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Investigating the Utility of Prostheses for Individuals with Partial Hand Amputations
Victoria Comunale, BA
1, Samara Moll, BS
2, Diane Atkins, OTR
3, Omri Ayalon, MD
4; Jacques H. Hacquebord, MD
5(1)NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, (2)NYU Langone Health, New York City, NY, (3)Hand Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, (4)New York University Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, NY, (5)NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
Introduction: Partial hand amputations can lead to significant functional impairments, particularly in performing daily activities such as manipulating objects and self-care. While prosthetics have advanced in recent years, there is limited research on how they specifically improve function for these individuals. Understanding the effectiveness of these devices is critical, as it could inform more personalized rehabilitation strategies and improve quality of life.
Methods: This study included 10 individuals with partial hand amputations. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Baseline was established at the time of prosthesis delivery, which occurred after patients had sufficient time to heal from any prior surgeries. Participants used either a body powered, ratcheting, or myo-electric partial hand prosthesis. At each study visit, the
Assessment of Motor and Upper Limb Activities (AMULA) functional assessment was administered. Testing was performed with the prosthesis starting at the 6 week visit. In addition, the
Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), the
Orthotics Prosthetic User Survey (OPUS) for upper extremity functional status, and the
PROMIS-Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities questionnaires were administered.
Results: All outcome measures demonstrated a steady improvement over time. The greatest improvements were observed within the first six weeks for AMULA, OPUS, and DASH scores, indicating early functional gains in motor ability and upper extremity function. Mean scores improved 34.2% for OPUS, 36.4% for DASH, and 60.1% for AMULA over the 1 year period.
In contrast, measures related to social reintegration and acceptance, such as Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities, showed slower initial improvements but steadily increased over time, rising 22.0% over the 1 year period.
Conclusion:
Prosthetic use improved upper extremity function with the most substantial gains observed within the first six weeks. Gradual improvements in social role participation highlight the longer timeline required for mental adaptation compared to physical recovery. Active partial hand prosthetics provide meaningful and impactful improvements for patients and should be viewed as standard of care for this patient population.
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