Partial hand amputations are everywhere, but prosthetic care is not.

Globally, partial hand amputations are the most common type of upper limb loss. A partial hand amputation involves the loss of one or more fingers, either close to the palm or further out, due to trauma, disease, or congenital differences.

Starting my career in manufacturing, I saw this all the time: coworkers missing a finger or two after a workplace accident. According to Carlyle et al., even the loss of a single finger can significantly affect grip strength, tactile feedback, non-verbal communication, and self-perception.

So what happens when someone with a partial hand amputation needs a prosthesis?

Interestingly, it largely depends on where they live and the resources they can access. In Canada, prosthetic coverage is not universal. 

Some provinces, like Saskatchewan and Alberta, offer full funding for basic partial hand prostheses. Others, like New Brunswick and Newfoundland, offer no public funding at all. This patchwork system can leave charitable organizations, provincial workplace insurance providers, private extended insurance, and amputees themselves to fill in the financial gaps.

Globally, the prosthetic funding picture surprised me: While 80% of upper limb amputees live in developing countries, only about 5% of them have access to prosthetic care.

Led by VHP’s Michelle Martindale, our team is developing a partial hand prosthesis designed for low-resource settings. The prosthesis structure is 3D printed with TPU material, creating a flexible yet durable structure. It’s a passive mechanism, holding its position when moved into place through rigid wires in the fingers. 

Partial hand prototype printed with TPU material

Canadian Paralympian, Natalie Wilkie, is a cross-country skier and partial hand amputee. Together, we've teamed up to trial the first iterations of this design. We're working toward a future where partial hand prosthetic care is not a privilege, but a possibility for everyone.

Seven time Paralympic medalist, Natalie Wilkie, posing with TPU partial hand prosthetic