Ann Rehabil Med.  2018 Aug;42(4):634-638. 10.5535/arm.2018.42.4.634.

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

• Nam HS
• Seo CH
• Joo SY
• Kim DH
• Park DS

• KMID: 2420059
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2018.42.4.634

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.

Keyword

Three-dimensional printing; Burns; Orthotic devices

MeSH Terms

Burns*
Contracture
Finger Joint
Fingers*
Hand*
Human Body
Humans
Orthotic Devices
Printing, Three-Dimensional
Prostheses and Implants
Splints*
Upper Extremity

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. (A) Three-dimensional (3D) printer (Creator Pro; FlashForge, City of industry, CA, USA). (B) Anatomy of the 3D printer.

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  Fig. 2. Post burn hand deformity of Case 1. (A) All digits of the left hand and (B) both hands.

• 

  Fig. 3. (A, B) Post burn claw hand deformity caused by ulnar nerve injury. (C, D) Three-dimensional printed hard material finger extension splint design in Case 2.

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  Fig. 4. (A) Post burn mallet finger deformity caused by extensor tendon injury. (B) Conventional plastic static splint. (C, D) Threedimensional printed soft material finger extension splint design in Case 3.

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