The development of a low-cost three-dimensional printed shoulder, arm, and hand prostheses for children.
OBJECTIVE
The prosthetic options for higher level amputees are limited and costly. Advancements in computer-aided design programs and three-dimensional printing offer the possibility of designing and manufacturing transitional prostheses at very low cost. The aim of this project was to describe an inexpensive three-dimensional printed mechanical shoulder prosthesis to assist a pre-selected subject in performing bi-manual activities.


METHODS
The main function of the body-powered, manually adjusted three-dimensional printed shoulder prosthesis is to provide a cost-effective, highly customized transitional device to individuals with congenital or acquired forequarter amputations.


CONCLUSIONS
After testing the prototype on a young research participant, 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 2 weeks of using the device. Limitations of the design include low grip strength and low durability. Clinical relevance The prosthetic options for higher level amputees are limited and costly. The low-cost three-dimensional printed shoulder prosthesis described in this study can be used as a transitional device in preparation for a more sophisticated shoulder prosthesis.
1 Exercise Science and Pre Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.
Jorge M
JM
Zuniga
1 Exercise Science and Pre Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.
Adam M
AM
Carson
2 CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Jean M
JM
Peck
3 Lifestyles Orthotics & Prosthetics, Omaha, NE, USA.
Thomas
T
Kalina
4 Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics, Hastings, NE, USA.
Rakesh M
RM
Srivastava
5 Physical Therapy, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.
Kirk
K
Peck
D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001132:Arm; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017076:Computer-Aided Design / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000379:methods*; D012782:Shoulder; D014481:United States
Three-dimensional printing; forequarter amputation; low-cost prosthesis; prosthesis for children; upper limb differences