TY - JOUR
T1 - 3D-printed custom-designed prostheses for partial hand amputation
T2 - mechanical challenges still exist
AU - O'Brien, Lisa J.
AU - Cho, Emma
AU - Khara, Aarjav
AU - Lavranos, Jim
AU - Lommerse, Luuk
AU - Chen, Chao
PY - 2021/10
Y1 - 2021/10
N2 - Study Design: This is a technical report involving evaluation of two 3D-printed custom-designed prosthetic prototypes for an adult male with partial amputation of his dominant hand. Introduction: Prosthetic solutions for partial hand amputations have progressed modestly in comparison with advances in full hands for transradial and higher amputations. 3D-printing technology allows Bespoke prosthetic design and rapid prototyping, but evidence regarding functional performance and consumer ratings of devices is lacking. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to compare grip strength, dexterity, and consumer perceptions for two novel 3D-printed devices with a myoelectric prosthesis. Methods: This study involves a 2-year iterative design process with an input from the participant, engineers, a prosthetist, and a hand therapist. The evaluation involved standardized tests of grip/pinch strength and dexterity and participant ratings of key criteria. Results: Both 3D-printed devices had very poor grip and pinch strength but comparable dexterity with the myoelectric prosthesis. The participant was more satisfied with the weight and thermal attributes of the 3D-printed devices. Discussion: Aspects of both 3D-printed designs showed the potential for future refinements; however, the mechanical solutions to minimize force required at the wrist to activate grip are still required. Conclusion(s): Future design efforts should be client-centered and involve professionals with specialist prosthetic and engineering knowledge.
AB - Study Design: This is a technical report involving evaluation of two 3D-printed custom-designed prosthetic prototypes for an adult male with partial amputation of his dominant hand. Introduction: Prosthetic solutions for partial hand amputations have progressed modestly in comparison with advances in full hands for transradial and higher amputations. 3D-printing technology allows Bespoke prosthetic design and rapid prototyping, but evidence regarding functional performance and consumer ratings of devices is lacking. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to compare grip strength, dexterity, and consumer perceptions for two novel 3D-printed devices with a myoelectric prosthesis. Methods: This study involves a 2-year iterative design process with an input from the participant, engineers, a prosthetist, and a hand therapist. The evaluation involved standardized tests of grip/pinch strength and dexterity and participant ratings of key criteria. Results: Both 3D-printed devices had very poor grip and pinch strength but comparable dexterity with the myoelectric prosthesis. The participant was more satisfied with the weight and thermal attributes of the 3D-printed devices. Discussion: Aspects of both 3D-printed designs showed the potential for future refinements; however, the mechanical solutions to minimize force required at the wrist to activate grip are still required. Conclusion(s): Future design efforts should be client-centered and involve professionals with specialist prosthetic and engineering knowledge.
KW - 3D printing
KW - Assistive device
KW - Prosthetic
KW - Transradial
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85086673429&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jht.2020.04.005
DO - 10.1016/j.jht.2020.04.005
M3 - Article
C2 - 32565103
AN - SCOPUS:85086673429
VL - 34
SP - 539
EP - 542
JO - Journal of Hand Therapy
JF - Journal of Hand Therapy
SN - 0894-1130
IS - 4
ER -