Functional changes through the usage of 3D-printed transitional prostheses in children.
Jorge M Zuniga, Jean L Peck, Rakesh Srivastava and 4 others
PMID 29116866WHAT IT FOUND
In 11 children without a separate control group, about 24 weeks of using a 3D-printed transitional prosthesis increased the affected-limb block-moving score, but wrist strength did not increase significantly.
Key findings
01The affected and non-affected limbs changed differently over time on the block-moving score, and the study reported this as significant.
02The affected and non-affected limbs did not change differently over time for wrist flexion or extension strength.
0310 children reported using the hand for 2 h a day and one reported using the hand for 4 h a day.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
There was no age-matched control group, so normal growth and development over about 24 weeks could explain part of the change. Only 11 children were studied, and strength data were analysed in only 8 children. Wrist-driven and elbow-driven prostheses were combined, so it is unclear whether either device type drove the result. The survey was not statistically validated and relied on family report. Four of 11 children reported breaking or malfunctioning of the prosthesis, which could affect use and function. Children were encouraged to use the prosthesis as long as possible, but daily use was self-reported and varied. Some strength tests had missing data because of trans-radial reductions or noncompliance.
Declared interests
The paper is tagged as supported by NIH extramural and non-U.S. government research support. The supplied text does not state author conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that the prosthesis caused dexterity gains or that it improves strength. The study had only 11 children, no separate age-matched control group, and the wrist strength change was not significant. Normal development over 24 weeks may also explain the block score increase.