Finger Amputees Return to Daily Activities with New Device
By Daniel Didrick Didrick Medical recently unveiled the new
X-Finger®, which offers both aesthetic restoration and active
function, adding a new level of expectation that will be required
of artificial fingers for the 21st century.
Essentially, the X-Finger is the first
active-function artificial finger on the market that attaches to a
finger amputees' residual limb. With this new device, amputees can
independently gain control their artificial finger in the same
manner as a real finger.
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Photo courtesy of Didrick Medical |
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Currently, finger amputees have limited options because
available finger prostheses have allowed for aesthetic restoration,
but only limited function. The X-Finger replaces missing phalanges
and allows the user to regain complete control of the jointed
segments. The self-contained device is easy to don and doff by the
user and can resolve a variety of hand restorative cases. Whether
the amputee requires articulation of a single digit or an entire
four-finger restoration, the X-Finger offers new hope for
individuals who want complete independent active function in a
self-contained device.
How It Works
The articulation of the X-Finger is completely controlled by the
movement of the residual finger. By utilizing the residual finger
as the controlling mechanism, the same cognitive process used to
flex and extend the amputated finger now controls the X-Fingers'
flexion/extension movements. When the user dons the X-Finger, the
(extension) upward and (flexion) downward movement of the residual
finger dictates the position of the replaced artificial phalanges.
When the residual finger is extended upward, the artificial
phalanges will also extend upward, causing the X-Finger to
straighten as if the user were pointing. As the residual finger
begins to flex or move downward, the artificial phalanges will also
begin to flex, mimicking the prior finger's natural movements.
For added realism, articulation of the X-Finger increases in
proportion relative to the movement of the residual finger. This
allows the user to pick up items by utilizing the tip of the
X-Finger in combination with the thumb. The device allows the user
to pinch objects as well as creating a fist when the user's thumb
is not restricting the articulation of the device. This
increasingly proportional method of articulation allows the user to
grasp and pick up objects such as a cup of coffee or a business
card in a more realistic manner than with current non-functioning
artificial fingers.
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Photo courtesy of Didrick Medical |
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All three sections representing the distal,
middle, and proximal finger segments are adjustable for length,
thus allowing the
X-Finger to properly match the desired length of nearly any size
finger. Once the desired length is calibrated, the device is
inserted into a realistic silicone finger sheath, specially
designed to bend while the device articulates. When the X-Finger is
completely articulated, spaces in the device cause the silicone to
fold and gently force the sheath to bend in a natural manner
resembling an actual finger.
The X-Finger is attached to the hand utilizing a malleable wire
form, which fits over the top and the underneath the metacarpal of
the residual finger. The wire form can easily be manipulated to
conform to the unique shape of the user's hand in an extremely
low-profile manner. The X-Finger can be fitted in one sitting
without the need of creating a positive hand cast.
Generic, Custom Sheaths
Included with the X-Finger is a generic finger sheath fabricated
from a supple silicone. The generic sheath permits the user to be
fitted with the X-Finger and sheath immediately upon shipment of
the device. Thus, if a patient requests a custom sheath, he or she
can wear the generic sheath until the custom sheath arrives.
If a custom finger sheath is requested, a positive cast of the
patient's opposing hand is needed. The cast will then be scanned
into a 3D computer image. The data image is mirrored and used to
create a custom mold using rapid prototyping. This allows Didrick
Medical to fabricate sheaths that identically match the amputated
finger's shape and size. Further, Didrick Medical will supply the
mold upon request in order for the practitioner to pour up multiple
sheaths for those "do-it-yourselfers." Practitioners that have
access to a patient's mold can quickly pour a new mold for users
when needed.
Creating custom sheaths using a Didrick Medical mold does not
require any heavy or expensive machinery. The silicone can be mixed
in disposable cups with pigments, then inserted into a plastic
syringe and simply injected into the intake hole of the mold. Once
cured, the sheath is removed and ready for use. Depending on the
level of color matching desired, there are extrinsic silicone
paints available as well as sealants that set the coloration,
permitting the sheath to be washed with soap and water without
losing the added color detail.
More Options for Practitioners
Studies have shown that approximately 60 percent of finger
amputees who decided not to be fitted with a prosthetic finger did
so because the fingers available did not articulate. Now with the
X-Finger, anaplastologists, as well the O&P community, have an
advantage when discussing options with their patients. Whether it's
playing the piano or simply shaking someone's hand, the X-Finger
can help restore numerous daily activities.
For a free clinical evaluation of a potential patient,
simply fax a copy of your patient's hands to 888.569.1478 or e-mail
a digital image to contact@didrickmedical.com.
Didrick Medical will contact you with information regarding
rehabilitation options utilizing the X-Finger.
Daniel "Dan" Didrick is president of Didrick Medical Inc.,
Naples, Florida. 
Table Of Contents - November 2005
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