Back to farm work after losing a hand: which prosthesis suits the job?
For farm work involving water and soil, a titanium semi-automatic prosthesis that can be used in wet conditions can be less of a worry than one with electronic parts. For our customer, who wanted to carry on working an orchard after losing a hand, we proposed a 3D titanium semi-automatic prosthesis (Point Designs, USA — Silobionic is the exclusive partner in Korea) and added a silicone palm pad sized to their farm pipes for a steady grip.
Why did our customer come to us?
Our customer runs an orchard. After losing a hand, two tasks became especially hard: lifting and carrying crates of harvested fruit, and handling farm pipes, which needs a fine, controlled grip. They came to us looking for a way to manage both.
Why not a powered (myoelectric) hand?
A powered hand, driven by electrical signals from the muscles, is good at fine hand movements, but the sensors and electronics inside make it hard to keep fully waterproof. Our customer was uneasy about using one all day in the water and soil of an orchard, so we proposed a titanium semi-automatic prosthesis as a better fit for that environment.
| What mattered for the work | Powered hand | Titanium semi-automatic |
|---|---|---|
| How it moves | Sensors read electrical signals from the muscles | Bends when pressed against your body or an object; springs open again when fully flexed |
| Water and soil | Electronics make full waterproofing difficult | Can be used for wet tasks |
| Material | Varies by product | 3D metal-printed titanium |
Neither is simply better; the right choice depends on where you will use it. For this customer, not being easily damaged by water and soil was the deciding factor.
How did we help with gripping farm pipes?
The task our customer cared about most was handling farm pipes. At their request, we made a separate silicone pad for the palm side, sized to the diameter of those pipes. It lets the pipe sit securely in the hand and widens the range of work the prosthesis can do.
How was it made?
We took a mould of the affected area to build a socket that fits the hand, then at the check visit attached the titanium fingers to the socket to confirm their position and comfort. What we learned at that stage went into the finished prosthesis.
The titanium semi-automatic fingers are made by Point Designs in the USA, and Silobionic is the exclusive partner in Korea. Ordering parts from the USA adds time to the schedule, so if you need the prosthesis by a certain season, contact us well ahead.
How did our customer feel about it?
On receiving the finished prosthesis, our customer said they expected it to be a real help with the following year's harvest. How much it helps in practice depends on the affected area and the work involved. We provide after-sales support while you use it, and if a repair is not possible, we will guide you through a remake.
What should I tell you about my work?
- The tools you use most — the type and thickness of anything you grip every day, such as pipes or handles.
- Your working conditions — how often your hands meet water, soil or dust.
- When you need it — a busy season when the prosthesis really has to be ready.
The more concretely we understand your work, the better we can match the product and any custom parts to it. If you are abroad, photos and a short video of the task are a good place to start.
Frequently asked questions
Can a titanium semi-automatic prosthesis be used if all the fingers are lost?
It depends on your affected area. For this customer we built a socket to fit the hand and attached titanium fingers to it.
Can it be used for work involving water and soil?
The titanium semi-automatic prosthesis can be used for wet tasks, which is why we proposed it for this customer's orchard work.
Can it be adapted to the tools I use?
This customer had a silicone palm pad sized to their farm pipes. Tell us about your tools and tasks during the consultation.
Is a powered hand or a titanium hand better?
Neither is simply better; it depends on where you will use it. Electronics can be a concern in wet, dirty conditions, so we look at your working environment with you.
