Restoration of Hand Function by the Use of Partial or Total Prosthetic Replacement

PART I. THE USE OF PARTIAL PROSTHESES

¹ From the Area Child Amputee Center, Mary Free Bed Guild Children's Hospital and Orthopaedic Center, Grand Rapids

The partial prosthesis fills the gap between a total prosthesis and reconstructive surgery. It allows the patient who still has a functioning hand remnant to have useful prehension; at the same time, available sensation is not masked. It may aid a patient awaiting reconstructive surgery and avoid total amputation and a total prothesis. A partial prosthesis may be used when a patient is reluctant to undergo multiple reconstructive procedures. A satisfactory result sometimes may be achieved with a combination of surgery and a partial prothesis. The development of efficient partial prostheses for the patient who lacks major structures of the hand due to trauma or congenital deficiency should be continued.

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