Affordable passive 3D-printed prosthesis for persons with partial hand amputation.
Raghad Alturkistani, Kavin A, Suresh Devasahayam and 6 others
PMID 32100630WHAT IT FOUND
A custom passive 3D-printed partial hand prosthesis let one patient perform 12 of 14 grasp tests and hold 700 g, but it needed the other hand to set each grasp and was tested in only one patient.
Key findings
01The final prototype weighed less than 100 g and cost less than 20 USD to fabricate.
02Using the prosthesis, the patient was able to perform 12 out of 14 grasps, one approximate; the paper reports less stability without the prosthesis.
03The prosthesis lifted and held a maximum weight of 700 g for 3 s.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The results come from one patient with a specific partial hand amputation, so they cannot show how the device performs for other patients. The study reports one patient's performance and preferences, not a comparison between groups. The patient could not perform all tested grasps with the prosthesis; some were not possible and one was approximate. Grip strength was low, with a maximum hold of 700 g for 3 s. The device required the other hand to position the prosthetic fingers. The patient's preference and perceived work benefit are subjective reports.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. The work was funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering 2017/2018 Frontiers of Engineering for Development award and the Grand Challenge of Global Health small grant scheme of University College London.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that this 3D-printed partial hand prosthesis will work for other patients with partial hand amputation. The results are from one patient, some tested grasps were not possible, and the device required the other hand to set each grasp.