title: Electro-Mechanical Finger Prosthesis: A Novel Approach for Rehabilitation of Finger Amputees.
abstract: Prosthesis refers to artificial replacement of an absent part of the human body. These prostheses help in psychological support of the patients and enhance their social acceptance. Complete or partial finger amputations are some of most frequently encountered forms of partial hand loss. Micro vascular reconstruction is the first choice of rehabilitation but when it is contraindicated, unavailable, unsuccessful or unaffordable, the prosthetic rehabilitation is an alternative for improving the psychological status of an individual. Most of these artificial prostheses make use of silicone. The present paper tries to combine aesthetics with function. The authors have created functionally active finger prosthesis with the help of electromechanical controls. The prosthesis is battery-powered, light-weight, and allows the user to regain complete control of flexion and extension movements of an artificial finger.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Tamilnadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, 600003 India.
authors.forename: Rekha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jhamtani
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Tamilnadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, 600003 India.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meenakshi
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Tamilnadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, 600003 India.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Thulasingam
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Tamilnadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, 600003 India.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sabarigirinathan
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Tamilnadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, 600003 India.
authors.forename: Bhabagrahi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sahu
keywords: Amputees; Finger prosthesis; Functional prosthesis