A team of researchers from Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics, Hastings, Nebraska, and Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, have developed a low-cost 3D-printed shoulder, arm, and hand prosthesis for pediatric patients. Their work was presented in a study published April 26 in Prosthetics and Orthotics International.
The prosthesis the team developed is a body-powered, manually adjustable device for children with forequarter amputations. It can be used as a transitional device in preparation for a more sophisticated shoulder prosthesis or for children who do not have access to a high-end device, the researchers said. The arm allows for pronation and supination of the wrist and adjustable movement at the elbow and shoulder. The voluntary closing hand has five fingers and 2 degrees of freedom. The prosthesis weighs about the same as the sound-side limb. Limitations of the design include low grip strength and low durability.
The prototype was tested on a pediatric patient. After testing, a partial correction of the patient’s spinal deviation was noted due to the counterweight of the device. The patient’s family also reported improved balance and performance of some bimanual activities after two weeks of using the device.