A Pediatric Myoelectric Transradial Prosthesis: Design and Preliminary Validation of a Growth-Adjustable System

Abstract

The loss of an upper limb during childhood affects not only mobility but also the functional, social, and emotional development of children. In Honduras, the scarcity of growth-adjustable pediatric prostheses creates economic and healthcare challenges due to the need for frequent replacements as children grow. This project aimed to design a preliminary prototype of a transradial myoelectric prosthesis adjustable to pediatric growth, capable of interpreting EMG signals to operate a basic grasping mechanism. The methodology included three phases: study, development, and validation. Morphological analyses and the ELECTRE method defined technical specifications, while Human-Based Design supported decision validation through surveys with users and experts. The prototype was manufactured using 3D printing and incorporated an EMG-based activation algorithm. Preliminary validation tests with three subjects using 3D-printed residual limbs demonstrated accurate myoelectric response and effective adaptability of the modular adjustment system. These results indicate that, with further refinement and clinical validation, the device could provide an accessible solution for children with transradial amputation.