Effectiveness of Custom-Made Designed and 3D-Printed Wrist-Driven Orthoses on Grasp Strength of Lost Hand Function

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Wrist-driven orthoses can be used in people who have lost their hand functions to a certain extent. The orthoses are designed to harness residual wrist power and convert it with a mechanism to move the fingers. We developed 3D-printed wrist-driven orthoses for spastic hands and improved three-point grasp between thumb and index-middle fingers’ function. Methods Three orthoses were designed and manufactured for two participants with and without extension assists according to children’s needs. This study presents 3D designing and printing of three orthoses and investigates the effectiveness on the pinch force and daily living activities for participants with loss of hand function. Results Custom-made 3D-printed wrist-driven orthoses that provide hand function and are functional, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing were manufactured in a shorter duration than conventional orthoses. Discussion This technique is acceptable and improves function of spastic and different traumatically injured hands. A wrist-driven orthosis was used in the treatment of 2 patients. It was found that the pinch force and the performance in daily living activities had increased. Complete joint alignment was guaranteed, and the orthoses were aesthetically pleasing and light. Clinical Relevance This study is clinically relevant since it gives a suitable, easy to produce, modifiable, economic orthosis design while continuing to provide comfortable, durable, and lightweight design.