Measuring cup with adapted handle
Basting brush
Oven rack mover
Spatula

A proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a surgical procedure that removes the first three carpal bones (scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum). This operation relieves pain caused by some of the most common forms of wrist arthritis including Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse (SNAC) and Scapholunate Advanced Collapse (SLAC) as well as more rare conditions such as Kienbock’s Disease. While PRC does provide stability and pain relief, overall wrist motion and mechanics are significantly decreased both directly after the operation and on a longer term basis [2]. With such a permanent impact on wrist range of motion, a patient may decide to not undergo this procedure and opt for less effective and more temporary methods of pain relief such as medications.

The loss of motion after PRC limits a patient’s ability to perform essential daily activities and pursue tasks that bring them joy. One such activity is baking, which requires a high degree of dexterity and wrist control.Because SNAC and SLAC wrists represent over 55% of all wrist arthritis cases [1], this population presents a meaningful opportunity for functional rehabilitation design. Typically, the wrist is immobilized for 10-14 days post operation with the range of motion (ROM) limited to the elbow, fingers, and thumb. Four weeks into recovery, the patient is permitted to initiate active and gentle passive ROM to the wrist. Slowly over the next few weeks, the patient begins strength exercises to retrain the wrist. The Mobility Inclusive Kitchen (MIX) allows for independent use of baking utensils to allow for patients to return to full independence not only faster but more easily. The MIX components include an oven rack tool, a basting brush, a spatula, and a measuring cup grip.

The main challenge with creating these items was that some of them do exist. The oven track tool, basting brush, and spatula all have improved functionality by designing wider grips and making them perpendicular to the actual tool so the user doesn’t have to bend their wrist to use them.The measuring cup grip was inspired by how many arthritis patients who enjoy crocheting put makeup blenders on the ends of their needles to have more comfort so they can continue their hobby. Since ROM is severely limited not only directly post operation and improves but is still limited on a long term basis, we prioritized comfort and independence for the user. We gained insight into how people adapt their daily lives following major wrist surgery and how thoughtful design can make these new routines easier, more comfortable, and more fulfilling.

B. D. Blankenhorn et al., Carpal kinematics after proximal row carpectomy. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 32, 37–46 (2007).
E. Kompoliti, M. Prodromou, A. H. Karantanas, SLAC and SNAC wrist: The top five things that General Radiologists need to know. Tomography. 7, 488–503 (2021).