This paper highlights the lack of an agreed testing standard for artificial finger joints. It reviews the anatomy, pathology and biomechanics of finger joints as well as the various designs of finger prostheses and the machines used to test them. While pre-implantation testing should be fundamental, increasing regulation of the biomedical engineering industry will further demand testing of prostheses to pre-agreed standards. Standards relating to the testing of other artificial joints are reviewed before possible parameters for testing finger prostheses are offered.
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