The Development and Application of a Tendon Prosthesis for the Early Functional Restoration of the Hand.

Abstract

The primary goal of this program was the development of an active hand tendon prosthesis. During the past 6 months (December 78 thru 31 May 1979) the several aspects of this investigation resulted in a prototype design of an active artificial tendon (AAT) that appears to meet this goal. The final design of the AAT encompasses a polyester shaft having a looped proximal end and a sintered titanium plug permanently attached to the distal end for attachment to bone. The entire device, with the exception of the 3mm. long sintered plug, is coated with silastic (silicon rubber) to enhance its gliding ability which is a requisite criterion needed to reduce the probability for the promotion of adhesions following implantation surgery. In addition, the silastic coating is essentially benign within the milieu of the anatomic locus of the hand/finger thus eliminating any potential interaction. Long term implant experience is not as yet available due to the non-renewal of the study contract. However, short-term implant studies in both primates and humans have shown promise. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA094274

Entities

People

  • James M. Hunter
  • John J. Konikoff
  • Scott H. Jaeger

Organizations

  • Thomas Jefferson University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Attachment
  • Biomedical Research
  • Bones
  • Carbon Steels
  • Classification
  • Clinical Trials
  • Elongation
  • Joints
  • Ligaments
  • Materials
  • Polyethylenes
  • Porous Metals
  • Prostheses And Implants
  • Prosthetics
  • Prototypes
  • Security

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Surface Engineering/Surface Coating Technology.