A wrist-powered hand prosthesis.

This paper describes a prosthesis for patients who have had a partial amputation of the hand, or who have congenital absence of all or part of the hand. The prosthesis incorporates a new concept whereby the grip is operated by flexion and extension of the wrist. A covering for the prosthesis has been developed using a silicone polymer which produces a lifelike flexible glove. Thirteen patients have so far been fitted with this type of prosthesis, which can give good function and cosmesis.