A cosmetic functional hand incorporating a silicone rubber cosmetic glove.

A body powered hand prosthesis has been developed with a view to meeting some of the more c o m m o n criticisms made against currently available designs i.e. weight and cosmetic appearance. A n overall weight reduction of about 30 per cent has been achieved and the use of silicone rubber as the cosmetic glove material has resulted in greatly improved cosmesis and stain resistance. The prosthesis also incorporates a new style of prehension that is felt to give improved visibility when picking up small objects. The hand has been produced in conjunction with the endoskeletal a r m system also under development at the Orthopaedic Bio-Engineering Unit , Edinburgh.