Hand Functions of Myoelectric and 3D-Printed Pressure-Sensored Prosthetics: A Comparative Study.
10.5535/arm.2017.41.5.875
- Author:
Kyu Ho LEE
1
;
Hobeom BIN
;
KeunBae KIM
;
So Young AHN
;
Bong Ok KIM
;
Soo Kyung BOK
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. skbok@cnuh.co.kr
- Publication Type:Comparative Study ; Case Report
- Keywords:
Prosthesis fitting;
Three-dimensional printing;
Amputation
- MeSH:
Activities of Daily Living;
Amputation;
Amputees;
Hand Strength;
Hand*;
Humans;
Printing, Three-Dimensional;
Prostheses and Implants;
Prosthesis Fitting;
Upper Extremity
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
2017;41(5):875-880
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The loss of an upper limb significantly limits the functional activities of daily living. A huge emphasis is placed on the manipulation, shape, weight, and comfort of a prosthesis, to enable its use as an inherent body part. Even with technological advances, customized upper-extremity myoelectric prosthesis remain heavy and expensive. The high cost of upper-extremity prosthesis is an especially steep economic barrier for patients. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a promising avenue for reducing the cost of prosthesis. We applied 3D-printed pressure-sensored prosthetics to a traumatic transradial amputee, and compared the hand functions with a customized myoelectric prosthesis. The 3D-printed pressure-sensored prosthetics showed low grip strength and decreased dexterity compared to the conventional myoelectric prosthesis. Although there were a few limitations, the fabrication of prosthesis with 3D printing technology can overcome previous problems such as high production cost, long fabrication period and heavy weight.
