Passive
Prostheses
photo source: www.customprosthetic.com/finger2.html
Description
The exact design of passive prostheses varies by producer, however, they
are generally made out of polyurethane foam coated with a semi-soft silicone
shell. They are attached to residual limbs by suction and/or form-fitting
that may utilize zipper fasteners.
Advantages
Passive prostheses usually have high cosmetic value. They are custom-made
for each individual in order to imitate the individual’s existing
hand/arm and they are highly stain-resistant. The prostheses contain passive-adjustment
armatures in the hand and fingers that allow passive grip, or even active
grip when there is a partial or total digit remaining. The armatures may
be manipulated by the wearer’s other hand. These prostheses allow
vibration transfer from the prosthetic fingers to the residual hand, thereby
obtaining some level of proprioception.
photo source: http://www.livingskin.com/hand_partial.htm
Disadvantages
Passive prostheses are primarily cosmetic with very little functionality
except for minimal gripping capabilities using the passive-adjustment
armatures. Over time they may stain and need replacement.
References
1) Bodeau, Valerie S. “Upper Limb Prosthetics.” 2002. eMedicine:
Instant Access to the Minds of Medicine. 23 Apr. 2003. <http://emedicine.com/pmr/topic174.htm>.
2) “Dermatos® Custom Made Hand Prosthetics.” 2000. Alatheia Prosthetics Rehabilitation Center. 10 Apr. 2003 <http://www.alatheia.com/hand-prostheses.htm>.
3)Miguelez, John. “Increasing Upper Extremity Prosthetic Success Rate.” 2002. Advanced Arm Dynamics. 12 Apr. 2003 <http://www/armdynamics.com/bizworld_prosthetic_success_ rates.htm>.
Links:
Dermatos®
Inea Orthopedics
Livingskin®
