X-System - Finger Device

The X-System is a series of stainless steel components that can be assembled into several hundred configurations of artificial hands.

"When I first started this project, I developed a single finger device, which I called the X-Finger," said Daniel Dean Didrick, Inventor and Designer, Didrick Medical Inc., Naples, FL. Each X-Finger is comprised of several components that are fastened together. Each component is attached to its corresponding components, creating a reciprocally and transversely interconnected configuration of parts when complete. This crisscross pattern of parts resembles X-s repeating; thereby, receiving the name X-Finger.

Didrick then went on to develop a series of components that can be assembled to stabilize from one to ten fingers depending on the user's needs.

Whether someone is missing one finger or all ten fingers, an assembly can be created to accommodate their needs. "What makes the configurations of parts unique is that when applied, the user is able to control the movement of each replaced finger by simply moving their remnant finger," said Didrick. "If an entire finger is missing, an opposing finger is able to control the device's movement. If all of the fingers are missing the replaced digits can be connected to the palm. In these cases the movement of the palm in relation to the wrist controls the flexion and extension movements of each replaced finger."

Because there are no expensive electronics, the devices can be produced in mass quantity at a low cost. This will allow individuals from any economic background to benefit from the advancement. "Many of us have seen robot-like fingers moving on prosthetic hands. However, these devices were only available when someone had lost their entire hand," said Didrick. There are many robotic prosthetic hands and arms available, but finger amputees had no functional prosthetic options available to them. When someone lost one through ten fingers, the only prosthetic option was to wear a silicone, non-bending glove that resembles the appearance of the prior hand. These gloves or finger covers do not restore function, but rather mask the condition from others. While masking the condition may be a benefit offering an aesthetic gain, the X-System offers what the prosthetic industry terms active-function.

Didrick Medical Inc. was contracted by the United States Department of Defense to develop the X-Thumb to complement the company's other devices. Today, every major insurance carrier in the U.S. has approved Didrick's devices for their patients. For the past several years, he has been developing this technology to help a variety of patients. Now, the company is shifting gears and moving into mass-production enabling a larger patient body to use them. The X-Finger has been showcased in numerous museums including the United States Patent and Trademark Museum.

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