The Reality of Prosthetic Use
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Correction of Previous Blog
At Marins Med, we value providing accurate information to our readers. In a previous post, we incorrectly referenced the title of a study on prosthetic use and abandonment. The correct title of the study is "Prosthetic Use in Individuals with Upper Limb Loss: A Preliminary Investigation". Additionally, the post previously overstated the number of participants in the study. This corrected post provides an accurate reflection of the research and its key findings.
Understanding Prosthetic Use and Abandonment in Upper-Limb Loss
The study Prosthetic Use in Individuals with Upper Limb Loss: A Preliminary Investigation offers important insights into why some amputees with upper-limb loss choose to stop using their prosthetic devices. Although it is a preliminary investigation, the findings reveal key challenges faced by individuals when adapting to prosthetic devices.
According to the study, many upper-limb amputees reported difficulty using prosthetics in their daily lives, often leading to the abandonment of the devices. The most common reasons for abandonment included discomfort, insufficient functionality, and the high maintenance demands of the devices. The data showed that prosthetic devices that do not meet the practical and psychological needs of users are less likely to be adopted long-term.
Key Findings: Why Amputees Abandon Prosthetics
The research highlighted several critical factors influencing the abandonment of prosthetic devices:
Discomfort: A significant percentage of respondents reported discomfort as a leading cause for discontinuing prosthetic use. This issue particularly affects amputees who use prosthetics for extended periods, where pressure point of friction, and weight distribution contribute to discomfort.
Lac of Functionality: The study revealed that some prosthetics fail to deliver the level of functionality needed for daily tasks. For users who require fine motor control or multi-tasking capabilities, certain prosthetic devices do not provide adequate support, leading to frustration and abandonment.
High Maintenance: Prosthetic maintenance is often time-consuming and costly, deterring long-term use. Devices that require frequent repairs or complex servicing can be impractical for daily life, leading to dissatisfaction among users.
Psychological Impact and Body Image Considerations
Beyond the technical limitations, the study also emphasized the psychological factors contributing to prosthetic abandonment. Body image and self-perception play a significant role in whether an individual continues to use a prosthetic. Those who reported dissatisfaction with their prosthetic often cited the emotional impact it had on their self-esteem and social interactions. The perceived unnatural appearance of some prosthetic devices can negatively affect users’ self-confidence.
The Role of User-Centric Design
The findings of this preliminary study point to the need for prosthetic devices that align more closely with the practical and emotional needs of users. At Marins Med, this is a priority for our design and engineering teams. The ProHensor is a prime example of our commitment to creating user-friendly, functional devices that enhance everyday life.
The ProHensor features a self-actuated locking system, providing users with a secure grip during daily activities. This system mimics the functionality of higher-tech devices while maintaining the simplicity and durability of a body-powered prosthetic. The ProHensor is also designed to be easily serviced in the field, addressing one of the major barriers to continued use highlighted in the study—maintenance.
Addressing Prosthetic Abandonment with Innovative Solutions
The Preliminary Investigation into prosthetic use reinforces the need for continuous innovation in prosthetic design. Devices like the ProHensor address many of the issues highlighted in the study by focusing on durability, functionality, and user-centric design. By bridging the gap between body-powered and myoelectric prosthetics, we hope to reduce abandonment rates and improve user satisfaction.
At Marins Med, we remain committed to enhancing the lives of those in the limb loss community by creating prosthetics that are not only functional but also comfortable and emotionally supportive.
For more details on the study, you can access the full article here.