Rationale: In the medical field, the use of 3-dimensional (3D) printing is increasing explosively and it is especially widespread in the clinical application of fabricating orthosis. Advantages of 3D-printed orthosis compared to conventional ones include its lower cost, easier modification, and faster fabrication. The 3D-printing technique makes it possible for physicians to easily create individual-tailored products. Recently, many kinds of orthosis through 3D printing have been studied and used. The knee orthosis, ankle-foot orthosis, wrist orthosis, hand orthosis, and foot orthotics are examples used in the rehabilitation fields of orthotics. We reported 3 cases of 3D-printed orthoses in patients with peripheral nerve injuries. Patients concerns: In spite of the rapid development of the clinical use of 3D printing, to our knowledge, its application to patients with peripheral nerve injuries has not yet been reported. Two patients suffered from upper limb problems and 1 patient had a foot drop associated with peripheral nerve injury. Diagnosis: Three patients diagnosed with median neuropathy, ulnar neuropathy, and right lower lumbar radiculopathy, respectively, by electromyography. Interventions: Herein we present 3 case reports of patients with peripheral nerve injuries whose orthotic needs were fulfilled with the application of 3D-printed wrist orthosis and ankle-foot orthosis. Outcomes: For hand function evaluation, we assessed the Jebsen–Taylor hand function test. Grasp and pinch powers were assessed by a hand dynamometer before and after orthosis application. For lower limb functional evaluation, we used a 6-minute walking test and modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile for ambulatory function. Lessons: The 3D-printed orthosis could help functional improvement in patients with peripheral nerve injuries.

Arthritis damages the cartilage within joints, resulting in degenerative changes, including loss of function and joint instability. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine and bone-to-tendon attachment area within the sacroiliac joint leading to back pain and progressive spinal stiffness. In the final stages, AS causes hyperkyphosis-a condition closely tied to the human leukocyte antigen-B27 gene. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the simultaneous inflammation of the synovium of multiple joints, leading to joint damage (e.g., destruction, deformation and disability). In the past, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs) have been used for the treatment of these autoimmune diseases, but biologic DMARDs have recently been introduced with excellent results. Gout is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes an alteration of joints resulting in severe pain. Specifically, gout is associated with an accumulation of uric acid within the body resulting from dysregulated purine metabolism, causing recurrent paroxysmal inflammation in the joints. Allopurinol and febuxostat are the primary treatment options for individuals with gout. It is necessary to have an accurate understanding of the pathogenesis, pathological ecology and treatment of AS, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis, which are the representative diseases that may cause inflammatory arthritis.

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