Functional changes through the usage of 3D-printed transitional prostheses in children

Introduction: There is limited knowledge on the use of 3?D-printed transitional prostheses, as they relate to changes in function and strength. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify functional and strength changes after usage of 3?D-printed transitional prostheses for multiple weeks for children with upper-limb differences.

Materials and methods: Gross manual dexterity was assessed using the Box and Block Test and wrist strength was measured using a dynamometer. This testing was conducted before and after a period of 24?±?2.61 weeks of using a 3?D-printed transitional prosthesis. The 11 children (five girls and six boys; 3–15 years of age) who participated in the study, were fitted with a 3?D-printed transitional partial hand (n?=?9) or an arm (n?=?2) prosthesis.

Results: Separate two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to analyze function and strength data. There was a significant hand by time interaction for function, but not for strength.

Conclusion and relevance to the study of disability and rehabilitation: The increase in manual gross dexterity suggests that the Cyborg Beast 2 3?D-printed prosthesis can be used as a transitional device to improve function in children with traumatic or congenital upper-limb differences.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Children’s prosthetic needs are complex due to their small size, rapid growth, and psychosocial development.

• Advancements in computer-aided design and additive manufacturing offer the possibility of designing and printing transitional prostheses at a very low cost, but there is limited knowledge on the function of this type of devices.

• The use of 3D printed transitional prostheses may improve manual gross dexterity in children after several weeks of using it.