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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2025

A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
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3D-Printed Hand Splints versus Thermoplastic Splints: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Feasibility Trial.

Leonie Waldburger1, Romain Schaller1, Christina Furthmüller2

  • 1Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

International Journal of Bioprinting
|February 21, 2022
PubMed
Summary

This pilot trial found that 3D-printed splints are a feasible alternative to traditional thermoplastic splints for hand surgery patients, offering similar comfort and satisfaction. Further research is needed to optimize the 3D printing process for wider clinical use.

Keywords:
3D printingAdditive manufacturingHand surgeryOccupational therapySplint quality

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Biomaterials Engineering
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Conventional custom-made thermoplastic splints are standard for hand surgical patient immobilization.
  • There is a need for innovative splinting solutions offering improved patient outcomes and potentially reduced costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical applicability and patient-reported outcomes of 3D-printed splints versus conventional thermoplastic splints in hand surgery.
  • To assess the feasibility of in-house 3D splint production using polylactic acid.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled pilot trial involving 20 hand surgical patients requiring at least 4 weeks of immobilization.
  • 3D splints were designed from surface scans and printed in-house using polylactic acid.
  • Patient comfort and satisfaction were evaluated using questionnaires at multiple time points.

Main Results:

  • 3D-printed splinting was found to be feasible in a clinical setting.
  • Patient satisfaction ratings were comparable between 3D-printed and thermoplastic splints.
  • No significant differences in general applicability or benefits were noted in this pilot study.

Conclusions:

  • 3D-printed splints demonstrate potential as a viable option for hand surgical immobilization, with comparable patient satisfaction to traditional methods.
  • Optimization of the 3D printing process and exploration of alternative materials are necessary before routine clinical implementation.
  • Further research is required due to the lack of validated quality assessment tools for current splinting techniques.