This project assesses the feasibility of development of an orphan product. The objective is to make a low-cost, endoskeletal, prosthetic hand available for purchase for upper limb amputees in the USA and abroad. Current mechanical hands have the disadvantages of poor cosmesis, heavy weight, and difficult operation. As a result, mechanical hands are not often recommended for upper limb amputees, especially children. The predominant choice is either a functional hook or an externally powered (electric) hand. Although very functional, hooks have poor cosmetic acceptance among adult and child amputees and parents. More cosmetic electric hands are widely available, but many times are prohibitive due to their heavy weight and high expense. The more anatomical, endoskeletal hand is soft; half the weight of current mechanical hands and requires less force to operate. The adaptive grasp of the hand emulates natural hand function and movement. Because the hand is made of self-skinning polyurethane foam, it needs no separate cosmetic glove, which is costly and greatly decreases work efficiency. Through collaboration with the DVA Palo Alto for feasibility and development, Hosmer Dorrance Corporation will commit to the commercialization and distribution of the product.Summary of anticipated results and implications: By being softer, lighter and more energy efficient, the endoskeletal hand would be more functional and acceptable than current mechanical hands. Younger amputees and families are demanding terminal devices that are functional, durable, and more life-like in appearance (Meeting of Project Advisory Group, 1993).We project that the endoskeletal hand can be made and sold at about $200 versus the $500-900 for current mechanical hands. Estimated number of arm amputees in the USA is 100,000. Children need replacement hands frequently due to wear and growth. A low cost hand would allow low cost replacement of prosthetic hand. The need for hands is greatly increased abroad in countries like Bosnia, Cambodia and Vietnam, where landmine trauma to young people is prevalent (Aiding Landmine Survivors, 1998). It is estimated that only half of arm amputees in the USA actually wear prostheses due to functional, cultural and expense issues. We think that internationally the percentage of arm amputees wearing prostheses may be less than in the USA.It is our expectation that non-users as well as current prosthetic wearers would find the endoskeletal hand beneficial functionally, aesthetically and psychologically. Also, there is an ever growing need for low cost hands in developing countries where amputees cannot afford electric hands and culturally will not accept the use of hooks.We anticipate that with the SBIR grant support, we will be able to commercialize the hand and that sales, while not a big market, will sustain the ability to make the hand available to meet the low-volume, high need market.
