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Prosthetic Hand

Build a prosthetic thumb that is affordable and can function well enough for the patient to be able to go back to work.

Project Overview

The patient is a low-income individual who has suffered a severe infection, resulting in the loss of his thumb, pointer finger, middle finger, and part of his palm in his dominant hand. The ring finger is immobile, and the pinky can bend up to an angle of 10 degrees. His wrist can bend only 20 to 30 degrees. The skin from his palm to ⅔ way up his forearm received a skin graft, and as a result, he does not have superficial feeling there anymore. There is sensitivity and pain at the locations of the lost digits, so contact should be avoided at these points. The patient is unable to complete simple tasks with substantial weight or dexterity, resulting in an inability to perform required tasks at a job. To help the patient, the team will build a functional, long-term hand prosthetic, allowing him to lift up to 2.5 kg. It should also provide a way to hold smaller items, such as a writing utensil, among other fine motor functions.

Team Picture

From left to right: Emily Groves, Danielle Lefko, Ren Scharlau, and Stephanie Silin
From left to right: Emily Groves, Danielle Lefko, Ren Scharlau, and Stephanie Silin

Image

The final working prosthetic prototype
The final working prosthetic prototype

Files

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Emmalina Groves - Team Leader
  • Stephanie Silin - Communicator & BPAG
  • Danielle Lefko - BSAC
  • Karen Scharlau - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Mitchell Tyler - Advisor
  • Ms. Shirley Katz - Client

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