The MCPDriver is named for the MCP joint, which is the more formal name for the first knuckle, and is designed for users who have lost a finger up to that point. Obviously, an amputation of that magnitude leaves the amputee with a significant loss of ability. The MCPDriver seeks to restore as much of that ability as possible with a double-articulating linkage system. The prosthetic aims to match the length, grip strength and dexterity of the user’s natural finger.
The prosthetic is 3D printed in stainless steel and nylon polymer. The steel frame enables the patient to firmly grasp objects, and can accommodate single or multiple amputations. Silicone pads are embedded in the prosthesis, allowing the patient to grip a variety of objects while maintaining a natural feel. Like the company’s other prostheses, the MCPDriver is worn like a ring, slipped easily onto the finger without irritating any sensitive areas. A hand strap made of durable, washable silicone holds the prosthesis securely in place without interfering with the tactile sensation of the palm.
The beauty of 3D printed prosthetic devices is how easy they are to precisely conform to the user’s body. Naked Prosthetics has a staff of engineers that meticulously create each device, tweaking their designs to accommodate scar tissue and other abnormalities. The completed prostheses mimic the movement of an actual human hand so closely that there is very little an amputee cannot do once the device has been fitted. Once the patient’s information has been received, it takes about 10 to 12 weeks for their prosthetic to be completed. After about three to six months of continuously wearing the device, patients are expected to be able to maintain a grip strength of approximately 10 to 12 pounds.