in this study (7 women and 23 men, mean age; 29.4 years). The ultimate suspension force of the new prosthesis was compared with that of traditional one by use of a force scale system designed for this study, with an error less than 0.01 N.Results: The suspension force of the new and traditional suspension system was 1.27 N and 0.80 N, respectively, which showed a significant difference.Conclusion: The result of this research study identified that the measured forces in new design of finger prosthesis is more than that of the traditional design, due to integration of some ridges on the inner socket surface in the new prosthesis. The new method of suspension not only improves the security of finger prosthesis, but also reduces the final costs.Keywords: Finger amputation, Cosmetic silicon finger prosthesis, Suction socket, Suspension force