Observational Study of People with Complete Hand Amputation Using a Multi-grip Myoelectric Prosthesis a Following Using a Standard Myoelectric Prosthesis

Cases of unilateral or bilateral upper limb amputation result in functional and aesthetic disability and a marked deterioration in quality of life. Amputees may use no prostheses, or use a combination of cosmetic prostheses, body-powered prostheses, or myoelectric prostheses (MHP). Among MHP, there are standard MHPs with a single degree of freedom (DOF) and one grip type, and multi-grip myoelectric hand (MG-MHP) with multiple DOF. Amputees who do not use a prosthesis or a cosmetic prosthesis appear to have more difficulties in their daily activities and a greater disability than those who use body powered or myoelectric prostheses. While theoretically a MG-MHP offers the potential for subjects to perform more natural movements than a standard MHP, clinical evidence substantiating the advantages of MG-MHP over standard MHP in daily life remains inconclusive. It remains essential to compare the advantages of MG-MHPs versus standard MHPs regarding functionality in daily life, quality of life and overall satisfaction among subjects who agree to transition from their standard MHP to a MG-MHP. The primary objective of this study was to assess upper limb function (specifically, the upper limb function component of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Users' Survey (OPUS) questionnaire) provided by a specific MG-MHP, i-Limb®, compared to a standard MHP in subjects with complete hand amputation. The subjects participating in the study were patients equipped with MHP, coming to the center for a MG-MHPs hand test. If the prescription for the MG-MHPs hand was validated, the patient was then followed in the study for 8 to 10 weeks.