Ann Rehabil Med.  2017 Oct;41(5):875-880. 10.5535/arm.2017.41.5.875.

Hand Functions of Myoelectric and 3D-Printed Pressure-Sensored Prosthetics: A Comparative Study

• Lee KH
• Bin H
• Kim K
• Ahn SY
• Kim BO
• Bok SK

• KMID: 2440816
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2017.41.5.875

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.

Keyword

Prosthesis fitting; Three-dimensional printing; Amputation

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Amputation
Amputees
Hand Strength
Hand*
Humans
Printing, Three-Dimensional
Prostheses and Implants
Prosthesis Fitting
Upper Extremity

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Myoelectric prosthesis (MP). (A) Palmar aspect view of MP with attached battery. (B) Dorsum aspect view of MP. (C) Lateral view of MP. The prosthetic hand was operated with a palmar prehension grasp. (D) Socket view of MP. Two myoelectric sensors are attached to the inner side.

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  Fig. 2 A 3D-printed pressure-sensored prosthesis (3D-PSP). (A) Palmar aspect view of 3D-PSP. It consists of a prosthetic hand (3D-printed by poly lactic acid material), socket (polypropylene plastic socket), battery (Li-ion 3.7 V), and a pressure sensor. (B) Dorsum aspect view of the prosthetic hand. The finger joints are connected by nylon fiber. (C) Motor driving box connected to the prosthetic hand at the wrist level, when the socket is detached.

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