A ratcheting pediatric prosthetic finger using advanced
rapid manufacturing technology
ABSTRACT
The goal of the proposed project is to develop and commercialize a purely mechanical, ratcheting pediatric
prosthetic finger – the Point Mini – which 1) has an industry leading strength to weight ratio, 2) can be operated
unilaterally (one-handed), 3) offers anatomical rotation and flexion around the patient’s metacarpophalangeal
(MCP) joint, and 4) can be custom-made for each patient using advanced metal 3D printing technology.
The care of pediatric patients with partial hand limb absence requires a highly individualized approach. Each
child and their family bring unique needs to the clinic including various levels of amputation, lifestyles, personal
experience, and other medical indicators. Prosthetists and occupational therapists work with each patient and
their family to provide a personalized medical solution using whatever components and technologies are
available. Very often, the bottleneck in this system is the availability of clinically sound prosthetic components
that can be readily sourced by the prosthetists to provide an optimal prosthetic limb system, especially for the
pediatric patient population.
The largest population of people with upper limb loss are those with partial hand limb absence. This population
outnumbers all other levels of people with upper limb loss by a factor of 10. Therefore, we can make a significant
clinical impact if a product serves this population effectively. However, current commercial products for pediatric
patients with partial hand limb absence do not satisfy all the needs of these patients; passive fingers are seen
as being fragile and difficult to use while powered fingers are not indicated for use with the pediatric population.
In this Fast Track effort, we propose to 1) internally verify the Point Mini through a battery of mechanical tests,
2) validate the user needs of the Point Mini for regulatory requirements by engaging pediatric subjects with partial
hand limb loss and 3) assess the utility of the Point Mini through a clinical take-home study with pediatric patients
who have partial hand limb loss.
The mission of Point Designs is to innovate devices and algorithms in the field of upper limb prosthetic design.
We develop products that provide prosthetists and patients with solutions to meet the unique needs of each
patient in this dynamic and challenging healthcare setting. The Point Mini will provide an effective and durable
solution for children with partial hand limb loss and ensure their ability to enjoy their childhood, family, and life to
the fullest.