Abstract
Background: This paper presents a novel approach for a hand prosthesis consisting of a flexible, anthropomorphic, 3D-printed replacement hand combined with a commercially available motorized orthosis that allows gripping. Methods: A 3D light scanner was used to produce a personalized replacement hand. The wrist of the replacement hand was printed of rigid material; the rest of the hand was printed of flexible material. A standard arm liner was used to enable the user’s arm stump to be connected to the replacement hand. With computer-aided design, two different concepts were developed for the scanned hand model: In the first concept, the replacement hand was attached to the arm liner with a screw. The second concept involved attaching with a commercially available fastening system; furthermore, a skeleton was designed that was located within the flexible part of the replacement hand. Results: 3D-multi-material printing of the two different hands was unproblematic and inexpensive. The printed hands had approximately the weight of the real hand. When testing the replacement hands with the orthosis it was possible to prove a convincing everyday functionality. For example, it was possible to grip and lift a 1-L water bottle. In addition, a pen could be held, making writing possible. Conclusions: This first proof-of-concept study encourages further testing with users.
Highlights
Nowadays there are many different ways to design and manufacture a prosthesis for the upper limbs
Depending on the patient’s life circumstances, there is a great desire for a functional, but as simple and inexpensive as possible prosthesis [4], which serves as a support in everyday life
A controller-controlled, sensorimotor finger system based on the reconstruction of the first ”Iron Hand” of Götz von Berlichingen was produced by using a multi-material 3D printer [9]
Summary
Nowadays there are many different ways to design and manufacture a prosthesis for the upper limbs. Some non-invasive concepts have already shown that even simple approaches can produce convincing results These include, for example, body-powered prosthesis, which are cost-effective and allow the user to grip an object by moving a body part such as the shoulder [7]. 3D-printed prostheses have been convincing with their cost-effective production for several years These include the Phoenix Hand from the e-NABLE organization, which is based on design data and controlled by wrist movement [8]. A controller-controlled, sensorimotor finger system based on the reconstruction of the first ”Iron Hand” of Götz von Berlichingen was produced by using a multi-material 3D printer [9] This paper presents another approach to a hand prosthesis in which multi-material 3D printing plays a role. Two concepts are presented that show how the combination of a replacement hand and orthosis works
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