The X-finger in action. The top three panels show the blue prosthetic device clamped to the residual finger. As the residual finger moves inwards, the device bends like a real extension of the finger. The bottom three panels display what the X-Finger looks like in its final version.
When Dan Didrick decided to open an anaplastology business, little did he realise that the first person who walked in through his doors would change his life forever.
The man who entered had lost several of his fingers, and was seeking a prosthetic device for the same. But what really struck Didrick was that the man was also deaf, and could not communicate using sign language.
“I ended up changing the course of my life,” Didrick recalls. “I became determined to create a device which offers independent function for finger amputees. I closed my business and devoted all of my time to creating the most functional form of prosthetic rehabilitation available for finger amputees. I have now worked on this project for more than 6 years and am happy to have accomplished my goal.”
The end product? The X-Finger – an artificial finger designed specifically for partial finger amputees, which allows users to regain complete control while flexing and extending the finger, using only one’s body power.
How it works
The X-Finger comes with a clamp-like mechanism at the end to affix it to the residual finger. The clamp-like wires come in different sizes to accommodate the thickness or length of the residual finger, and are easily adjustable as well.
In the X-Finger itself, the length of all the three segments can be changed. Once the length is fixed, the finger is slipped into a silicone sheath resembling a finger.
The device is built in such a way that the silicone can seep through little crevices in the mechanical finger, thus allowing for easy and realistic movement.
The prosthetic device is completely controlled by the residual finger of the user. When a user moves the stub of his residual finger upwards or downwards, the attached X-Finger moves accordingly as well.
So if the user were to flex the stub inwards, the device would start flexing inwards as well. The amount of movement the X-Finger undergoes is directly proportional to what the user is exerting with the stub.
Such is the flexibility of the device that users can easily grasp and pick up objects such as a cup of tea, pinch objects, and even form a fist.
“We haven’t conducted any studies (with medical schools) as of yet, but several locations have been discussed for future tests” clarifies US-based Didrick. But he also offers a testament to the product: “Ron Arther, a finger amputee, was the first person to be fitted with the X-Finger. Now, he’s one of the investors in the company,” he says.
“We do guarantee our devices. In the beginning, we offered a full refund if any patient did not want the device once they tried it. We have never had a patient request a refund once they had a device. Although tests would allow us to determine the limitations, amputees can see the benefits immediately upon applying the devices.”
From reel effects to real effects
What is surprising about his achievement is that Didrick does not have a degree in anaplastology. He actually comes from the world of special-effects artists in films.
“When I was a child, being a fan of Godzilla movies inspired me to create my own monsters and masks. My father was a dentist, so I always had access to mould making materials as well as casting materials.
“Eventually, although I outgrew my desire to make scary films, my knowledge of fabricating prosthesis remained.” His first brush with prosthesis came while he was in college.
Different fittings for the X-Finger.
“I fabricated a facial prosthesis for one of my father’s patients,” he says. “This opened the doors to a whole new world I had never considered.”
“While individuals were already fabricating prosthesis, I could not locate any schools to further my knowledge. In fact, it was not until last year that a certification was established for what is now called anaplastology. I feel as though many of us were pioneers in the industry.”
Regarding the issue of price, Didrick remains non-committal. “It would have to be considered separately for each nation,” he says. “In the US market, where a silicone finger with no mechanical structure can cost over $5,500 (Rs 2,23,000 approx), we have seen the X-Finger sold for up to $9,500 (Rs 3,86,000 approx) each.”
While the X-Finger wins awards and gains popularity, Didrick does not plan to rest any time soon. “We are working on a glove to cover devices made from a soft plastic, which will surpass current ones. We hope to release it soon,” he says.
Another ambitious project in the pipeline is an entire prosthetic hand, much like the X-Finger, for amputees who are missing all of their fingers.
But despite all his success, the one thing that Didrick wishes for is to once again face the deaf man who walked through his doors that first day.
“I actually have made several attempts to locate this person unsuccessfully,” Didrick says. “Over the past few months, I have increased my efforts, but have still not had any success.” For more information on the product, visit www.didrickmedical.com.
Features & Benefits
• Body-powered – The device is completely powered by the user’s body, thus requiring no
external power supplies. The components articulate simply by moving the residual finger when available or an opposing finger when needed.
• Easy to use – The replaced phalanges move in a natural pattern when the residual finger is moved. This allows users to immediately utilise the device successfully, without having to learn to use the X-Finger.
• Realistic – The device has been designed to look realistic. Spaces left in the grooves of the
device gently force the silicone finger sheaths to also bend in a natural manner.
• Light-weight – While each X-Finger’s size is slightly different, an average adult’s index finger will weigh less than 10 grams for the entire
assembly, excluding a silicone sheath. A silicone finger sheath can weigh an additional 20 grams, depending on the thickness of the walls.
• Easy to handle – Users of the device can don and doff most of the embodiments in seconds.
• Independent control of each finger – The X-Finger allows complete control of the device simply by moving the residual finger. Benefits
include typing, playing a musical instrument or anything that requires the full dexterity of a hand.
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