Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025
06:58
A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
Published on: November 6, 2015
9.7K
Printing a static progressive orthosis for hand rehabilitation
Li-Ying Huang1,2, Tien-Hsiang Wang3,4,5, Bao-Chi Chang1,6
1Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
|June 19, 2021
Summary
A novel 3D-printed "shark fin" orthosis effectively improves range of motion for hand rehabilitation. This static progressive orthosis aids recovery from wrist fractures and thumb injuries, offering a cost-effective solution.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic technology
- Rehabilitation engineering
- Biomedical device design
Background:
- Static progressive orthoses are crucial for treating severe joint contractures post-trauma or surgery.
- Custom splints are costly and labor-intensive, with insufficient insurance reimbursement.
- A 3D-printed
- shark fin
- device offers a more accessible static progressive orthosis for hand rehabilitation.
Observation:
- The study involved two patients: one with a distal radius fracture and another with a flexor pollicis longus rupture.
- Both patients utilized the
- shark fin
- device for therapeutic stretching to enhance range of motion (ROM).
Findings:
- The device improved wrist extension ROM from 30° to 50° in a patient post-ulnar shortening surgery.
- For a patient with thumb contracture, the device increased metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joint ROMs significantly post-tenolysis surgery.
Implications:
- The 3D-printed
- shark fin
- orthosis is a viable, cost-effective tool for hand rehabilitation.
- This innovation can enhance patient outcomes and accessibility in hand therapy.
- Further research may explore broader applications in treating various hand and wrist conditions.
