Palmar hook prosthosis originally designed for use when riding my bicycle.

Problem

With the damage to my palm and ring finger, holding the handlebars with my unaided hand was painful. Trying to put out the kind of forces I was accustomed to pre-amputation required more grip strength than I had. And being able to put out force like that is sometimes necessary for safety to avoid obstacles.

Solution

A hook shaped to mimic my missing finger while also supporting my ring finger and preventing it from painful flexion. An adjustable angle hook is attached to a carbon fiber palmar orthotic to support my hand and allow for multiple grip positions on the handlebars. And the hook stays clear of my thumb and pointer finger to allow for operation of the shift and brake levers.

With my hook, suddenly I could ride as long and as hard as I wanted again! The hook allows me to hold the handlebars without pain, giving me more control and making riding both safer and more enjoyable. I can ride at high speeds again, knowing that I have the ability to make quick steering adjustments to avoid obstacles if needed. And I can put out over one horsepower again when I want to sprint from a stoplight.

What really surprised me was how useful the hook has been in other daily activities. It allows me to keep a relaxed grip on the steering wheel of my car, eliminating the pain I would have on long drives.

I also use my hook for carrying grocery bags, pulling open right-handed doors, and shoveling snow. The adjustability of the hook’s angle has made this my most versatile device.