Electronic artificial hand controlled by reconstructed digit.
OBJECTIVE: To treat the loss of part of the forearm with a multi-dimension-freedom electronic artificial hand, which is controlled by a reconstructed finger transplanted from the second toe to the forearm stump. METHODS: The female patient was 19 years old, whose right hand and wrist were crushed into pieces by machine at work and her forearm was amputated at the level of 8 cm proximal to the wrist. The second toe of her left foot was transplanted to reconstruct the digit onto the stump of her forearm. Two months after the transplantation, the patient was transferred to the rehabilitation center for further rehabilitation training, which consisted of: training for adaptation to weight bearing, testing and training of sensibility to weight. testing and training for stability of the hand, and testing and training for the controlling function of the reconstructed digit. RESULTS: The transplanted toe survived well. After rehabilitation the reconstructed digit functioned well. In testing the performance under control mandate, the accuracy rate of the electronic artificial hand was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: A 100% accuracy rate of the electronic artificial hand can be achieved by transplantation of the toe onto the stump of the forearm. It provides a useful pathway and an example for improvement of control accuracy of a multiple-freedom electronic artificial hand and reduction of false action.
Chen
Zhongwei
Z
Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University, Sha nghai 200032, China.
Chen
Zhengrong
Z
Hu
Tianpei
T