Date of Last Revision

2023-05-03 12:52:36

Major

Biomedical Engineering - Biomechanics - Cooperative Education

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2019

Abstract

The main objective of this project was to create a prosthetic arm for a 15 year old boy named Jaiden Foden. Jaiden was born with only one fully developed limb as a result of a genetic disorder, Hanhart Syndrome II. His right arm becomes a residual limb below the elbow, but has two fingers which act in a “claw-like” movement. Jaiden’s left arm becomes a residual limb above the elbow, and his left leg becomes a residual limb above the knee. The goal of the arm was to increase Jaiden’s overall independence and to help in completing daily tasks, such as brushing his teeth. Additional objectives were to design the prosthetic to be adjustable, such that he could continue to use it as he grows; design the prosthetic to be relatively inexpensive to offset the overall costs of amputations and limb loss; and design it to be light and portable in order to be easily carried around and potentially applied to additional tasks. Requirements of the device included that it must be easily attachable/detachable to the user, be lightweight/portable, be relatively inexpensive, be comfortable, be resistant to skin damage, be durable, reduce overall fatigue in the user’s current right hand, and resemble a hand aesthetically. If successful, hospital charges may decrease as replacement prosthetics will be cheaper, individuals who cannot afford proper treatment or accommodations can be considered to receive this device, children will be able to use their prosthetic for an extended period of time as they grow, and children with above the elbow residual limbs (like Jaiden) will be able to have more independence.

Research Sponsor

Dr. James Keszenheimer

First Reader

Dr. Rouzbeh Amini

Second Reader

Dr. Rebecca Willits

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