Design of a 3D-printed, open-source wrist-driven orthosis for individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Assistive technology, such as wrist-driven orthoses (WDOs), can be used by individuals with spinal cord injury to improve hand function. A lack of innovation and challenges in obtaining WDOs have limited their use. These orthoses can be heavy and uncomfortable for users and also time-consuming for orthotists to fabricate. The goal of this research was to design a WDO with user (N = 3) and orthotist (N = 6) feedback to improve the accessibility, customizability, and function of WDOs by harnessing advancements in 3D-printing. The 3D-printed WDO reduced hands-on assembly time to approximately 1.5 hours and the material costs to $15 compared to current fabrication methods. Varying improvements in users' hand function were observed during functional tests, such as the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test. For example, one participant's ability on the small object task improved by 29 seconds with the WDO, while another participant took 25 seconds longer to complete this task with the WDO. Two users had a significant increase in grasp strength with the WDO (13–122% increase), while the other participant was able to perform a pinching grasp for the first time. The WDO designs are available open-source to increase accessibility and encourage future innovation.

Development of 3D-printed myoelectric hand orthosis for patients with spinal cord injury

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A digital workflow for design and fabrication of bespoke orthoses using 3D scanning and 3D printing, a patient-based case study

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A Qualidade Percebida dos Produtos Fabricados por Impressão 3D FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura com Ênfase na Satisfação do Usuário Final

“…O estudo de caso conduzido por Portnova et al (2018) objetivou avaliar a relação dos aspectos de acessibilidade, customização, qualidade e funcionalidade de órteses através da sua fabricação na tecnologia FDM. O estudo concluiu que a impressão 3D possui o potencial de aumentar a acessibilidade de soluções médicas, diminuir o tempo em que os médicos gastam na fabricação e aumentar a disponibilidade de órteses confortáveis e esteticamente atraentes para adultos.…”