The Point Digit II: Mechanical Design and Testing of a Ratcheting Prosthetic Finger.

Introduction: People with partial hand loss represent the largest population of upper limb amputees by a factor of 10. The available prosthetic componentry for people with digit loss provide various methods of control, kinematic designs, and functional abilities. Here, the Point Digit II is empirically tested and a discussion is provided comparing the Point Digit II with the existing commercially available prosthetic fingers.

Characterization of 3-Dimensional Printing and Casting Materials for use in Computed Tomography and X-ray Imaging Phantoms.

Imaging phantoms are used to calibrate and validate the performance of medical computed tomography (CT) systems. Many new materials developed for three-dimensional (3D) printing processes may be useful in the direct printing or casting of biomimetic and geometrically accurate CT and X-ray phantoms. The X-ray linear attenuation coefficients of polymer samples were measured to discover materials for use as tissue mimics in phantoms.

Characterization of 3-Dimensional Printing and Casting Materials for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Phantoms at 3 T.

Imaging phantoms are used to calibrate and validate the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. Many new materials have been developed for additive manufacturing (three-dimensional [3D] printing) processes that may be useful in the direct printing or casting of dimensionally accurate, anatomically accurate, patient-specific, and/or biomimetic MRI phantoms. The T1, T2, and T2* spin relaxation times of polymer samples were tested to discover materials for use as tissue mimics and structures in MRI phantoms.

Functional Assessment of a Myoelectric Postural Controller and Multi-Functional Prosthetic Hand by Persons With Trans-Radial Limb Loss.

The functional assessment of myoelectric control algorithms by persons with amputation promotes the overarching goal of the field of prosthetic limb design: to replace what was lost. However, many studies use experimental paradigms with virtual interfaces and able-bodied subjects that do not capture the challenges of a clinical implementation with an amputee population. A myoelectric control system must be robust to variable physiology, loading effects of the prosthesis on the limb, and limb position effects during dynamic tasks.