A ratcheting pediatric prosthetic finger using advanced rapid manufacturing technology

A ratcheting pediatric prosthetic finger using advanced rapid manufacturing technology ABSTRACT The goal of the proposed project is to develop and commercialize a purely mechanical, ratcheting pediatric prosthetic finger – the Point Mini – which 1) has an industry leading strength to weight ratio, 2) can be operated unilaterally (one-handed), 3) offers anatomical rotation and flexion around the patient’s metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, and 4) can be custom-made for each patient using advanced metal 3D printing technology. The care of pediatric patients with partial hand limb absence requires a highly individualized approach. Each child and their family bring unique needs to the clinic including various levels of amputation, lifestyles, personal experience, and other medical indicators. Prosthetists and occupational therapists work with each patient and their family to provide a personalized medical solution using whatever components and technologies are available. Very often, the bottleneck in this system is the availability of clinically sound prosthetic components that can be readily sourced by the prosthetists to provide an optimal prosthetic limb system, especially for the pediatric patient population. The largest population of people with upper limb loss are those with partial hand limb absence. This population outnumbers all other levels of people with upper limb loss by a factor of 10. Therefore, we can make a significant clinical impact if a product serves this population effectively. However, current commercial products for pediatric patients with partial hand limb absence do not satisfy all the needs of these patients; passive fingers are seen as being fragile and difficult to use while powered fingers are not indicated for use with the pediatric population. In this Fast Track effort, we propose to 1) internally verify the Point Mini through a battery of mechanical tests, 2) validate the user needs of the Point Mini for regulatory requirements by engaging pediatric subjects with partial hand limb loss and 3) assess the utility of the Point Mini through a clinical take-home study with pediatric patients who have partial hand limb loss. The mission of Point Designs is to innovate devices and algorithms in the field of upper limb prosthetic design. We develop products that provide prosthetists and patients with solutions to meet the unique needs of each patient in this dynamic and challenging healthcare setting. The Point Mini will provide an effective and durable solution for children with partial hand limb loss and ensure their ability to enjoy their childhood, family, and life to the fullest.