The Application of Three-Dimensional Printed Finger Splints for Post Hand Burn Patients: A Case Series Investigation

Abstract

The application of three-dimensional (3D) printing is growing explosively in the medical field, and is especially widespread in the clinical use of fabricating upper limb orthosis and prosthesis. Advantages of 3D-printed orthosis compared to conventional ones include its lower cost, easier modification, and faster fabrication. Hands are the most common body parts involved with burn victims and one of the main complications of hand burns are finger joint contractures. Applying orthotic devices such as finger splints are a well-established essential element of burn care. In spite of the rapid evolution of the clinical use of 3D printing, to our knowledge, its application to hand burn patients has not yet been reported. In this study, the authors present a series of patients with hand burn injuries whose orthotic needs were fulfilled with the application of 3D-printed finger splints.

Trends in 3D Printing Processes for Biomedical Field: Opportunities and Challenges

“…In addition to individualized pharmacotherapy, technological advances are being made in terms of customized prosthetics and implants with heterogeneous and complex structure. Progress has been registered in the printing of stents [181], splints [182], contact lenses [183], bone implants [184,185], cartilage or tendon implants [186], intrauterine contraceptive devices [187], as well as artificial skin [188], parts of the ear [189] and heart valves [190].…”

Overview of In-Hospital 3D Printing and Practical Applications in Hand Surgery

“…These trials indicate a good patient satisfaction due to light, breathable and waterproof splints. In another case series, Nam et al highlighted the feasibility of 3D-printed finger splints for posthand burn patients [ 30 ].…”

Die Verbrannte Hand – Neuheiten und aktuelle Forschung

“…Schienung von Verletzungen der Hand ist nicht nur bei Traumaoder orthopädischen Patienten indiziert, sondern meist auch bei der Behandlung von Verbrennungen der Hand erforderlich [38]. Bei Verbrennungspatienten sind Fingerschienen zum Erhalt der Streckfähigkeit die am häufigsten verschriebenen Schienen [39].…”

“…Individualisierte Schienen, die mit Hilfe von 3D-Druckern gefertigt werden, wurden in den vergangenen Jahren intensiv untersucht und weiterentwickelt [40], sind jedoch in der Handchirurgie noch nicht weit verbreitet. Nam et al [38] haben eine Serie von Patienten beschrieben, die mit Fingerextensionsschienen versorgt wurden, welche mit 3D-Druckern angefertigt wurden. Verbrennungspatienten benötigen fortlaufende Schienung, um frische Spalthauttransplantate zu schonen oder die Ausbildung von hypertrophen Narben zu vermeiden [39].…”