Development of novel 3D-printed robotic prosthetic for transradial amputees.
OBJECTIVE
Upper extremity myoelectric prostheses are expensive. The Robohand demonstrated that three-dimensional printing reduces the cost of a prosthetic extremity. The goal of this project was to develop a novel, inexpensive three-dimensional printed prosthesis to address limitations of the Robohand.


METHODS
The prosthesis was designed for patients with transradial limb amputation. It is shoulder-controlled and externally powered with an anthropomorphic terminal device. The user can open and close all five fingers, and move the thumb independently. The estimated cost is US$300.


CONCLUSIONS
After testing on a patient with a traumatic transradial amputation, several advantages were noted. The independent thumb movement facilitated object grasp, the device weighed less than most externally powered prostheses, and the size was easily scalable. Limitations of the new prosthetic include low grip strength and decreased durability compared to passive prosthetics.


CONCLUSIONS
Most children with a transradial congenital or traumatic amputation do not use a prosthetic. A three-dimensional printed shoulder-controlled robotic prosthesis provides a cost effective, easily sized and highly functional option which has been previously unavailable.
Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Kendall F
KF
Gretsch
Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Henry D
HD
Lather
Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Kranti V
KV
Peddada
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Corey R
CR
Deeken
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Lindley B
LB
Wall
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA goldfarbc@wudosis.wustl.edu.
Charles A
CA
Goldfarb
D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000191:economics; D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000379:methods; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D011209:Power, Psychological; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D011884:Radius / Q000601:surgery; D012371:Robotics
Transradial amputation; congenital; limb differences; prosthesis; prosthetic arm; three-dimensional printing