TY - JOUR
T1 - An open source 3D-printed transitional hand prosthesis for children
AU - Zuniga, Jorge M.
AU - Peck, Jean
AU - Srivastava, Rakesh
AU - Katsavelis, Dimitrios
AU - Carson, Adam
N1 - Funding Information:
This study was funded by the NASA Nebraska Space Mini-Grant, NASA Nebraska Space Grant Fellowships, and The Dr. George F. Haddix President's Faculty Research Fund.
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.
PY - 2016/6/1
Y1 - 2016/6/1
N2 - Introduction: Advancements in computer-aided design programs, additive manufacturing, and open-source image editing software offer the possibility of designing, printing, and fitting transitional prosthetic hands and other prosthetic devices at very low cost. The development and use of 3D-printed transitional prosthetic devices to increase range of motion (ROM), strength, and other relevant variables would have a significant clinical impact for children with upper-limb deficiencies. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify anthropometric, active ROM, and strength changes after 6 months of using a wrist-driven 3D-printed transitional prosthetic hand for children with upper-limb deficiencies. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric, active ROM, and strength measurements were assessed before and after 6 months of using a 3D-printed transitional hand prosthesis. Five children (two girls and three boys, 3-10 years of age) with absent digits (one traumatic and four congenital) participated in this study and were fitted with a 3D-printed transitional hand prosthesis. Results: There were significant hand × time interactions for the forearm circumference (p = 0.02), active ROM for flexion (p = 0.02), and extension values (p = 0.04). There were no significant hand × time interactions, however, for wrist flexion strength (p = 0.29), wrist extension strength (p = 0.84), active ROM for ulnar deviation (p = 0.5), active ROM for radial deviation (p = 0.25), and forearm skinfold values (p = 0.11). Conclusion: Although durability, environment, and lack of printing standards for the manufacturing of 3D-printed prostheses are factors to consider when using these types of devices, the practicality and cost-effectiveness represent a promising new option for clinicians and those patients with upper-limb deficiencies living in developing countries. Thus, the Cyborg Beast transitional prosthetic hand represents a low-cost prosthetic solution for those in need of a transitional device to increase ROM and forearm circumference.
AB - Introduction: Advancements in computer-aided design programs, additive manufacturing, and open-source image editing software offer the possibility of designing, printing, and fitting transitional prosthetic hands and other prosthetic devices at very low cost. The development and use of 3D-printed transitional prosthetic devices to increase range of motion (ROM), strength, and other relevant variables would have a significant clinical impact for children with upper-limb deficiencies. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify anthropometric, active ROM, and strength changes after 6 months of using a wrist-driven 3D-printed transitional prosthetic hand for children with upper-limb deficiencies. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric, active ROM, and strength measurements were assessed before and after 6 months of using a 3D-printed transitional hand prosthesis. Five children (two girls and three boys, 3-10 years of age) with absent digits (one traumatic and four congenital) participated in this study and were fitted with a 3D-printed transitional hand prosthesis. Results: There were significant hand × time interactions for the forearm circumference (p = 0.02), active ROM for flexion (p = 0.02), and extension values (p = 0.04). There were no significant hand × time interactions, however, for wrist flexion strength (p = 0.29), wrist extension strength (p = 0.84), active ROM for ulnar deviation (p = 0.5), active ROM for radial deviation (p = 0.25), and forearm skinfold values (p = 0.11). Conclusion: Although durability, environment, and lack of printing standards for the manufacturing of 3D-printed prostheses are factors to consider when using these types of devices, the practicality and cost-effectiveness represent a promising new option for clinicians and those patients with upper-limb deficiencies living in developing countries. Thus, the Cyborg Beast transitional prosthetic hand represents a low-cost prosthetic solution for those in need of a transitional device to increase ROM and forearm circumference.
KW - 3D printing
KW - Computer-aided design
KW - Custom-made prostheses
KW - Low-cost prostheses
KW - Prosthesis for children
KW - Range of motion
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U2 - 10.1097/JPO.0000000000000097
DO - 10.1097/JPO.0000000000000097
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85027939473
SN - 1040-8800
VL - 28
SP - 103
EP - 108
JO - Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics
JF - Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics
IS - 3
ER -