Article

A male patient with partial hand amputation of his nondominant
hand, with only stumps of the proximal phalanx of the first and fifth finger, was
evaluated. The performance of using two alternative 3D printed silicone-embedded
personalized prostheses was evaluated using the quantitative Jebsen Hand Function
Test. INTRODUCTION: Custom design and fabrication of 3D printed prostheses
appears to be a good technique for improving the clinical treatment of patients
with partial hand amputations. Despite its importance the literature shows an
absence of studies reporting on quantitative functional evaluations of 3D printed
hand prostheses. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We aim at producing the first quantitative
assessment of the impact of using 3D printed silicone-embedded prostheses that
can be fabricated and customized within the clinical environment. METHODS:
Alginate molds and computed tomographic scans were taken from the patient's hand.
Each candidate prosthesis was modeled in Computer Aided Design software and then
fabricated using a combination of 3D printed parts and silicone-embedded
components. DISCUSSION: Incorporating the patient's feedback during the design
loop was very important for obtaining a good aid on his work activities. Although
the explored patient-centered design process still requires a multidisciplinary
team, functional benefits are large. CONCLUSION(S): Quantitative data
demonstrates better hand performance when using 3D printed silicone-embedded
prosthesis vs not using any aid. The patient accomplished complex tasks such as
driving a nail and opening plastic bags. This was impossible without the aid of
produced prosthesis.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights
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Langue : ANGLAIS