Quantitative functional evaluation of a 3D-printed silicone-embedded prosthesis for partial hand amputation: A case...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.