If ‘fully-functioning’ is the gold standard in prosthetics, then the new i-LIMB prosthetic hand must come awfully close to the platinum standard — form and function taken to new heights. Take a look at the picture above of the i-LIMB and the comesis that covers it. Can you tell which hand is the prosthetic?
Each of the i-LIMB’s digits are individually powered; myoelectric controls are used to control the hand. The manufacturer says that function is intuitive for users of previous generation myoelectric prostheses, minimizing the adjustment phase.
Sensitivity is considerably enhanced, even compared to previous myoelectric devices. All five digits are fully articulated, and a rotating thumb offers a greater range of grip possibilities.
Sgt. Juan Arredondo, who lost a hand in Iraq, now uses an i-LIMB.
“I can pick up a Styrofoam cup without crushing it,” said Sgt. Arredondo. “With my other myoelectric hand, I would really have to concentrate on how much pressure I was putting on the cup. The i-LIMB hand does things naturally. I can just grab the cup like a regular person.”
Maintenance is a departure, too — each digit can be removed independently if necessary for repairs, meaning that it isn’t necessary to go without the whole prosthesis for a prolonged period while repairs are done.
Via medGadget
Arredondo quote and additional information on the Touch Biotronics website