Experts, stating that bionic hands are applied to limbs amputated due to congenital anomalies or problems that occur later, state that due to ongoing bone development in children, the bionic hand application should be performed after the age of 20. Lecturer Kübra Akkalay says that mechanical prostheses would be more suitable than bionic hands due to their lightness and lower cost, given the difficulty in carrying them and the need for control at least every 6 months. Akkalay emphasizes that the sensors in the bionic hand must be protected from getting wet, and its battery from heat.
Experts warn about the age of 20…
Lecturer Kübra Akkalay, Head of the Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS), made evaluations and shared her recommendations regarding the bionic hand application developed for amputated limbs in the upper body.
It performs the functions of the amputated limb
Lecturer Kübra Akkalay stated that bionic hands are applications that emulate human anatomy and functions in cases of congenital anomalies or problems that occur later. "The limb that has lost its function is recreated with a bionic hand using modern hand surgery techniques and prostheses. It can be applied to amputated upper extremity limbs. Working through bionic chips placed inside the socket, all movements a real hand can perform can be done. With a bionic hand, objects are detected and can be held and grasped precisely," she said.
It can create carrying difficulties for children
Lecturer Kübra Akkalay stated that it is appropriate for children who need hand and finger prostheses to have a bionic hand after their bone development is complete. "Since bone development continues in children, the bionic hand application should be done after the age of 20. The weight of the bionic hand can create carrying difficulties for child patients. Children do not want to wear and use a heavy prosthesis. With a prosthesis that cannot be adapted to, both their education and social lives are negatively affected," she warned.
Should be checked every 6 months
Lecturer Kübra Akkalay emphasized that child patients requiring prostheses need to be checked at least every six months. "If necessary, their prostheses should be renewed. Developing and growing bone tissue causes prostheses in children to become too small, which is why prostheses should be renewed with regular follow-ups. Since controls and renewals incur costs for families, we can say that the use of mechanical hand prostheses is more suitable for children who will use prostheses. Mechanical prostheses are lightweight and cost-effective. By being visually colored, children are enabled to adapt to their prostheses. In the use of mechanical hands, being careful against heat is sufficient," she said.
Should be protected from water and heat
Lecturer Kübra Akkalay, Head of the Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program at Üsküdar Üniversitesi VSHS, and from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, stated that tests are performed on nerves and muscles in the limb. "Bionic hands are made for patients who receive approval after the tests. The sensors inside the socket of the bionic hand must not get wet or be exposed to sweat. The sweating limb and the inside of the socket should be dried properly. At the same time, the battery must not be exposed to heat or water," she stated.