Patient-Specific Prosthetic Fingers by Remote Collaboration - A Case Study

TL;DR

This paper introduces a remote collaboration method for creating patient-specific prosthetic fingers using CT data, reducing clinic visits and enhancing psychosocial well-being for amputees.

Contribution

It presents a novel online process for designing and manufacturing prosthetic fingers based on CT scans, enabling remote customization and fitting.

Findings

Successful construction of a prosthetic finger via online collaboration

Potential to improve psychosocial outcomes for amputees

Reduces need for multiple clinic visits

Abstract

The concealment of amputation through prosthesis usage can shield an amputee from social stigma and help improve the emotional healing process especially at the early stages of hand or finger loss. However, the traditional techniques in prosthesis fabrication defy this as the patients need numerous visits to the clinics for measurements, fitting and follow-ups. This paper presents a method for constructing a prosthetic finger through online collaboration with the designer. The main input from the amputee comes from the Computer Tomography (CT) data in the region of the affected and the non-affected fingers. These data are sent over the internet and the prosthesis is constructed using visualization, computer-aided design and manufacturing tools. The finished product is then shipped to the patient. A case study with a single patient having an amputated ring finger at the proximal interphalangeal joint shows that the proposed method has a potential to address the patient's psychosocial concerns and minimize the exposure of the finger loss to the public.