Advisor Information

Dr. Jorge M. Zuniga

Location

MBSC 304

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Start Date

6-3-2020 10:30 AM

End Date

6-3-2020 11:45 AM

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to provide technical considerations and clinical evidence of the possible benefits and obstacles in the use of upper-limb 3D printed prostheses in paediatric populations. This information is crucial for clinicians interested in exploring the use of 3D printed prostheses for their patients. In the present study, children with congenital digit reductions (n=5); absent digits (one traumatic and four congenital) (n=5) and with upper-limb reductions (n=9). The perceived functionality of upper-limbs before the use of the prosthesis and after 4 months of use. In addition, gross dexterity, anthropometric measurements, active range of motion, and strength measurements were assessed before and after 6 month of using a low-cost 3D printed prosthetic hand. Their parents completed a survey at 1 and 3 months asking to quantify the time their child used the prosthesis on a daily basis in addition to the type of activities they performed with the prosthesis.

The main finding of our studies is that the initial prosthesis design of the Cyborg Beast was not a functional solution for congenital paediatric patients with remnant opposition and pinch function, but significantly increased forearm circumference (Before=16.70±1.86 cm and After=17.80±1.48 cm), wrist active ROM flexion (Before=54.60±14.48° and After=68.40±14.29°), and active ROM extension (Before=40.40±37.75° and After=47.00±36.42° cm) after 6 months of use and can be incorporated in several activities at home and in school. However, 44% of our research participants reported durability issues and/or malfunctioning of these devices after 3 months of use.

Included in

Biomechanics Commons

COinS
 
Mar 6th, 10:30 AM Mar 6th, 11:45 AM

Developing and Testing of Low-cost 3D Printed Prostheses to Restore and Improve Function of Children with Congenital or Traumatic Amputations

MBSC 304

The purpose of this investigation was to provide technical considerations and clinical evidence of the possible benefits and obstacles in the use of upper-limb 3D printed prostheses in paediatric populations. This information is crucial for clinicians interested in exploring the use of 3D printed prostheses for their patients. In the present study, children with congenital digit reductions (n=5); absent digits (one traumatic and four congenital) (n=5) and with upper-limb reductions (n=9). The perceived functionality of upper-limbs before the use of the prosthesis and after 4 months of use. In addition, gross dexterity, anthropometric measurements, active range of motion, and strength measurements were assessed before and after 6 month of using a low-cost 3D printed prosthetic hand. Their parents completed a survey at 1 and 3 months asking to quantify the time their child used the prosthesis on a daily basis in addition to the type of activities they performed with the prosthesis.

The main finding of our studies is that the initial prosthesis design of the Cyborg Beast was not a functional solution for congenital paediatric patients with remnant opposition and pinch function, but significantly increased forearm circumference (Before=16.70±1.86 cm and After=17.80±1.48 cm), wrist active ROM flexion (Before=54.60±14.48° and After=68.40±14.29°), and active ROM extension (Before=40.40±37.75° and After=47.00±36.42° cm) after 6 months of use and can be incorporated in several activities at home and in school. However, 44% of our research participants reported durability issues and/or malfunctioning of these devices after 3 months of use.