Limb loss is a psychological burden upon the amputee. It is a stressful, irreversible event which may lead to poor quality of life.

According to the National Sample Survey Organization Estimates of the Physically Disabled Persons in India (1983), the total number of amputees in the country is about 424,000 (0.62 per 1000).

A prosthetic limb is considered successful if it can fulfil two conditions:
• Create an adequate cosmetic appearance
• Provide some functional restoration of the lost limb

After interviewing the primary, secondary and tertiary users at BMVSS (Jaipur) and Alimco (Kanpur), the author found that preference was given to the cosmetic appearance of the artificial limb over functional restoration. It was also important that the product be frugal and cost-effective to address the Indian context. This became the motivation of the project.

The final design provides enhanced gestures to the existing Alimco hand using improved linkages and lever mechanisms to grab onto articles of daily use such as cylindrical bottles, toothbrushes, etc. The designed prosthetics arm also has proper hand proportions, texture and colour to resemble a real hand as prescribed by the users.

Case Study Download:
• Redesign of the ALIMCO Hand......