title: Prostheses for partial hand amputations.
abstract: Amputation of part of a hand may create significant functional limitations for the amputee which are difficult to ameliorate by either orthoses or prostheses. To help develop a logical approach to devices for partial hand amputations the patterns of losses have been studied and a division into four categories has been proposed. Transphalangeal, thumb spared; thenar, partial or complete; transmetacarpal, distal; transmetacarpal, proximal. By utilizing basic principles of orthotics and prosthetics and by exercising ingenuity, it is often possible to provide considerable improvement in function and/or cosmesis to individuals with partial hand amputations. Case illustrations and their prosthetic solutions are presented.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries