UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN NIGERIA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

A PRACTICAL REPORT
ON DESIGN OF A PROSTHETIC FINGER 

 

NAME: OGBU Emmanuel
MATRIC NO: 18/30GP040
COURSE: BME 403

 
AIMS AND OBJECTIVE
The aim of this Design is to create a prothetic Finger which can be use to replace amputated fingers by just inserting the designed finger into the area of amputated finger which makes it look like an original finger. This prothetic finger takes the shape and function of the amputated finger in other to reduce some limitations in the individual.  
 
MATERIALS USED
1.    Silicon
2.    Glycerine 
3.    Gelatin
4.    Hot water
5.    Lubricant
6.    Colorant (brown powder makeup)
 
PROCEDURES
1.    Press little quantity of about 15% of the silicon into a container containing water.
2.    Use both hands to press the silicone gently till it becomes a little bit harder than it was.
3.    Use the lubricant to rub both hands to allow easy removal of the silicon.
4.    Place the silicone on the desired finger and create a mould with it, allowing it to solidify taking the shape of the hand.
5.    Remove the molded silicone from the hand and allow to properly solidify.
6.    Mix about 3-5 teaspoon of the gelatin with about 10-15ml of the glycerol.
7.    Put the already mixed gelatin and glycerol in a hot water and allow it to dissolve properly.
8.    Add little lubricant into the mould
9.      Pour the dissolved mixture into the mould created with the silicone
10.    Allow it to cool and then remove the already molded finger prosthetic. 
 
PRECAUTION
1.    Prevent the use of much force while removing the mould from the finger.
2.    Appropriate mixture of the gelatin and the glycerol
3.    Enough lubricant was use for easy removal
4.    Careful removal of the prothetic finger from the mould  

 

CONCLUSION
This Design gives an insight to creating prothesis for other body parts. Understanding the nature and structure of various body parts and how to create prosthetic for them.
With this design of a prosthetic Finger, other part of the body can also be created following same procedures using appropriate apparatus.