Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong SY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Kwong Wah Hospital
Introduction :
Various types of splints were tailor-made by occupational therapists for patients with individual special needs. The splints could be used for immobilisation, prevention of deformity and improvement of hand function and performance of activities of daily living (ADL). The splints were traditionally made of low-temperature thermoplastic, metal wires or plates and artificial leather. Sometimes, it was hard to make precise and fine tailor-made designs as the splints were handmade, and some of the existing designs had different problems including fair durability, inaccurate biomechanical force and lengthy fabrication time. To improve the quality of service and address the limitation, combining 3D printing technology with traditional splinting can be an innovative way to improve some of the splints designs for patients with special needs.
Objectives :
The objectives of this study were to enhance the design and functioning of the splint using 3D printing technology combined with traditional splinting and to improve the quality of occupational therapy service provision.
Methodology :
Different types of splints were selected to be modified including (1) outrigger splint for patients with radial nerve palsy to improve their hand function; (2) hinged finger splint for patients with finger collateral ligament injury; and (3) Swanneck splint for patient with Swanneck deformity. The whole splint or parts of the splint were designed using computer-aided design software and printed by a fused deposition modeling 3D printer. The 3D printed parts were assembled if needed.
Result & Outcome :
The outrigger splints, hinged finger splints and Swanneck splint were fabricated and prescribed to five patients. For outrigger splint, the 3D printed parts were able to assist in finger extension while maintaining the biomechanical force at an angle perpendicular to the proximal phalanges throughout the motion and preventing hyper-extension at the MCPJ. Moreover, splint fabrication time was reduced by half. For the hinged finger splint and Swanneck splint could be made precisely and easily, and were able to serve the same purpose as the traditional splint. Patients reported the splints were less bulky, more comfortable and easier to wear compared with the traditional splints. 3D printing technology is a convenient and low-cost method for making prototypes and modification of existing splints. Combining 3D printing technology and traditional splinting is a possible way to enhance the design and function of the splints and to improve the quality of service provision.
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