3D-printed custom-designed prostheses for partial hand amputation: Mechanical challenges still exist

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Prosthetics

Background:

• Advances in prosthetic solutions for partial hand amputations lag behind those for higher-level amputations.
• 3D-printing enables custom prosthetic design and rapid prototyping, yet functional performance data and user feedback are limited.
• This study addresses the need for evidence on novel 3D-printed partial hand prostheses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the grip strength, dexterity, and consumer perceptions of two custom-designed 3D-printed prosthetic prototypes.
• To benchmark the performance of these novel devices against a conventional myoelectric prosthesis.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year iterative design process involving the participant, engineers, a prosthetist, and a hand therapist.
• Standardized tests were used to assess grip/pinch strength and dexterity.
• Participant-reported outcomes were collected for subjective criteria evaluation.

Main Results:

• Both 3D-printed devices exhibited significantly lower grip and pinch strength compared to the myoelectric prosthesis.
• Dexterity performance of the 3D-printed devices was comparable to the myoelectric prosthesis.
• The participant reported higher satisfaction with the weight and thermal comfort of the 3D-printed devices.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated 3D-printed prosthetic designs demonstrate potential for future improvements, particularly in mechanical aspects for grip activation.
• Client-centered design incorporating specialist prosthetic and engineering expertise is crucial for future development.
• Further research is required to overcome mechanical limitations and enhance functional capabilities of 3D-printed partial hand prostheses.